Monday, April 18, 2011

Tribulus Terrestris Facts, Information, and Research



Tribulus Terresteris Review


Tribulus Terrestris is a natrual herb used for its medicinal effects around the world. Tribulus is extracted from the plant, and used as a natural nutritional supplement. It has been used for centuries by the Chinese to calm the liver, treat headaches, dizziness, and premature ejaculation. So what the heck does Tribulus Terresteris have to do with bodybuilding and fitness? Read on...


Quick Tribulus Terrestris Facts


Here are some quick Tribulus facts:


Tribulus Terresteris is ecologically pure
Tribulus is a natural aid to help impotence, low libido, and male infertility
Clinically proven effect vie in enhancing energy and vitality
Tribulus Terrestris is safe to use and it's not a hormone
Tribulus Terrestris - Testosterone Enhancer


In bodybuilding, Tribulus is used for its testosterone boosting properties more than anything else. Studies have shown over 50% increase in testosterone levels when taking Tribulus Terresteris. We all know testosterone helps build muscle and strength, that's why some pro athletes use steroids and other prohormones to enhance performance.


Tribulus Terrestris is NOT a hormone, and it works completely different from Andro and DHEA. Tribulus increases testosterone through increasing lutenizing hormone (LH) in your body. LH tells your body to produce testosterone. Why is this beneficial? Simply because Tribulus is not a hormone supplement, it merely works within the body's natural limits helping you achieve muscle and strength.




Tribulus Research and Studies


Much tribulus research and studies have been conducted, and there are some contradicting results regarding the positive benefits of supplementing Tribulus Terrestris.


There's always controversy and contradicting advice on the effectiveness of tribulus terrestris. Obviously, the marketing materials you read from supplement makers will tout the effects and benefits of tribulus like it's a miracle herb; and then on the other hand, talking with other like-minded fitness individuals, and just simply browsing bodybuilding chat forums, you'll find a wide range of opinions on the subject, and I'm no exception.


Please keep in mind here, that my take on tribulus is purely personal opinion, and only based on my own past and present experiences of using various tribulus based supplements. It by no means, is a verdict on the effectivness of the herb.


There are a large number of studies that provide contradicting results on the effectiveness of tribulus. Various studies on rats have demonstrated that tribulus increased testosterone and sexual activity 1, 2 , while other studies found that tribulus had no effect on muscle strength, body composition, exercise performance in human subjects 3, 4. Obviously, taking these studies at face value, the studies involving human subjects would obviously carry more weight compared to the studies involving rats and other animals.


However, from personal experience, and based on user reviews of various tribulus based supplements, I would have to say that tribulus works, but not for everyone. Enough users have submitted postive reviews to show that tribulus based supplements do work. I can say from my past experiences that each time I've taken a tribulus supplement, I've noticed a difference - these include increased acne breakouts, and increased libido etc...




1. The hormonal effects of Tribulus terrestris and its role in the management of male erectile dysfunction - an evaluation using primates, rabbit and rat.
Gauthaman K, Ganesan AP.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119074 Singapore.


2. Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats.
Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG, Prasad RN.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119704, Singapore.


3. The effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league players.
Rogerson S, Riches CJ, Jennings C, Weatherby RP, Meir RA, Marshall-Gradisnik SM.
School of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Southern Cross University Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.


4. The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males.Antonio J, Uelmen J, Rodriguez R, Earnest C.
Human Performance Laboratory, University of Nebraska, Kearney, NE 68849-3101, USA.






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Pete Sisco is the co-developer Static Contraction Training and the co-author of six books on rational, scientific methods of bodybuilding. It is estimated over 200,000 people worldwide have trained using his methods to develop muscle and strength. His Maximum Strength Workout will help you engineer truely progressive workouts to maximize your muscle and strength gains.


source: http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/pro-hormones/tribulus-terrestris-facts.htm