Also Known As:
Tribulus
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Variations:
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Related
Items:
Testosterone |
Type:
Pro-Testosterone |
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WHAT IS TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS?
Tribulus Terrestris, also known as Puncture Vine, is a plant which grows in
some moderate climates and many tropical areas of the world. For many centuries,
this herb has played an important role in folk medicine, used for example by the
Greeks as a diuretic (which this herb is actually quite effective as) and a
general mood-enhancing tonic. In india Tribulus has been used as a diuretic,
antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and in Chinese medicine as a therapy for
numerous diseases affecting the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system.
WHAT DOES TRIBULUS CONTAIN?
Triblus is a rich source of numerous potentially significant biological
substances including saponins, flavanoids, alkaloids and other nutrients. With
all herbs, there is a variance in potency of the active ingredients from various
areas of the plant, generally the above ground areas have higher concentrations
such as the leaves and fruits. It is also of extreme importance to the herb
where the plant is cultivated - the envioronment and harvesting processes.
Of prime importance to the athlete wishing to gain a pro testosterone effect
from Tribulus it is interesting to note that in Bulgaria and the Balkan
countries, Tribulus has been used as a compound to treat infertility and lack of
libido, and has been extensively studied by scientists at the Chemical
Pharmaceutical Research Institute in Sofia, Bulgaria. These studies date back
nearly three decades. It has since become known that for specific testosterone
boosting effects to work only a certain compound contained within the Tribulus
is what causes the desired effect, namely Protodioscin. Contained and
standardized extracts of protodioscin at a high level are actually the only part
of this herb that have the effect athletes desire. Supplements proporting to
contain Tribulus but not containing standardized extractions of this compound
are useless herb.
HOW DOES TRIBULUS WORK?
Unlike Pro-Hormones which provide the body with the raw material to convert
directly into testosterone or a blend of testosterone, Tribulus increases
Luteinizing Hormone (LH). LH is a pituitary hormone which instructs the body
(turns on) natural testosterone production. Many studies have shown the benefits
of this include increased sperm production and motility in animals as well as
increased testosterone production and testicular maturation. Similar studies
have been carried out on hundreds of human male subjects with similar positive
results.
An increase in the body signals to produce more testosterone may be
beneficial for several athletes. It is possible that the increase in
testosterone from using this herb may be active and cause the obvious effects we
should see from increased Testosterone levels such as increased strength,
intensity of workouts and speedier recovery rates. Alteration of body
composition may take place faster than usual with increased muscle gains and
faster fat loss.
For the athlete with complications in supressed natural testosterone
production, i.e. steroid users, tribulus can be a benefit to kickstart natural
production at the end of cycle, with effects some report, to be nearly as potent
as HCG.
Likewise, older men tend to experience the greatest benefits from Tribulus
use as their natural testosterone has been declining yearly and the additional
stimulation of greater output can cause much more dramatic results than for the
younger user. In fact those below twenty years of age probably would see limited
benefits from this herb.
WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I EXPERIENCE?
First of all women should not use this product as LH stimulation in women
would only increase female sex hormones and not testosterone rendering it
useless for athletic performance.
It is possible, about one in ten people, may find Tribulus can upset the
stomach, so taking it with food would correct this. Also anyone suffering from
enlarged prostrate or other medical condition should first discuss this product
with their physician.
As with any testosterone increasing supplement Tribulus may trigger a greater
release of Estrogen in response to the higher levels of Testosterone. This may
be a concern for some but in no way as high a level caused by some androgenic
steroids. A mild Estrogen blocker may be a good idea to use alongside Tribulus,
often included with the product in certain brands.
It has also been noted on many occassions that the frequency of erections can
be greatly increased and more intense - whether this is a welcome side effect or
not it is a possibilty.
WHAT DOSE AND WHEN?
Most tribulus products contain around 1000mg with a 10% Protodioscin content
to be taken early in the morning and mid afternoon. It would be a sensible idea
to use the supplement in cycles such as three weeks on, two weeks off, two weeks
on, three weeks off and so on so as to avoid any feedback mechanism by the body.
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