Tribulus Terrestris ( Tribulus Terrestris - translated from Latin - thorny vine) has been known to people as a medicinal plant for a long time. In Ancient Greece, this plant was used as a diuretic and tonic. In India it was used as an antiseptic. The Chinese considered the “thorny vine” a universal medicine and used it to treat the kidneys, liver, heart and other organs. In the Balkans it was used as a cure for male infertility.
The abundance of data on the use of Tribulus Terrestris as a medicine strongly suggests its benefits to humans. Tribulus Terrestris is rich in many active substances. It contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins (including protodioscin) and many others. Tribulus Terrestris grows in the tropics and temperate climates - in Africa, South Asia, Southern Europe, northern Australia. When consuming it, it is important to know where and under what conditions this plant grew.
In Western countries, they did not know about the “thorny vine” until recently. Until the works of famous Chinese healers Yong (“Manual of Chinese Herbs and Recipes”), Hong, Hsu and Chen (“Chemical Composition of Chinese Herbs”) were published in the United States in the 1980s. After the publication of these books, Tribulus Terrestris became known in the West, and preparations obtained from it began to be used as medicine.
Athletes involved in bodybuilding paid attention to this plant after they learned that many athletes in the East use it during preparation for the Olympic Games and World Championships. The growing attention was especially facilitated by the fact that some of the athletes who took drugs from Tribulus Terrestris took first places in such high-ranking competitions. Currently, the plant Tribulus Terrestris is widely known throughout the world.
The principle of action of the dietary supplement with Tribulus Terrestris
The effect of Tribulus Terrestris on the human body is based on increasing testosterone production. In its effect, it resembles the effect of the hormones DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and androstenedione, but the mechanisms of this effect are different. The hormones DHEA and androstenedione serve as a kind of “raw material” for the production of testosterone in the body, while Tribulus Terrestris increases the level of luteinizing hormones in the body, with the participation of which testosterone is produced. Numerous studies have confirmed that the “thorny vine” significantly increases the production of testosterone in the human body.
Information for review
"Tribulus" is a natural non-medicinal product, in which the main role is played by the plant of the same name. Judging by the reviews, few people have heard of Tribulus terrestris, although this plant also grows in Russia, where it is better known under other names: “prickly vine”, “creeping tribulus”.
The substances contained in the plant extract are classified as adaptogens. They help tonify the entire body, strengthen the immune system, and increase physical endurance. In addition, in numerous reviews of Tribulus, users note the effect of the drug’s active substances on the central nervous system. In addition, the plant extract is responsible for enhancing the synthesis of the main male hormone - testosterone. With sufficient production of sexual androgen, representatives of the stronger sex do not experience problems with metabolic processes, potency and libido.
To reveal all the information about this dietary supplement, you should understand the active substance in detail. The opinion of doctors will be especially valuable here. Their reviews of Tribulus terrestris are clear - the plant contains potent components, in particular protodioscin. This substance, despite its natural origin, promotes increased muscle growth, accelerating natural processes.
Experiments and research with Tribulus Terrestris
Western researchers conducted experiments with pigs completely devoid of libido (sexual desire). Experimental specimens received Tribulus Terrestris along with food for several days. The study found that the sexual activity of male pigs increased sharply.
In Canada and the USA, trials were conducted to determine the effect of Tribulus Terrestris on the production of luteinizing hormones in the male body. The test batch included healthy men who took 750 mg daily for some time. a preparation made from the “thorny vine”. According to the results of the study, the amount of luteinizing hormones in the body of the subjects increased by an average of 75%. Testosterone levels increased by 40%.
Similar tests were conducted on a group of men with impotence. As you know, male impotence is caused by low levels of testosterone produced in the body. A lack of testosterone causes the male body to be unable to produce seminal fluid (sperm). A group of men participating in the study took 750 mg daily for a certain period of time. drug Tribulus Terrestris. Studies have found that the level of testosterone and luteinizing hormones has increased in the body of the vast majority of men.
Tribulus terrestris and testosterone
Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a key role in a number of aspects of overall health, especially when it comes to maintaining body composition and increasing strength. Tribulus terrestris was originally thought to increase testosterone levels. However, multiple subsequent studies have refuted this claim. ()
It is believed that there are some similarities between the two factors in terms of their overall health effects. For example, like Tribulus terrestris, testosterone is thought to have an effect on sexual function and is therefore often used to increase sex drive and satisfaction in both men and women. (, )
Testosterone is also thought to influence heart health by maintaining normal blood sugar levels and controlling inflammation. (, )
Testosterone also has a number of other health effects. Some studies have shown that testosterone therapy may be beneficial for weight loss, increased exercise performance, and improved bone health. (, , )
Reducing your stress levels, increasing physical activity, and eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of zinc-containing foods are the easiest and most affordable ways to naturally increase your testosterone levels.
The relationship between muscle growth and testosterone levels
It should be borne in mind that an increase in the level of luteinizing hormones and testosterone does not cause a noticeable increase in muscle mass and an increase in physical condition in all men. And this is quite understandable. Testosterone and luteinizing hormones are not directly related to muscle growth.
In general, it must be said that taking such drugs should be treated with a certain degree of caution. Many young athletes who have been bodybuilding for a long time and have been taking steroid drugs all this time have achieved a magnificent, muscular body. However, the price for this turned out to be too expensive. Their natural metabolism of testosterone and luteinizing hormones has ceased. Now these people, in order to compensate for the missing testosterone, have to constantly take medications that stimulate its production.
In addition, the effect of Tribulus Terrestris on the human body has not been fully studied. The effects of Tribulus have been studied primarily in people with low testosterone metabolism or other health conditions. The effect of the drug on the body of a healthy man, with normal production of testosterone and luteinizing hormones, is in many ways still a mystery.
Sellers of nutritional supplements based on Tribulus Terrestris often claim that the drugs they offer relieve many diseases, cause an increase in potency, muscle mass growth, etc. These statements are not without some truth. However, you should know that it is unlikely that you will be able to increase muscle mass and strength by taking Tribulus Terrestris alone. To achieve greater results in increasing muscle size and physical strength, you need to take dietary supplements containing androstenedione and DHEA at the same time as Tribulus and train hard in the gym.
Features of use to increase testosterone
The main effect of Tribulus is to increase testosterone. According to studies, after taking the drug, the production of luteinizing hormones, which stimulate the production of testosterone, increases by 70%. Sufficient presence of the sex hormone is necessary for the production of seminal fluid containing viable sperm.
The mechanism of action of Triubulus is as follows:
- The active substance acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland;
- There is a sharp increase in the production of sex hormone;
- The synthesis of protein necessary for muscles and the normal functioning of body systems is accelerated.
As a result, a man’s stamina increases, excess fluid is removed from the body, and sexual function is enhanced.
To increase testosterone production, the dietary supplement must be taken according to the following recommendations:
- It is important to use the drug in a course of 4 weeks;
- The break between treatment ranges from 2 weeks to a month;
- Frequency – from 1 to 3 times a day after meals;
- Daily dosage – from 250 to 1500 mg of active substance.
The doctor calculates the exact daily dose. The average man requires approximately 750 mg of Tribulus, however, depending on individual indicators and characteristics, an upward or downward adjustment is possible.
Some doctors recommend combining Tribulus with taking:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone is the main hormone of youth, promoting an increase in testosterone synthesis;
- Zinc – a stimulator of the production of male sex hormone and a substance that activates spermatogenesis;
- Arginine - a compound necessary to increase blood flow in the genital area and ensure a stable erection;
- Drugs that protect the prostate gland from excess testosterone.
How to take Tribulus
We recommend taking supplements containing Tribulus Terrestris in courses. This condition must be met especially if you decide to take it simultaneously with DHEA, androstenedione and other similar drugs.
What does it mean to take courses? This means that when taking a dietary supplement, you should alternate periods of use with periods of abstinence. Experts recommend limiting the time of use to six weeks. In this case, intensive training in the gym is necessary, otherwise a noticeable increase in muscle mass will not occur. It must be borne in mind that by increasing the period of use beyond six weeks, you risk harming your health. In addition, the maximum dose of Tribulus supplementation should not exceed 1250 milligrams per day. For the average man, the optimal dose is 750 milligrams. Remember that health comes first.
Working dosage
If Tribulus increases natural testosterone levels, its effects appear to be dose dependent. In other words, the active substance protodioscin appears to be effective only within a certain range. If you take too little or too much of a substance, it most likely won't work.
The optimal dosage is 5 to 10 milligrams of protodioscin per kilogram of body weight per day.
Look for a tribulus extract that contains a minimum of 6% protodioscin and 40 to 45% total saponins. Again, ideally, the plant where the additive was produced should be located in Turkey, Macedonia or Bulgaria.
Side effects from using Tribulus Terrestris
Speaking about nutritional supplements containing the plant Tribulus Terrestris, we should also talk about the side effects that may occur when taking them.
The main one is indigestion. This side effect occurs quite often in men involved in bodybuilding while simultaneously taking Tribulus medications. Most often this is caused by incorrect dosage of the supplement or its poor quality. Therefore, before you start taking any testosterone supplements, including those containing Tribulus Terrestris, consult with your doctor, trainer and friends who have experience taking such drugs. In addition, buy only those drugs that you are confident in the quality and only from those companies that have established themselves as a reliable supplier of medicinal supplements.
Popular and cheap analogues
The drug "Tribulus" has analogues. But despite the fact that they contain the same active ingredient, not all of them are indicated for use as a sports nutrition product. For example:
- "Tribestan". Available in the form of tablets, which are prescribed for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions.
- "Verona". Another drug that is sold in pharmacies for the treatment of impotence.
"Tribulus" is more popular in comparison with analogues. The demand for dietary supplements is explained by the rapid effect and safety for the body. When used correctly, the product will help you get the desired athletic figure and improve the functioning of your internal organs.
Combination with sports supplements
Testosterone boosters and Tribus provide the greatest benefit when combined with a proper diet and regular exercise. Sports nutrition also potentiates the effect of tribulus:
- Proteins. Protein is the building material for muscles. Without protein support, test boosters are useless. To increase muscle mass, combine Tribulus terrestris with casein, whey, egg, soy, and pea protein.
- Creatine. Herbal anabolic and creatine supplements enhance each other’s effects, helping to train more actively and productively.
- Gainers. A high-calorie diet, gainer and high hormonal levels can work wonders.
- Vitamin-mineral complexes, amino acids, adaptogens. Such combinations are especially promising.
Tribulus and other types of boosters, prohormones, steroid hormones, and alcohol are absolutely incompatible.
Benefits of Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus in bodybuilding stimulates muscle growth, delays and softens menopause, and normalizes the level of sex hormones. First of all, it is beneficial for testosterone.
- By stimulating the release of testosterone, it works as an anabolic steroid and accelerates mass gain.
- It has a diuretic effect and helps dry out.
- Gives an increase in strength and endurance.
It was experimentally confirmed that the drug after anabolic steroids:
- blocks cortisol (prevents rebound);
- normalizes hormonal levels;
- prevents depression and makes it easier to get out of it;
- improves liver function, lowers cholesterol in the blood.
Testers who took the drug for 84 days lost 1% fat and gained up to 1.2 kg of muscle. However, the study is not entirely correct, since it did not use pure tribulus, but the specific brand Androsten.
Side effects
The negative effect of tribulus on the body is usually due to an overdose or individual intolerance. Main side effects:
- Nausea;
- Allergic reactions;
- Stomach upset.
Taking Tribulus for longer than the recommended period can provoke a decrease in the synthesis of your own testosterone and testicular atrophy. In practice, such phenomena do not occur.
Tribulus is not recommended for men with prostate hyperplasia. Increasing testosterone levels will accelerate the rate of its growth. Contraindications also include heart disease, high blood pressure, and renal failure.
