This tribulus terrestris review may stand in contrast to some of the other highly enthusiastic reviews of this supplement on the internet. They did have me excited to try it out, though. This supplement in particular seems to cross over between the athletic/body building communities and the sex-enhancement crowd. Somehow, the flowering plant has gotten all around the world, from eastern Europe, to India, Africa and southeast Asia. Tribulus terrestris is known as puncture vine, caltrop, goathead, Bai Ji Li in traditional Chinese medicine and gokshura in Ayurveda.
Tribulus Terrestris Review: Does it work at all?
Tribulus has some serious exposure in the athletic literature. The human studies are reminiscent of the studies on phosphatidylserine : they show some mild, trending-toward-improvements in the testosterone biometrics, yet they probably have more subtle, yet discernible effect that has athletes coming back for more (1). In my mind the difference between tribulus and phosphatidylserine, however, is that one is already in your body, while tribulus is certainly not. Similar mixed-kinda-sorta positive results were observed in trials of tribulus in combination with other herbs (2,3).
Mixed results notwithstanding, animal and anecdotal evidence and positive tribulus terrestris review write-ups abound. Rats, mice, and primates show some greatly improved sexual zeal when supplemented on the stuff (4,5). And reports all over the internet suggest that sustained use can strongly improve sexual performance.
Tribulus terrestris review: How does it work?
So tribulus barely moves the dial on testosterone levels in humans in real clinical studies. But it still has an effect. What's happening? The active compound in tribulus is protodioscin, which is very similar in structure to DHEA. While DHEA ultimately exerts it's effects in the system by producing more testosterone, it can also be used to produce more estrogen. This proximity may have something to do with the (rare) case reports of gynocomastia ("man boobs") associated with use of tribulus.
Like ginseng and maca, I strongly suspect that the steroid-like compounds in the tribulus are acting directly on hormone receptors in the body. This phenomenon is similar to phytoestrogens-- estrogen-like compounds from nature-- acting on the estrogen receptor in the body to cause physiological effects.
Tribulus terrestris review: The experiment
Like all supplements in this review series, I ordered tribulus terrestris from amazon.com and took two pills per day wednesday through saturday. Like all other supplements in this series, I noticed nothing special in terms of my body physiology. As far as my experience is concerned, I saw no harmful effects in the short term. Note: I wouldn't take anything EXCEPT ginseng over the long term (ginseng has well-established long term medical data, others just have unexamined "history of use").
In this short-term experiment, I observed nothing special in my sexual experience with tribulus terrestris. No extra-strong erections. No super staying power. No wild body sensations. No noticably enhanced desire. Just normal, good sex.
Like other compounds in this report, I would be surprised if this didn't show results with sustained intake. I'm just not up for that kind of experiment on my body right now.
source: http://www.raise-your-testosterone.com/tribulus-terrestris-review.html
Showing posts with label Tribulus Terrestris Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tribulus Terrestris Review. Show all posts
Monday, April 18, 2011
Tribulus Terrestris Review Does It Raise Testosterone or Make Muscles Stronger?
I like to surf around at various health and fitness websites because it not only lets me help answer peoples questions but it also allows me get an idea of what people are curious about. Over the last several months I’ve been noticing online chatter about Tribulus terrestris as a testosterone booster. I was a little surprised because tribulus terrestris was big in the early 1900′s and then fell out of favor when people realized it didn’t work. But maybe things have changed since I last reviewed the research so let me now take a fresh look at the tribulus terrestris research and see if there is anything new going on.
Notice the amounts of tribulus used in the studies below. I’m telling you the amounts so you can compare it to what is in your tribulus supplement.
What is tribulus?
Tribulus or tribulus terrestris (also called puncture vine), is a plant that is found throughout the world. The term puncture vine stems from rumors that the plant’s thorns are able to puncture bicycle tires. Tribulus, likewise, is Latin for “to tear”, another reference to the plants ability to do damage.
Tribulus trivia: Tribulus also refers to a medieval weapon called a caltrop that was thrown on the grown during warfare to stop enemy horses from advancing. The caltrop was the forerunner of tire spikes, used by law enforcement agencies around the world to puncture car tires.
Does tribulus raise testosterone?
The theory behind tribulus is that it’s supposed to elevate luteinizing hormone, which in turn sends instructions to the testes causing them to make testosterone. More testosterone might mean more muscle growth if combined with proper exercise like weight lifting. In theory it all sounds plausible. Fortunately, there is published research on tribulus so let’s take a look at it.
One randomized, placebo controlled tribulus study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2007 tested tribulus in 24 elite rugby players. The players were split into 2 groups. One group got a placebo while the other received 450 mg of tribulus terrestris. All subjects performed the same weight lifting exercise program and the study lasted 5 weeks.
After the study, the researchers found that tribulus did not improve strength or muscle mass or decrease body fat any better than those who did not get tribulus. In addition, tribulus did not cause any change in the testosterone to estrogen ratio (T/E ratio). In other words, tribulus did not raise testosterone either.
In an earlier tribulus study published in 2001, researchers gave either tribulus or a placebo to 15 healthy weight lifters (18 – 35 years of age). This study was published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. The amount of tribulus used in this study was 3.21 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Translation: A kilogram is 2.2 pounds. So, for example, if you weighted 180 pounds, this equals 82 kilograms. Based on this study, an 82 kg person would get 82 x 3.21 mg = 263 mg of tribulus terrestris.
All subjects performed a periodized weight lifting program (split routine) 3 days per week that worked all major muscle groups. At the end of this study tribulus did not cause any significant changes in body weight and it did not reduce body fat. Both groups – placebo group and tribulus group – improved strength and endurance. Ironically, those who got the placebo experienced a greater amount of muscle endurance in the bench press and leg press than did those who received tribulus. Those getting tribulus did improved muscle endurance on the leg press only - but it was less than those who got the placebo. This study did not measure testosterone levels.
In a study published in 2000 in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 20 young men were given a supplement (called “Andro 6″) that contained a variety of ingredients including 750 mg of tribulus. Subjects either received Andro 6 or a placebo. All subjects then lifted weights 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The Andro 6 supplement did not raise testosterone levels or make people stronger.
Androstenedione however was elevated after Andro 6 supplementation. This study did not specifically say that tribulus didn’t work. Rather, it found that the supplement Andro 6 didn’t work. Andro 6 contained several ingredients (Saw palmetto, DHEA, androsteinedione etc.) in addition to tribulus. In theory it could be possible that the other ingredients in Andro 6 suppressed tribulus but that is pure speculation.
Tribulus side effects
Tribulus terrestris doesn’t appear to have been studied very much in humans about what its side effects might be. Some lab rat research hints that it may increase the size of the prostate. This may be a problem for men who have prostate issues like BPH. This effect has not been proven in humans as far as I know. Other research - again from lab rats – hints that tribulus may lower blood sugar. In theory, this may be a problem for diabetics.
One case study also noted that a weight lifter developed gynecomastia (male breasts) after taking a tribulus supplement. It’s hard to say how likely this is given that the prevalence of gynecomastia among weight lifters who use tribulus is unknown.
Will tribulus work?
As I first told people in my book Nutritional Supplements: What Works and Why, I personally don’t feel that bodybuilders or strength trainers need tribulus. I made that statement based on the peer reviewed evidence and this revisiting of the tribulus research reinforces my opinion.
In all fairness I must say however that the tribulus terrestris research conducted so far is, for the most part, less than spectacular. Most studies either don’t last long enough or use far too few people for my tastes. I would love to see a tribulus study that is at least 6 months long and had 100 or more people (who are familiar with strength training) and who receive amounts of tribulus greater than has been used in studies to date. To my knowledge this tribulus study has not been published.
Also, most the research about tribulus raising testosterone is based not on people but on lab rat studies. So, I wonder why people keep talking about how great tribulus is? You’re not a rat. Protein yes. Creatine yes. Tribulus…no.
source: http://supplement-geek.com/tribulus-terrestris-review/
Notice the amounts of tribulus used in the studies below. I’m telling you the amounts so you can compare it to what is in your tribulus supplement.
What is tribulus?
Tribulus or tribulus terrestris (also called puncture vine), is a plant that is found throughout the world. The term puncture vine stems from rumors that the plant’s thorns are able to puncture bicycle tires. Tribulus, likewise, is Latin for “to tear”, another reference to the plants ability to do damage.
Tribulus trivia: Tribulus also refers to a medieval weapon called a caltrop that was thrown on the grown during warfare to stop enemy horses from advancing. The caltrop was the forerunner of tire spikes, used by law enforcement agencies around the world to puncture car tires.
Does tribulus raise testosterone?
The theory behind tribulus is that it’s supposed to elevate luteinizing hormone, which in turn sends instructions to the testes causing them to make testosterone. More testosterone might mean more muscle growth if combined with proper exercise like weight lifting. In theory it all sounds plausible. Fortunately, there is published research on tribulus so let’s take a look at it.
One randomized, placebo controlled tribulus study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2007 tested tribulus in 24 elite rugby players. The players were split into 2 groups. One group got a placebo while the other received 450 mg of tribulus terrestris. All subjects performed the same weight lifting exercise program and the study lasted 5 weeks.
After the study, the researchers found that tribulus did not improve strength or muscle mass or decrease body fat any better than those who did not get tribulus. In addition, tribulus did not cause any change in the testosterone to estrogen ratio (T/E ratio). In other words, tribulus did not raise testosterone either.
In an earlier tribulus study published in 2001, researchers gave either tribulus or a placebo to 15 healthy weight lifters (18 – 35 years of age). This study was published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. The amount of tribulus used in this study was 3.21 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Translation: A kilogram is 2.2 pounds. So, for example, if you weighted 180 pounds, this equals 82 kilograms. Based on this study, an 82 kg person would get 82 x 3.21 mg = 263 mg of tribulus terrestris.
All subjects performed a periodized weight lifting program (split routine) 3 days per week that worked all major muscle groups. At the end of this study tribulus did not cause any significant changes in body weight and it did not reduce body fat. Both groups – placebo group and tribulus group – improved strength and endurance. Ironically, those who got the placebo experienced a greater amount of muscle endurance in the bench press and leg press than did those who received tribulus. Those getting tribulus did improved muscle endurance on the leg press only - but it was less than those who got the placebo. This study did not measure testosterone levels.
In a study published in 2000 in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 20 young men were given a supplement (called “Andro 6″) that contained a variety of ingredients including 750 mg of tribulus. Subjects either received Andro 6 or a placebo. All subjects then lifted weights 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The Andro 6 supplement did not raise testosterone levels or make people stronger.
Androstenedione however was elevated after Andro 6 supplementation. This study did not specifically say that tribulus didn’t work. Rather, it found that the supplement Andro 6 didn’t work. Andro 6 contained several ingredients (Saw palmetto, DHEA, androsteinedione etc.) in addition to tribulus. In theory it could be possible that the other ingredients in Andro 6 suppressed tribulus but that is pure speculation.
Tribulus side effects
Tribulus terrestris doesn’t appear to have been studied very much in humans about what its side effects might be. Some lab rat research hints that it may increase the size of the prostate. This may be a problem for men who have prostate issues like BPH. This effect has not been proven in humans as far as I know. Other research - again from lab rats – hints that tribulus may lower blood sugar. In theory, this may be a problem for diabetics.
One case study also noted that a weight lifter developed gynecomastia (male breasts) after taking a tribulus supplement. It’s hard to say how likely this is given that the prevalence of gynecomastia among weight lifters who use tribulus is unknown.
Will tribulus work?
As I first told people in my book Nutritional Supplements: What Works and Why, I personally don’t feel that bodybuilders or strength trainers need tribulus. I made that statement based on the peer reviewed evidence and this revisiting of the tribulus research reinforces my opinion.
In all fairness I must say however that the tribulus terrestris research conducted so far is, for the most part, less than spectacular. Most studies either don’t last long enough or use far too few people for my tastes. I would love to see a tribulus study that is at least 6 months long and had 100 or more people (who are familiar with strength training) and who receive amounts of tribulus greater than has been used in studies to date. To my knowledge this tribulus study has not been published.
Also, most the research about tribulus raising testosterone is based not on people but on lab rat studies. So, I wonder why people keep talking about how great tribulus is? You’re not a rat. Protein yes. Creatine yes. Tribulus…no.
source: http://supplement-geek.com/tribulus-terrestris-review/
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