Article references:
Arthur Sydney PH.D.
Eugene Thiller PH.D.
Tribulus terrestris has traditionally been used as a mood-enhancing smoke, tea (infusion) or decoction (thick, boiled tea).
The plant grows in many tropical and moderate areas of the world. Many different cultures have used it for a number of purposes. For example, the Greeks used Tribulus terrestris as a diuretic and a mood-enhancer.
Indians used it as a diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory. The Chinese used it for a variety of liver, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases. The people of Bulgaria used Tribulus terrestris as a sex enhancer and to treat infertility. Recently, eastern European athletes and strength champions have used it as well.
Tribulus terrestris is a testosterone enhancer. Studies show that it works very well when stacked with DHEA and androstenedione. It increased testosterone levels in a different way, however, than either DHEA or andro do. Instead of being a testosterone precursor, it leads to the production of the luteinizing hormone (LH). When LH levels are increased, the natural production of testosterone also increases. LH is a hormone that also deals with sex drive. Now one can understand why it has been used to increase fertility and help with impotence. Laboratory animal studies found that Tribulus terrestris increased sperm count as well as motility levels after taking it for 30 days.
This is a good supplement for men and women to increase their sex drive. Most experts recommend experimenting with 750 to 1,250 mg per day, divided among meals. As for side effects, about one in ten people have associated some gastrointestinal upset with taking Tribulus terrestris. Taking food with it can minimize these effects if you are that one in ten.
Related to syrian rue and seeds reported to contain similar alkaloids, ie; beta-carboline alkaloids such as harmaline, though there is little direct phytochemical studies of Australian species. Used in Ayurveda, sometimes in combination with Mucuna or cowhage, plant and dried spiny fruit are esteemed as cooloing, demulcent, diuretic, tonic and aphrodisiac.
The Chinese have used Tribulus for over 400 years. In the West we became aware of Tribulus in 1982 following research by the Chemical Pharmaceutical institute in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Tribulus Terrestris is an herb commonly known as 'Puncture Vine' or Caltrop fruit, grown in various parts of the world and used medicinally for it virilizing effects. Studies have shown a better than 50% increase in testosterone levels when taking the Tribulus herb.
When scientists began studying the remarkable curative power of Tribulus, they discovered that it significantly elevates the level of several hormones: Testosterone; Luteinizing Hormone (LH is a gonad stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol. A significant benefit of Tribulus is the stimulation of hormone production to a balanced level, without over stimulating the secretion of hormones.
The liver is a major synthesizer of hormones. The hormones are synthesized from cholesterol, so a herb such as Tribulus that has a stimulating effect on the liver will have a major influence on cholesterol and other products of the liver. Tribulus' role as a liver tonic is very important - breaking down the cholesterol and fats that inhibit healthy liver function. The cholesterol and fats are converted to hormones and energy resulting in increased performance and stamina. This role of improving liver function, stamina and endurance is particularly beneficial to athletes and bodybuilders.
The increase in testosterone levels by Tribulus will promote protein synthesis, positive nitrogen balance as well as faster recuperation and recovery from muscular stress. Tribulus therefore has a positive effect on strength and stamina.
No adverse effects to the central nervous or cardiovascular systems were noted in any of the clinical studies; no toxicity and no deviations in blood count occurred. No known negative effects presently exist when Tribulus is used as a dietary supplement. Tribulus exhibits a mild diuretic effect.
REFERENCES
1. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal, Harcourt, Brace & Company, (1):147, 1971.
2. Kun-Ying Yen. The Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica, SMC Publishing Inc., Taipei, 153, 1992.
3. Milanov, S. et al., Tribestan effect on the concentration of some hormones in serum of healthy subjects, 1983.
4. Protich, M. et al., Clinical trial of a Tribestan preparation in infertile men. Akush Ginekol, (4):326329, 1983.
5. Reid, D., Chinese Herbal Medicine, Shambhala Publications Inc., Boston, 148, 1997.
6. Tomova, M. et al., An agent for stimulation of sexual function. Patent (11) 27584 A61K35/1978.
7. Viktorov, I. et al., Clinical investigation on Tribestan in males with disorders in the sexual function, 1982.
Tribulus terrestris has a list of alternative names almost as long as its history. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is known as Ci Ji Li, Bai Ji Li or just Ji Li and is given to calm the liver and smooth the flow of liver qi. It is indicated for use in treating headaches, dizziness, premature ejaculation and spermatorrhoea (escape of sperm without orgasm). To Indian Ayurvedic practitioners the herb is called Burra Gokhru and is regarded as a diuretic, demulcent and aphrodisiac. The name Tribulus comes from the Latin word for trouble and refers to the plant's spiky seed pods. Caltrop, Puncturevine and Goat's Head are among its other English names.
OVERCOMING IMPOTENCE AND INFERTILITY
Research conducted throughout the 1980s has concluded that Tribulus extract may be of benefit to men troubled by impotence (an inability to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactory for enjoyment of sex), a low libido and poor sperm quality. This last problem relates to inadequate sperm count and/or poor sperm motility (a sperm's 'liveliness' and swimming ability). Although the exact mode of action is not yet fully understood, it has been proven that Tribulus can increase the amount of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) produced by the body's pituitary gland. LH stimulates the testes to secrete the male hormone Testosterone.
Studies in Bulgaria involving 212 men with conditions including impotence, hypogonadism (decreased function of the testes) and sperm deficiency revealed that Tribulus extract can significantly improve the quantity and quality of sperm. Men treated with Tribulus produced semen with a greater number of sperm and a higher percentage of motile sperm that swam faster and further. Men who had previously been unable to achieve an erection and men with a low libido also showed significant improvement.
It should be noted that sperm needs 80 days to reach maturity, so researchers recommend that men hoping for improved sperm quality take Tribulus for at least this length of time.
BUILDING BIGGER, STRONGER MUSCLES
The second string to the Tribulus bow was actually the first discovered. For many years now, Bulgarian strength athletes have been taking Tribulus extract in an effort to increase the strength of their muscles. Once again, the results are due to the role of Tribulus in increasing the production of luteinizing hormone, thereby stimulating the secretion of testosterone. It is commonly known that testosterone improves the body's ability to build muscle mass and strength. That's why synthetic testosterone supplements (in the form of anabolic steroids) are used. However, it should be plainly understood that Tribulus is not a hormone supplement. By promoting the production of the body's own hormones, it works only within the body's natural limits to help men achieve their strength and muscular potential. Tribulus will not cause the body to indefinitely produce more and more of any hormone, but rather it balances natural hormone levels.
As with any sports supplement, Tribulus is no quick fix. It will only help to improve strength in conjunction with an exercise programme that places the muscles under strain and then allows them to recover.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Stamina, self-confidence and general well-being are all reported to improve with a Tribulus extract. Some research evidence suggests that the herb may also be useful for lowering cholesterol through its action on the liver. Tribulus terrestris is generally regarded as a safe and non-toxic herb. However it is important not to exceed the recommended dose, nor to take the herb for extended periods of time.
Whether your desire is to improve your chances of fathering a child, return your sex life to loftier heights or build a stronger, more masculine body, Tribulus may be of some benefit. Most importantly, Tribulus is a completely natural alternative to some conventional methods employed for increasing virility, fertility and masculinity.
K.M. Arsyad
Medical Biology Division of Andrology, University of Sriwijaya, Indonesia (1996)
Medika 22 (8): 614-618 (1996)
SUMMARY
This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a certain dosage and period of administration of Libilov (protodioscin) on sperm quality and quantity in men with moderate idiopathic oligozoospermia. This study also evaluated protodioscin's effect on libido, erection, ejaculation and orgasm. Lastly, We also determined the length of time that the beneficial effects of the treatment lasted after administration of the preparation was stopped.
Our result showed that oral Libilov treatment with the dose of 3 x 2 tablets per day for 60 days could:
- increase sperm quantity and quality in men diagnosed with moderate idiopathic oligozoospermia
- restore and enhance libido, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm of sexual intercourse, as compared to before the treatment. This result was obtained in more than 80% of the treated patients.
L. Setiawan
Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia (1996)
SUMMARY
Here we investigated the effects of Tribulus terrestris L. on sperm morphology and acrosome reaction in subjects with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed with 30 primary and secondary infertile men. Half received oral Tribulus (Libilov, 500mg dose) three times per day for 60 days, and the rest were given sugar pills. The ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, morphology, acrosome reactions, and other parameters were evaluated before and after treatment.
A significant increase in the percentage of slow or sluggish progressive motile sperm in the treated group was observed when compared to the control group. The percentage of the sperm with normal acrosome reaction was also increased, whereas the percentage of immotile sperm decreased significantly.
The frequency of sexual intercourse was also increased significantly in the Tribulus group. No side effect was observed. We concluded that Tribulus terrestris L., given at 500mg three times a day for 60 days proved to be effective in restoring some of the sperm functions, such as motility and acrosome reactions.
Alex Santoso, PH.D.
Tribulus has been used as traditional medicine to treat sexual dysfunction and male infertility in Europe and Asia for many decades, before improvement in scientific extraction techniques allowed identification of its active ingredient called protodioscin.
More than nine clinical studies performed by six universities and academic hospitals on this purified extract have confirmed the herb's beneficial effect. These studies showed that Tribulus helps treat impotence caused by low testosterone level or an imbalance in the body's level of sex hormones. The active ingredient of Tribulus acts as a natural precursor to these hormones, and is converted into its final forms by the body's own natural enzymes.
Other studies have suggested that Tribulus also acts by increasing the level of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a naturally occurring substance in the body believed to be important for a healthy sex drive.
In all, these studies proved that Tribulus works very well in curing sexual dysfunctions and maximizing sexual performance when taken regularly (it does not work immediately, however; Tribulus shows positive effects only after two to three months). No known side effects are linked with this herb.
A note of caution: although there are many Tribulus extracts available over the counter today, almost all of these have been found not to contain any significant amount of the active ingredient. Be sure to select a Tribulus extract that contains at least 45% protodioscin.
Tribulus has been used as traditional medicine to treat sexual dysfunction and male infertility in Europe and Asia for many decades, before improvement in scientific extraction techniques allowed identification of its active ingredient called protodioscin.
More than nine clinical studies performed by six universities and academic hospitals on this purified extract have confirmed the herb's beneficial effect. These studies showed that Tribulus helps treat impotence caused by low testosterone level or an imbalance in the body's level of sex hormones. The active ingredient of Tribulus acts as a natural precursor to these hormones, and is converted into its final forms by the body's own natural enzymes.
Other studies have suggested that Tribulus also acts by increasing the level of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a naturally occurring substance in the body believed to be important for a healthy sex drive.
In all, these studies proved that Tribulus works very well in curing sexual dysfunctions and maximizing sexual performance when taken regularly (it does not work immediately, however; Tribulus shows positive effects only after two to three months). No known side effects are linked with this herb.
A note of caution: although there are many Tribulus extracts available over the counter today, almost all of these have been found not to contain any significant amount of the active ingredient. Be sure to select a Tribulus extract that contains at least 45% protodioscin.
From this site:
http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/pr...tris-facts.htm
Bulgarian Pharmaceuticle Group
Report on libido sexualis and erectle dysfunction
* In clinical studies on 212 patients, 85% of patients with reduced libido, demonstrated improved libido after 30 days and 94% after 60 days of treatment with Tribestan.
* For 36 patients with chronic prostatitis and reduced libido, 75% reported favorable effects at the end of the treatment cycle.
* In animal studies, libido and sexual reflexes were restored in 71% of subjects with complete absence of libido. In subjects with poor libido and sexual reflexes, recovery was recorded in 100% of cases.
* Treatment of patients with unilateral and bilateral hypotrophy of the testes, demonstrated enhanced libido and improved spermogram after 60 days.
* In patients with primary and secondary hypogonadism, 78% reported restored and enhanced libido with 22% reporting improved erection.
Report on stimulation of spermatogenesis
Tribestan administered to males with idiopathic oligoasthnozoospermia or with spermogram disturbances due to varicocele, has shown increased concentration of spermatozoa, increased percentage of motile spermatozoa. Increased spermatozoa motility rate and, for some cases, increased volume of ejaculate of 1 to 2 ml. In controlled studies the number of Sertoli cells increased by 40% with no change in the number of Leydig cells.
Report on increase of the body's natural testosterone
In patients with testosterone serum levels below the lower limit of the norm, the physiological levels were reached after treatment, whereas in patients with normal initial levels, the testosterone level was not significantly changed after treatment.