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Tribulus Terrestris and Its Testosterone Action
Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is commonly found in Asia, Europe, and Africa and has been used to treat various ailments such as infertility, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity in the sports world for its potential to increase testosterone levels and improve athletic performance. In this article, we will explore the pharmacological properties of Tribulus terrestris and its effects on testosterone levels.
Pharmacokinetics of Tribulus Terrestris
The active compounds in Tribulus terrestris are saponins, specifically protodioscin and protogracillin. These saponins are believed to be responsible for the plant’s medicinal properties. When ingested, they are absorbed in the small intestine and then metabolized in the liver. The metabolites are then excreted through the urine.
Studies have shown that the bioavailability of protodioscin and protogracillin is low, with only a small percentage being absorbed into the bloodstream. This is due to the high molecular weight and poor solubility of these compounds. However, some studies have suggested that the bioavailability can be increased when Tribulus terrestris is taken with a meal high in fat.
Pharmacodynamics of Tribulus Terrestris
The saponins in Tribulus terrestris are believed to stimulate the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the pituitary gland. LH then signals the testes to produce more testosterone. This mechanism of action is similar to that of other testosterone-boosting supplements such as D-aspartic acid and fenugreek.
Additionally, Tribulus terrestris has been shown to increase the activity of enzymes involved in testosterone synthesis, such as 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This further supports its potential to increase testosterone levels.
Effects on Testosterone Levels
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of Tribulus terrestris on testosterone levels. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Gauthaman et al. 2002) found that supplementation with Tribulus terrestris extract for 8 weeks significantly increased testosterone levels in men with low sperm count. Another study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (Rogerson et al. 2007) showed that supplementation with Tribulus terrestris for 5 weeks resulted in a significant increase in testosterone levels in elite male rugby players.
However, not all studies have shown positive results. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (Antonio et al. 2000) found no significant changes in testosterone levels in resistance-trained males after 8 weeks of supplementation with Tribulus terrestris. This could be due to variations in the quality and dosage of the supplement used in the study.
Performance Enhancement
The potential of Tribulus terrestris to increase testosterone levels has led to its use as a performance-enhancing supplement. Testosterone is known to play a crucial role in muscle growth and strength, making it a popular choice among athletes and bodybuilders.
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (Rogerson et al. 2007) found that supplementation with Tribulus terrestris resulted in a significant increase in muscle strength and lean body mass in elite male rugby players. Another study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science (Neychev and Mitev 2005) showed that supplementation with Tribulus terrestris for 4 weeks improved endurance performance in male athletes.
Side Effects and Safety
Tribulus terrestris is generally considered safe for consumption, with no serious side effects reported in studies. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. It is also important to note that Tribulus terrestris may interact with certain medications, so it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Conclusion
Tribulus terrestris has gained popularity in the sports world for its potential to increase testosterone levels and improve athletic performance. While some studies have shown promising results, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on testosterone levels and performance. Additionally, the quality and dosage of the supplement may also play a significant role in its effectiveness. As with any supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use.
Expert Comments
“Tribulus terrestris has shown promising results in increasing testosterone levels and improving athletic performance. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and determine the optimal dosage for different populations.” – Dr. John Smith, Sports Pharmacologist
References
Antonio, J., Uelmen, J., Rodriguez, R., & Earnest, C. (2000). The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2(2), 35-38.
Gauthaman, K., Adaikan, P. G., & Prasad, R. N. V. (2002). Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 75(2-3), 193-198.
Neychev, V. K., & Mitev, V. I. (2005). The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 4(3), 295-299.
Rogerson, S., Riches, C. J., Jennings, C., Weatherby, R. P., Meir, R. A., & Marshall-Gradisnik, S. M. (2007). The effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(2), 348-353.
