Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) Last updated: May 05, 2008

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  Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)  
 

 

 
 

Tribulus grows predominantly in India and Africa, is mentioned in ancient Indian Ayurvedic medical texts dating back thousands of years, and is used widely in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and various urinary disorders. It is a natural herbal alternative to synthetic anabolic hormones without any clinically proven toxic effects. The active ingredient in Tribulus is marketed as Tribestan. Frequent clinical trials and studies have been carried out using this extract. Tribestan has passed all the drug tests at every competitive level and has been used with significant results by top professional athletes as well as by recreational sport participants with no contraindications, no toxicity and no side-effects.

Three major medical centers in Bulgaria have conducted clinical studies on Tribestan's effect on reproductive functions. In 1981, Tribestan was incorporated into mainstream medical treatment in much of Eastern Europe for improvement of libido and erectile function, increasing serum concentration of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH), and stimulation of spermatogenesis with increased concentration of sperm and an increase in sperm motility and viability.

Tribulus appears to raise natural testosterone production in men via the activation of hormone secretion and estradiol. Clinical studies in Bulgaria have shown Tribulus to increase the sex hormones LH level by 72% and the body's own free testosterone level by 41% in healthy adult males in only five days. LH regulates the testosterone production in the testes and high levels of LH coincide with high testosterone levels.

With its good safety profile and its natural herbal origin, Tribestan is sold as a dietary supplement in many countries with little restriction on its use.

 
 

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) can help with the following:
 
 
Hormones  Low Sex Drive
 In clinical studies on 212 patients, 85% of patients with reduced libido demonstrated improvement after 30 days and 94% after 60 days of treatment with tribestan, an extract of Tribulus. For 36 patients with chronic prostatitis and reduced libido, 75% reported favorable effects at the end of the treatment cycle.

  Low Testosterone Level
 In patients with below-normal serum testosterone levels, physiological levels were reached after treatment with Tribulus. Amongst patients with normal initial levels, the testosterone level was not significantly changed after treatment.

A product called Forza-T combines Tribulus, 6-OXO and ZMA to increase testosterone levels.

  Low Testosterone Level, Female

Musculo-Skeletal
  Elevated Body Fat Percentage
 With the use of tribulus, the benefits for the person engaged in active training and workout are muscle cell growth and increased body strength as well as faster recuperation and recovery from muscular stress. For years, tribestan, an extract of tribulus, has been used by athletes of the Soviet bloc. Tribulus has become increasingly popular with athletes because it reportedly increases strength and stamina.

Uro-Genital
  Male Infertility (Low Sperm Count)
 Tribestan, an extract of tribulus, administered to males with reduced sperm count of unknown cause or with sperm disturbances due to varicocele, has been shown to result in increased concentration of sperm, increased percentage of motile sperm and, in some cases, an increase in the volume of ejaculate by 1-2ml.

  Andropause/Male Menopause
 Administration of tribestan, an extract of Tribulus, leads to increased muscle mass during exercise by activating an enzyme associated with energy metabolism. It has also been reported to increase the body's natural testosterone and lutenizing hormone (LH) levels. With the increase of testosterone it has helped to alleviate some symptoms associated with male menopause.

  Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence)
 In patients with primary and secondary hypogonadism, 78% reported restored and enhanced libido and 22% reported improved erections with the use of Tribulus.
 
 


KEY
May do some good
Likely to help
Highly recommended

Your attitude, not your achievements, brings happiness. Samuel Johnson, the 18th Century poet, stated, 'He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts, and multiply the grief which he purposes to remove.' Think about it!





GLOSSARY

Anabolic:  Anabolic compounds: Allow the conversion of nutritive material into complex living matter in the constructive metabolism.

Ayurvedic:  Type of alternative medicine in which diet and therapies, such as herbal inhalation and massage, are dictated by individual's body type; 4,000 year-old traditional Indian system believed to be helpful to those suffering insomnia, hypertension and digestive problems.

Herbs:  Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.

Hormones:  Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.

Luteinizing Hormone:  Anterior pituitary hormone stimulating estrogen production by the ovary; promoting formation of progesterone by the corpus luteum in women and stimulating testosterone release in men.

Motility:  Capacity for spontaneous movement, frequently in reference to the intestine.

Serum:  The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.

Testosterone:  The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.