What is Tribulus Terrestris?

Tribulus Terrestris is a natural herb which can found growing in many places around the world. The Ancient Greeks were the first to discover the benefits of this herb, using it for its physical rejuvenating properties. It has also long been a component of Chinese medicine where it is often prescribed as a natural remedy for impotency, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Despite its extensive use by many cultures the true benefits of Tribulus have only been fully realized in the last decade when its use has became more widespread in Europe. During recent years there has been extensive clinical research conducted on Tribulus and its effects in the human body. Through this research it was discovered that Tribulus may naturally increase active testosterone levels. By raising testosterone levels the user receives many benefits included increased strength, faster muscle growth and improved sexual performance. Tribulus has also been shown to improve cholesterol and blood pressure.

How does Tribulus work?

The active compound in Tribulus is called protodioscin and any good brand of Tribulus Terestris should not have a protodioscin extract of less than 20%. Protodioscin is thought to increase testosterone via two specific path ways. The first is that protodioscin raises the body’s levels of a hormone called DHEA. When levels of DHEA rise the body naturally converts it into testosterone. The second way that prodoicoscin works is to directly increase the production of luteinizing hormone. In males luteinizing hormone stimulates the testes and there for increasing spermagenesis and testosterone production.

Aside from the obvious benefits of increasing testosterone Tribulus has also been shown to help in the treatment of cardio vascular diseases including angina and coronary heart disease. Although the exact reason for how Tribulus helps in these conditions is not know it is believed to be due to the cholesterol reducing properties of one of the many plant sterols found within the herb.

Supplementation

Everyone can enjoy the benefits provided by Tribulus although due to its nature its use is best observed in males aged 25+ where the bodies natural production of testosterone may have begun to reduce. It should be noted that Tribulus is not a direct hormonal compound and only works by raising the bodies natural level of hormones, it is for this reason the product may have little effect on adolescent males where levels of hormones are already at a peak.

The most common dose range is between 250mg -1250mg per day. If the dose is towards the higher end of the scale then it is best to split the dose into three separate doses per day. Tribulus appears to be most effective when ingested with food. Many people have found that a stack of Tribulus Terrestris, DHEA and Andro has a synergistic effect and offers greater results compared with use of each product used singularly.

Tribulus side effects

At a dose of 1500mg per day it has been shown that no ill side effects are present from the ingestion of Tribulus. It is considered to be 100% safe for human consumption. The only minor side effects that may manifest themselves may be a slight increase in acne due to the increase in sebum gland activity as a direct bi-product from the raise in testosterone levels. Slight stomach upset may occur in some individuals but this can be countered by taking with food as previously mentioned.

References

Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Aug;72(2 Suppl):624S-36S. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Bucci LR.
Wikipedia Tribulus Article