Tribulus is a common sports supplement used to enhance performance. The first thing to know about Tribulus is that there have not been many clinical tests done to prove its effectiveness. Tribulus has not been scientifically proven to do anything that supplement companies claim it does. That being said, Tribulus does have a very long history of use in many diverse places around the world. What Tribulus lacks in scientific data it makes up for with anecdotal evidence.
This article is not meant to replace conventional medical advice. Tribulus has been banned as an anabolic substance by some sports governing boards.
Historical Uses
Tribulus terrestris, as it’s technically called, is a plant found in warmer climates. Tribulus has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries. It was historically used to treat urinary issues, cardiovascular complaints, as an energy booster and as an aphrodisiac, according to NowFoods.com. Today Tribulus is used in sports applications for three primary benefits.
Testosterone
Tribulus is most famous for its testosterone-boosting capabilities. Clayton South of Bodybuilding.com writes that Tribulus is thought to stimulate the anterior pituitary gland, and "promote the production and secretion of Leutinizing Hormone (LH)3, which can lead to increases in unbound, free-testosterone levels.” Leutinizing Hormone can be thought of as an “on switch” for testosterone production. Think of Tribulus as the first spark in a chain reaction in your body. Because of the increase in testosterone most users report an increase in libido as well. This increase has made Tribulus a promising product to help with infertility and erectile dysfunction. The increase in testosterone results in benefits that include increased strength and athletic performance.
Strength
Tribulus is taken by athletes all over the world for the strength increase that many report. Increased testosterone boosts the body's capacity for muscular growth and recovery. This boost results in greater strength and power output. Ted Waszkuc, Ph.D., writing for Now Foods, reports that, “Athletes from Eastern Europe, primarily Bulgaria, have used it successfully since 1980’s to improve strength and stamina.”
Use of Tribulus should not replace a proper exercise program.
Energy
Another benefit of having increased testosterone is the natural energy boost that it brings. Exercise physiologist Edmund R. Burke, Ph.D., writing in the March 1999 issue of "Nutrition Science News," reports, “Researchers investigating tribulus' tonic effects gave a preparation of the herb to 50 men and women who were fatigued and lacked interest in daily activities. Symptoms improved by 45 percent among subjects after taking the herb.”
