Tribulus information, FAQ and product listing page. This page contains everything you need to know about Tribulus.
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What is Tribulus?
Tribulus Terrestris is a vine plant that grows in moderate and tropical climates in the United States, Mexico, Eastern Europe, India and China. Tribulus is extracted from the plant to make nutritional supplements.
People from China, the Middle East and India have been using Tribulus for centuries to cure conditions like dizziness, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and headaches.
What does Tribulus do?
Tribulus is used by bodybuilders and athletes to raise testosterone levels. Although the pharmacodynamics of Tribulus have not been established in human subjects, Tribulus is thought to support healthy hormone profile by boosting testosterone levels via stimulation of the anterior pituitary gland. This stimulation is thought to promote the production and secretion of Leutinizing Hormone (LH)[5], which can lead to increases in unbound, free-testosterone levels.
Tribulus contains steroidal saponins, alkaloids, and flavanoids[8], but it is the protodioscins content of Tribulus that is believed to be responsible for its apparent ability to boost testosterone levels and support health hormone profile function. Research has shown that
Tribulus extract, standardized for 20% protodioscins, was effective at stimulating testosterone increases in study subjects.
In addition to stimulating LH and possibly increasing testosterone levels in some subjects, Tribulus may be an effective treatment for male and female impotence, as well as promoting healthy blood pressure and healthy cholesterol profile.[7]
Does Tribulus have any side effects?
Tribulus is an all natural product and studies on humans have shown no side effects. The product is safe for use by women and men.
Toxic effects have been observed in sheep fed large amounts of Tribulus [1], but are not likely to be applicable to normal supplemental use by humans.
Tribulus dosages:
No dosage protocols have been established for Tribulus, as the potency varies from product to product depending on the region where the Tribulus was sourced. Follow the instructions given on the supplement label.
References:
References:[1] Vet Res Commun. 2003 Jan;27(1):53-62. Experimental Tribulus terrestris poisoning in sheep: clinical, laboratory and pathological findings. Aslani MR, Movassaghi AR, Mohri M, Pedram M, Abavisani A.[2] Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2000 Jan;29(1):22-6. Proerectile pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the rabbit corpus cavernosum. Adaikan PG, Gauthaman K, Prasad RN, Ng SC.[3] Life Sci. 2002 Aug 9;71(12):1385-96. Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats. Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG, Prasad RN.[4] Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Aug;72(2 Suppl):624S-36S. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Bucci LR.[5] J Am Coll Nutr. 2001 Oct;20(5):520-8. Endocrine and lipid responses to chronic androstenediol-herbal supplementation in 30 to 58 year old men. Brown GA, Vukovich MD, Martini ER, Kohut ML, Franke WD, Jackson DA, King DS.[6] J Nat Prod. 2000 Dec;63(12):1699-701. New steroidal glycosides from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris. Bedir E, Khan IA.[7] J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Apr;85(2-3):257-60. Tribulus terrestris: preliminary study of its diuretic and contractile effects and comparison with Zea mays. Al-Ali M, Wahbi S, Twaij H, Al-Badr A.[8] J Pharm Sci. 2001 Nov;90(11):1752-8. Determination of steroidal saponins in Tribulus terrestris by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and evaporative light scattering detection. Ganzera M, Bedir E, Khan IA.
