Tribulus, or tribulus terrestris, is a type of flowering plant that is native to the temperate and tropical regions of southern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has been used as a dietary supplement for its possible health and performance enhancing benefits. Tribulus may have a stimulatory effect on the production of the male sex hormone, testosterone, which can have significant health effects. Consult a physician before using any supplement containing tribulus to make sure it is safe for you.
Uses of Tribulus
According to the book, "Anabolic Primer" by Phil Embleton et al., tribulus terrestris has been used in Chinese medicine for 5,000 years to boost hormone production, especially testosterone in men, and follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH, in women. Today, athletes take tribulus to stimulate increases in muscle mass and decrease body fat, which are some of the beneficial effects of high testosterone levels. Tribulus has also been marketed as a libido-enhancer and used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
Mechanism of Action
Tribulus terrestris supplementation stimulates androgen receptors in your brain. By stimulating your brain's androgen receptors, your pituitary gland responds by producing more luteinizing hormone, or LH. In males, LH stimulates cells in the testes to produce testosterone, which is a powerful anabolic hormone that causes a wide range of effects in men. Through the same mechanism, tribulus supplementation stimulates the pituitary gland to produce FSH in women, which regulates reproductive processes within the body.
Testosterone Benefits
Higher levels of testosterone production resulting from the supplementation of tribulus terrestris can have a wide range of health benefits. Higher levels of testosterone promote the increase of lean muscle mass, strength, energy, libido, and mood. Testosterone is also essential for the maintenance of bone density, fat distribution, red blood cell production, and sperm production. Consuming 500 mg of tribulus terrestris extract per day can be enough to increase testosterone levels in men by 50 percent, according to "Anabolic Primer."
Precautions
Despite its benefits, tribulus terrestris has been associated with potentially serious side effects. Some common side effects of tribulus supplementation include feelings of warmth, increased heart rate, irritability and restlessness. Tribulus is considered unsafe for men with prostate issues, such as prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate. According to the journal, "The Breast," tribulus terrestris supplementation may cause a condition called gynaecomastia, a benign breast condition resulting in the abnormal development of large mammary glands in males, resulting in unnatural breast enlargement.
References
- "Anabolic Primer"; Phil Embleton and Gerard Thorne; 1998
- "Physiology of Sport and Exercise"; Jack Wilmore and William Costill; 2004
- "Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements"; Michael T. Murray; 1996
- "The Breast"; Gynaecomastia and the Plant Product "Tribulus Terrestris"; J.K.A. Jameel et al.; 2003
