Tribulus terrestris - Puncture vine, How Tribulus Works, Value, Warning
Tribulus terrestris is a herb that has been used in the traditional medicine of China and India for centuries.
In the mid-1990s, tribulus terrestris became known in North America after Eastern European Olympic athletes said that taking tribulus helped their performance.
The active compounds in tribulus are called steroidal saponins. Two types, called furostanol glycosides and spirostanol glycosides, appear to be involved with the effects of tribulus. These saponins are found primarily in the leaf.
Tribulus Terrestris: Puncture Vine Usage on the Rise
Tribulus terrestris, or puncture vine, is a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries. It has been utilized largely as a digestive aid and libido enhancer. It became popular in North America during the mid 1990’s when it was brought into the spotlight from the eastern European competitors claiming that it boosted their athletic performance. Since then, its reputation has been magnified as a natural cure for erectile dysfunction and other ailments due to its reported ability to rebalance testosterone levels.
How Tribulus Works
Tribulus Terrestris contains three groups of active phytochemicals:
Dioscin, protodioscin, diosgenin and similar. These substances have effect on sexual performance and may treat various sexual disorders, they regulate sexual energy level and strength by increasing the percentage of free testosterone level for men and they effect pregnenolone, progesterone and estrogen. The hormone balancing effects of Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris for women makes this herb suitable for premenstrual syndrome and menopausal syndrome.
Sterols like betasitosterols or stigma. These substances protect the prostate from swelling and in combination with the X steroidal saponins, protect the prostate from cancer.
Value:
Products containing tribulus are typically marketed to bodybuilders and athletes concerned with increasing muscle mass and strength. Although such products are typically combinations of ingredients which include tribulus, rather than tribulus alone, the scientific evidence for product effectiveness is typically lacking. At this time, Supplement Watch does not view tribulus extract (on its own) as a valuable dietary supplement for muscle building. As a support ingredient contained in a wider supplement blend, tribulus may provide some benefits to those individuals interested in maintaining testosterone levels in the normal range (overtrained athletes and dieters).
Warning
This product should not be taken by any person who is under 40 years of age. Not for use by children. Also, this product should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or women capable of bearing children. Do not use if you are a woman at risk of being treated for heart disease, uterine, ovarian, or prostate cancer or prostate problems. Persons suffering from or at risk for any disease should consult a health care professional before using this product.
