What is tribulus terrestris and how to take it correctly?

Tribulus terrestris or Tribulus terrestris[edit | edit code]

Tribulus terrestris

,
Tribulus creeping
or
Prickly vine
(lat.
Tribulus terréstris
) is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in temperate and tropical climates in southern Europe, southern Asia, Africa and northern Australia; species of the Tribulus genus of the Parnofolia family. This plant is widely used in bodybuilding as a testosterone booster. The main active ingredient is protodioscin.

Despite the fact that Tribulus was classified as a potent drug and is not subject to free sale in sports nutrition stores (only pharmacies can sell drugs)[1], most stores continue to sell it, since the ban is regulated by a not very authoritative document, which is poorly monitored . Sports supplements are much cheaper.

Historical background[edit | edit code]

People have known this plant since ancient times. Since time immemorial it has been used as a medicine. For example, in Ancient Greece, Tribulus terrestris was used as a diuretic and tonic. The ancient Indians used it as an antiseptic medicine. The Chinese used this plant for a variety of diseases of the kidneys, liver, heart and other organs. In the Balkans, medications based on Tribulus terrestris were taken by men suffering from infertility.

There are a lot of such examples, and this is not at all accidental, because the Tribulus terrestris plant is rich in substances beneficial to our health. Its composition, for example, contains substances such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and many others. However, when consuming this plant, it is extremely important to know where exactly it grew, in what conditions, in what climate, etc.

Bodybuilding began to show their interest in this plant after it became known that athletes from eastern countries used it in preparation for major competitions, such as the Olympics or the World Championships in a particular sport.

Nowadays, the plant Tribulus terrestris is widely known throughout the world.

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.

Mechanism of action and effects[edit | edit code]

Tribulus is an herbal remedy. The drug Tribulus Terrestris from most well-known manufacturers contains predominantly steroidal saponins of the furostanol type, among which protodioscin predominates. The mechanism of action of the drug is due to this component. Protodioscin is metabolized in the body to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which has beneficial effects on cell membrane permeability, erectile function, cholesterol metabolism and immunity. Other active furostanol saponins present in the Tribulus terrestris plant extract appear to modulate the effect of protodioscin. The active substance protodioscin is quickly eliminated from the blood plasma - already within the 3rd hour its concentration is insignificant. Excreted mainly with bile. The low percentage of excretion of unchanged protodioscin compared to the dose taken confirms the assumption that it is intensively biotransformed in the body.

According to supposed data, tribulus slightly increases the level of testosterone production in the human body [2] by increasing the amount of luteinizing hormone, due to which testosterone is produced in the body. As a result, strength indicators increase and muscle growth accelerates. In addition, Tribulus Terrestris is able to increase libido and sexual activity by stimulating androgen receptors in the brain.[3]

It has been proven that the plant contains substances that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase type A in the brain, as a result of which the concentration of certain mediators increases.[4]. For this reason, taking the supplement can improve mood, increase motivation, eliminate depression after a course of anabolic steroids, and increase libido.

Some studies in young adults have shown that Tribulus terrestris does not affect testosterone levels, luteinizing hormone levels, or muscle androgen receptors.[5] There is also a study that showed that this supplement is not helpful for increasing strength and muscle mass.[6] However, a recent study showed the effectiveness of Tribulus in increasing testosterone in men with age-related androgen deficiency.[7] Another new study found[8] that taking Tribulus for 84 days reduced fat mass by less than 1% and an increase in lean muscle mass by an average of 1.2 kg. At the same time, the statistical processing of the results is questionable, since for fat mass p < 0.05, and the work studied not just an extract, but the Androsten® brand, which indicates a potential interest in the results.

Conclusion:

the supplement is effective as an aphrodisiac, but its anabolic properties are questionable.

Comparison with placebo[edit | edit code]

Arsyad KM used an analogue of Tribestan - the drug Libilov at a dose of 1 tablet 3 times a day for 30 days in 15 men with diabetes mellitus. Another group of 15 age-matched patients received a placebo. The study found an improvement in general condition, erection, ejaculation and orgasm in patients taking Tribulus terrestris extract, while no changes in these parameters were detected in the placebo control group [9].

Principle of action on the body

The bioactive substances of tribulus act on the receptors of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, triggering and enhancing the mechanism of hormone production. The herbal preparation has an effect on:

• The production of luteinizing hormones in the gonadotropic cells of the pituitary gland. The reproductive system is stimulated, which leads to increased secretion of sex hormones and activation of metabolism in accordance with them.
• The production of testosterone, due to which protein and energy metabolic processes are activated. As a result, the athlete becomes more resilient and gains more muscle mass. The sexual function-enhancing effect of tribulus supplements has been noted. An increase in hormone levels leads to improved potency in men.

The supplement has a pronounced diuretic effect, which helps remove excess fluid from the body.

Tribulus terrestris extract is used as a tonic and restorative agent. In bodybuilding, the course is started for:

• Restoring natural hormonal levels, especially after taking steroid drugs. Girls are sometimes prescribed the supplement to restore their menstrual cycle, which has become disrupted as a result of intense training and dietary changes.
• Reducing the overall level of inflammation.
• Immune stimulation.
• Normalize liver function and control cholesterol levels.
• Blocking the production of the stress hormone cortisol, which is harmful to muscle fiber.
• Facilitating recovery from depression caused by the use of steroids.

Tribulus is well absorbed and metabolized in the human body. The maximum concentration of bioactive components in the blood plasma is achieved within an hour, and after 3 it decreases to minimum values. Excretion from the body is carried out mainly with bile.

Legality and doping control[edit | edit code]

Tribulus is included in the list of plants containing potent, narcotic or toxic substances. [10]. Plants containing potent, narcotic or toxic substances are prohibited for use in food products, sports nutrition and dietary supplements. [eleven]

Expert opinion:[edit | edit code]

The presented list is interpreted within the framework of the requirements of SanPiN. The use of tribulus in food products, dietary supplements and sports nutrition entails potential administrative liability for manufacturers and dealers. Personal consumption of tribulus does not entail legal liability. Controlling authorities, due to the low legal authority of SanPiN norms, are quite loyal to violations of this kind. Supplements containing Tribulus extract are widely available in various stores.

Author:

Shumanev Dmitry

Doping control[edit | edit code]

Tribulus can be used by athletes participating in competitions, since the supplement is legal and is not on the list of doping agents. At the moment, it is being monitored by WADA, there is a possibility that it will be included in the list of prohibited drugs of class S1.

Instructions for use and side effects of Tribulus terrestris

There are no official guidelines regarding the dosage of the product. Use it as directed on the label.

Tribulus terrestris and its extracts may have a diuretic effect and are sometimes contraindicated when using diuretics.

However, according to studies, tribulus does not cause side effects in healthy people.

The effect of the product will vary depending on the individual due to differences in genetics, age, gender and body composition. It is also recommended to consult a doctor before using Tribulus terrestris.

Sports nutrition[edit | edit code]

Dymatize Nutrition, Trib-650, Tribulus Terrestris Extract
Most Popular Tribulus Terrestris Supplements

• Animal Stak from Universal Nutrition
• Tribulus by Optimum Nutrition
• T-Bomb II (MHP)
• Prime by USPlabs
• Vitrix by Nutrex
• Testrol from GAT
• Tribulus by Myprotein
• Tribulus from Now Foods

Tribulus terrestris can also be purchased at the pharmacy. It is included in the following drugs:

• Tribestan (Bulgarian production, Sopharma plant)
• Verona (Pakistan made, Herbion Pakistan Private Limited)

Dry Tribulus terrestris herb is available for sale, for self-extraction by infusing in a water bath

Regimen and dosage[edit | edit code]

Yuzhakov Anton Description of Tribulus from 2.25 min

Yuzhakov Anton Tests from the use of Tribulus Does Tribulus work?

It is recommended to take dietary supplements with Tribulus Terrestris in cycles of an average of 4 weeks. At the end of the cycle, you need to take a break of 2-4 weeks. Most often, boosters are taken 1 to 3 times a day immediately after meals. The recommended dose is 250-1000 mg (in terms of furostanol saponins). It is necessary to take into account not just the mass of the extract, but the concentration of saponins (occurs from 35% to 95%), i.e. active substance. The qualitative composition of saponins is even more important, since testosterone and libido are affected only by protodioscins, which are practically not contained in Indian and Chinese tribulus. Therefore, an additive containing 90 percent saponins can contain either 5% or 45% protodioscins, depending on the place where the raw materials are collected. A common herb native to Russia may be more effective than a 90 percent saponin standardized supplement made from Tribulus native to China.

The daily dose of Tribulus should not exceed 1500 mg per day. The average dose for a normal man is about 750 mg per day.

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.

Harm and side effects[edit | edit code]

Abuse of any drugs that affect testosterone levels is fraught with dangerous complications. Long-term use of testosterone boosters leads to a decrease in the body's ability to produce sufficient amounts of testosterone on its own, as it gets used to constantly taking the supplement. Thus, after the end of use, the body does not produce enough sex hormones, which leads to significant loss of muscle mass, depression, impotence and other problems.

Theoretically, the following side effects may occur while taking Tribulus terrestris: indigestion, aggressiveness and irritability, acne, fluctuations in blood pressure. Extremely rare: hair loss, gynecomastia, feminization, decreased testosterone secretion, testicular atrophy.[12] However, in practice and in experiments, no side effects of the additive were recorded.

If you take the supplement in prescribed doses and for an acceptable period of time, then there are practically no side effects, however, there is no significant effect in terms of increasing muscle mass.

Do not take testosterone boosters if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney failure, or prostate hypertrophy. If any side effects occur, stop taking the supplement. Almost all side effects are completely reversible after discontinuation.

Mix and match[edit | edit code]

For a good effect, testosterone boosters should be combined with a proper high-calorie diet, systematic strength training and additional sports nutrition. Among sports nutrition, the following have a good potentiating effect and optimal compatibility with testosterone boosters:

• Protein - to enhance muscle growth, you need 2-3 g of protein per kilogram of body weight.
• Creatine - 3-5 g taken orally once a day. Creatine transporter is also a great option, especially in pre-workout form (NO-Xplode from BSN).
• Vitamin-mineral complex - active muscle growth requires a sufficient supply of vitamins and other essential substances.

This is the minimum list of sports supplements that are indicated for joint use with boosters; in addition, you can simultaneously use BCAA, amino acid complexes, reducing agents, adaptogens and other supplements.

It is not recommended to use testosterone boosters with prohormones or steroid hormones; you cannot combine 2 boosters.

Links[edit | edit code]

1. sportbalans.ru/content/articles/pravo/sanpin
2. Tribulus Terrestris - Supplements, accessed May 17, 2006
3. Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG, Prasad RN. (2002). "Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats." Life Sciences 71(12):1385–96.
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversible_inhibitor_of_monoamine_oxidase_A
5. Neychev VK, & Mitev VI. (2005). "The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men." Journal of Ethnopharmacology 101(1-3):319–23
6. Rogerson S, Riches CJ, Jennings C, Weatherby RP, Meir RA, Marshall-Gradisnik SM. (2007). "The Effect of Five Weeks of Tribulus terrestris Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Body Composition During Preseason Training in Elite Rugby League Players." The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 21(2): 348–53
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25849625
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27401787
9. Arsyad KM Effect of protodioscin (Tribulus terrestris) on the well-being and sexual response of men with diabetes mellitus. Clinical trial 1997}}
10. addition to Appendix 5b to SanPiN 2.3.2.1078-01, approved by Resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated November 14, 2001 N 36
11. clause 3.30 section III of the Resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation of November 14, 2001 N 36 “On the implementation of sanitary rules” with amendments and additions
12. www.buzzle.com/articles/side-effects-of-testosterone-boosters.html