Tribulus aquaticus is not a steroid, but it is marketed as a bodybuilding supplement to enhance the development of hormones for muscle strength and development. Insufficient information is available and a lack of research has been done to indicate its chemical comparability to steroids; therefore, it is uncertain if Tribulus aquaticus supplements provide benefits for athletic performance.
Explanation
Tribulus aquaticus is an herb advertised as a supplement that boosts production of the male sex hormone testosterone. It is sold through USP Labs in a product called Prime. Tribulus aquaticus is also known as Tribulus lacusoris, Tribulus marinus, Eleocharis dulcis, Trapa natans and water Caltrop, but is commonly referred to as the water chestnut and is found in a number of Asian-prepared dishes.
History of Water Chestnuts
The water chestnut is a plant that grows under water in quiet streams, ponds and other bodies of fresh water. The fruit is about 3 cm wide and appears as a four-horned, nut-like structure. It is native to Eurasia but is now cultivated and imported throughout different regions of the world. Water chestnuts can be purchased fresh or canned.
Claims for Bodybuilding Results
Products containing Tribulus aquaticus like Prime claim to increase body weight, increase lean body mass, decrease fat mass, increase bench strength and increase squat strength. Bodybuilder.com explains that Tribulus aquaticus has never been validly published into scientific literature, so not enough research is available to support these claims.
Relation to Other Herbs
The name Tribulus aquaticus may be misleading because it can be confused with the herb Tribulus terrestris, which is marketed for bodybuilding and to increase sports and sexual performance in men. Tribulus terrestris shares no relation to the Tribulus aquaticus other than the name itself, notes Dr. Warren L. Wagner, the Chair and Curator of Pacific Botany with the Smithsonian Institute on bodybuilding.ultimatefatburner.com.
Water Chestnut Information
Tribulus aquaticus, or water chestnut, has a number of health benefits, including high antioxidant value, which protects the body against cell-damaging chemicals that cause illness and disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water chestnuts are a low-calorie food that have virtually no fat content and are a good source of dietary fiber and micronutrients like vitamin B6, potassium, riboflavin and vitamin C.
