Tribulus terrestris (Known as Puncture vine, Protodioscin, Tribulus terrestris)

Hormone control 
Stimulates libido 
Boosts testosterone 
Muscle Builder 
Herbal 


Tribulus terrestris (also known as puncture vine) is a plant that grows in many tropical and moderate areas of the world. Reported to be the "secret weapon" employed by Bulgarian strength athletes, Tribulus terrestris is reported to increase muscle growth, improve libido and "lift" male performance in the bedroom. Many different cultures have used it for a number of conditions. The Greeks, for example, used Tribulus terrestris as a mood-enhancer. The people of Bulgaria used Tribulus terrestris as a way to enhance sex and as a treatment for infertility. Recently, eastern European athletes have used it in place of certain anabolic drugs to gain strength and size.Tribulus terrestris is effective for anyone seeking rapid gains in muscle size, strength and power Athletes involved in strength- and power-based sports, bodybuilders and regular gym users are likely to notice significant gains in both muscular size and performance. Men wanting to "lift" performance in the bedroom and enhance libido will also benefit from supplementation with Tribulus.Tribulus terrestris is a plant shown to raise testosterone levels safely and naturally, and is rumoured to be the secret behind the success of many top Bulgarian weightlifters [1]. Testosterone is one of nature's most powerful muscle building hormone. Testosterone tells your muscle cells to absorb more protein, leading to more muscle size and strength. By raising testosterone levels safely and naturally, and then keeping them elevated for long periods, Tribulus terrestris will increase lean muscle, strength and performance. Instead of being a testosterone precursor, Tribulus terrestris leads to a rise in the production of luteinizing hormone. When luteinizing hormone levels are increased, the natural production of testosterone also increases.

Luteinizing hormone also increases sex drive and libido, which is why it has been used to increase fertility and help with impotence. Laboratory animal studies show that Tribulus terrestris increases 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. According to Bill Phillips, former editor of Muscle Media, "...Tribulus terrestris can significantly "lift" performance in the bedroom." Tribulus terrestris contains a number of different substances known as steroidal saponins. The saponin in Tribulus terrestris thought to be responsible for its effect on testosterone levels and libido is known as protodioscin. Many companies sell Tribulus terrestris, but very few harvest the right parts of the plant at the right time of the year (which is necessary to get high levels of the active protodioscins).

The protodioscin content of Tribulus terrestris varies widely depending on the way the herb is grown, processed, packaged, and stored [2]. Researchers from the University of Mississippi have shown wide variations in the protodioscin content of various Tribulus terrestris products [3]. High-quality Tribulus terrestis products are standardised to at least 60% protodioscin levels - the higher the protodioscin level, the better.
Most experts recommend experimenting with 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams per day, in 2-3 divided doses.It usually takes 5-7 days of supplementation with Tribulus terrestris before most people notice an increase in aggression, libido and drive. To see and feel the gains in muscle strength and size takes a little longer, usually in the region of 11-15 days. When used in combination with an effective training programme and a high protein diet, it's reasonable to expect to gain several pounds of muscle in the first 3-4 weeks. Please note that some people may experience a strong increase in libido when using this product.Tribulus terrestris is a highly effective supplement when taken alone for promoting gains in muscle strength and size, libido and aggression. However, some Bulgarian strength coaches believe that it works well at promoting muscle growth when combined with some of the newer anabolic compounds, such as Beta-Ecdysterone.

Because of the important role played by minerals in raising testosterone levels, Tribulus terrestris can be combined with zinc and magnesium (preferably as ZMA). Men looking for a real boost in sex drive may also want to combine Tribulus Terrestris with Horny Goat Weed. However, some men are uncomfortable with such a large rise in libido, and may benefit from starting with smaller doses to assess their tolerance. Approximately one in ten people report some gastrointestinal upset when taking Tribulus terrestris. Taking it with food can minimise this effect.

1. Bucci, L.R. (2000). Selected herbals and human exercise performance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72, 624S-636S
2. Adimoelja, A. (2000). Phytochemicals and the breakthrough of traditional herbs in the management of sexual dysfunctions. International Journal of Andrology, 23, 82-84
3. Ganzera, M., Bedir, E., & Khan, I.A. (2001). Determination of steroidal saponins in Tribulus terrestris by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and evaporative light scattering detection. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 90, 1752-8

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