Tribulus terrestris: how to take it to increase testosterone. The drug "Tribulus" - reviews from doctors, features of use and effect Course of taking sports nutrition Tribulus
Lord of the entire site and fitness trainer | more details >>
Genus. 1984 Trained since 1999 Trained since 2007. Candidate of Masters in powerlifting. Champion of Russia and South Russia according to AWPC. Champion of the Krasnodar region according to IPF. 1st category in weightlifting. 2-time winner of the Krasnodar Territory championship in t/a. Author of more than 700 articles on fitness and amateur athletics. Author and co-author of 5 books.
Place in : out of competition ()
Date of: 2011-08-02 Views: 174 087 Grade: 5.0
Why medals are given to articles:
Tribulus is a herbal preparation. Using chemical reactions, an extract of the Tribulus Terestis plant is obtained. Which is then released, usually in the form of capsules.
Tribulus is not a hormonal drug, as it does not contain hormones. Its main effect is to increase the production of your own testosterone by stimulating the activity of the pituitary gland. This way, you are not introducing testosterone into your body from the outside, but encouraging your body to produce more of its hormone. Moreover, testosterone levels can increase by 40% or even more. This main and very significant difference is what gave this drug such popularity. It turns out that with its help we can achieve almost the same effect as from anabolic steroids (increasing testosterone levels in the body), only without any side effects. Thus, when using Tribulus you can observe 2 types of effects:
- Anabolic – increases muscle strength and volume and reduces recovery time after training;
- Androgynous - increased libido and potency, increased erection.
- Maxler Tribulus Terrestris - 40% active ingredient. Daily dose 4 - 6 capsules.
- WATT-N: Tribulus extract - 90% active ingredient. Daily dose 1.5 - 3 grams.
- Biotech USA TRIBULUS MAXIMUS. Daily dose 2 - 3 capsules.
Expert opinion
Didenko Leonid - MS in powerlifting and director of a sports nutrition store
A toned body with sculpted six-packs is what almost every weightlifter or bodybuilder strives for. However, experienced athletes know firsthand how much effort needs to be spent to get the desired result. So, at the initial stages of training, muscle mass grows quickly, but after some time the process of increase stops. In order to restart muscle growth, some decide to take maintenance dietary supplements. Their main purpose is general strengthening of the body. One of these drugs is Tribulus. Read more about reviews, instructions for use, price and real effect below.
Information for review
"Tribulus" is a natural non-medicinal product, in which the main role is played by the plant of the same name. Judging by the reviews, few people have heard of Tribulus terrestris, although this plant also grows in Russia, where it is better known under other names: “prickly vine”, “creeping tribulus”.
The substances contained in the plant extract are classified as adaptogens. They help tonify the entire body, strengthen the immune system, and increase physical endurance. In addition, in numerous reviews of Tribulus, users note the effect of the drug’s active substances on the central nervous system. In addition, the plant extract is responsible for enhancing the synthesis of the main male hormone - testosterone. With sufficient production of sexual androgen, representatives of the stronger sex do not experience problems with metabolic processes, potency and libido.
To reveal all the information about this dietary supplement, you should understand the active substance in detail. The opinion of doctors will be especially valuable here. Their reviews of Tribulus terrestris are clear - the plant contains potent components, in particular protodioscin. This substance, despite its natural origin, promotes increased muscle growth, accelerating natural processes.
The beneficial properties of tribulus have been known since the times of the ancient Greeks. Aesculapians of that time used its extract as a diuretic and invigorating tonic. Tribulus was also used in attempts to cure infertile males. But in India, the plant was credited with antibacterial properties. In part, both the Greeks and the Hindus were right. Tribulus contains:
- flavonoids;
- alkaloids;
- saponins;
- vitamins;
- minerals.
Nowadays, when the composition of the thorny vine was studied in more detail, it turned out that this plant can act on the human body along with antioxidants. "Tribulus" with prolonged use normalizes metabolism, removes toxins and helps delay the aging process.
Has anyone experienced the effects of Tribulus terrestris?
By the way, the first who decided to use the plant extract to build muscle mass were athletes from neighboring countries. The athletes demonstrated the best results in numerous competitions, and at the same time constantly retained the championship.
Today, vine extract has found its use in medicine. It is present in some drugs, as evidenced by their instructions. According to reviews, Tribulus cannot be found in pharmacies. It is much easier to purchase it at a sports nutrition store or order it online.
How does the drug work?
The manufacturer recommends using the product exclusively to improve the production of male hormones. The effectiveness of using dietary supplements for this purpose is confirmed by clinical trials of scientific researchers from Canada and the USA. Test results obtained from male test subjects showed a doubling of testosterone levels. Provided that the drug is taken regularly, the process of hormone synthesis starts quite quickly, which subsequently affects muscle growth and increased sexual desire. Although the second would be more correctly considered a “side” effect. According to athletes, Tribulus has had a positive effect on the quality of their sex life.
When the stimulating property of the drug was clinically proven, it began to be prescribed to patients experiencing problems with potency and sexual activity. Other men, according to reviews, were prescribed Tribulus to improve sperm quality when diagnosed with infertility. At first glance, the connection is quite obvious: the usefulness of seminal fluid and the viability of sperm in particular depend on the balance of sex hormones.
Why are sports nutrition products criticized?
There are also negative reviews about Tribulus. They are usually written by opponents of synthetic drugs, hormonal anabolics, sports nutrition, etc. In their responses, they question the effectiveness of the dietary supplement, stating that the supplement can only act as an aphrodisiac, and therefore does not affect androgen synthesis in any way. This version was refuted in various clinical trials. The principle of action of “Tribulus” is to remove excess fluid from the body, resulting in “drying” of the body and acceleration of metabolic processes. By the way, another positive aspect of using this dietary supplement is improving mood, preventing stress, nervousness and psycho-emotional disorders.
Briefly about the instructions for use of Tribulus
In reviews, athletes describe in detail the rules for taking the drug. In accordance with the instructions, Tribulus is not a dietary supplement for one-time use. You need to take it regularly, for a month. After the course, you need to take a break for a couple of weeks, then drink the product for another 30 days. As for the dosage, here you need to start from the daily norm, which is 1250 mg of the active substance. Thus, during the day you can take no more than four tablets or sachets. It is not advisable to take Tribulus on an empty stomach. It is ideal to take the bioactive supplement after meals.
How to take capsules correctly?
However, these are not all the recommendations regarding the use of the drug that should be discussed. To calculate the optimal dose, it is advisable to consult a doctor or trainer. The regimen for taking Tribulus largely depends on what goal the man is pursuing. For athletes who want to build muscle, the most suitable dose would be three times after breakfast, lunch and dinner. You need to take the drug in stages, starting with a smaller dose. The highest concentration of the active substance is contained in the drug Tribulus maximus. Reviews from coaches and experienced instructors suggest that it is better to take it for those who already have certain achievements in weightlifting or bodybuilding.
The difference between dietary supplements and other sports nutrition products is that they need to be taken even on non-training days. In addition, there are also some variations here. In the morning and evening, the drug is taken as usual, regardless of the load, after meals. The daily dose should be taken an hour before classes (if they are planned) or after a meal (if there is no exercise that day).
Main indications
Judging by the reviews of doctors, Tribulus is prescribed not only to men. This effective natural product has indications for use by both sexes. So, doctors prescribe it in the following cases:
- erectile dysfunction in men;
- decreased sexual attraction to the opposite sex;
- impotence (non-anatomical);
- infertility (usually prescribed to both partners);
- menopause.
Benefits for women
Discussions about the effectiveness of Tribulus for women have not stopped for many years. First of all, representatives of the fair sex are advised to drink this remedy if they have disorders of the reproductive system, most often in the absence of pathological signs of infertility. Women need to take the drug according to a special schedule: during the first 12 days of the menstrual cycle.
Many gynecologists are inclined to believe that this remedy is simply necessary for women who have crossed the 35-year mark. The active substance in the dietary supplement helps stabilize hormone levels, regulate their production and normalize the amount of female reproductive androgens. In addition, in reviews of Tribulus, some ladies share their assumptions that, thanks to taking this dietary supplement, they were able to delay the onset of menopause for several years, and with the onset of menopause, they were able to easily endure physiological changes. At the same time, it is not advisable for women to use the product without consulting a specialist. In rare cases, protodioscin, contained in the extract of Tribulus terrestris, can cause menstrual irregularities.
Bodybuilding is a popular sport not only among men. Women who abuse anabolic steroids are also recommended to take dietary supplements. In reviews of Tribulus 1500, experts point to the product’s ability to eliminate adverse reactions of the body after prolonged use of steroids.
In what cases should it not be used?
By the way, this bioactive supplement, like any pharmaceutical drug, has contraindications. As already mentioned, before using the drug, it is advisable to consult a doctor or instructor who corrects sports nutrition. Contraindications include:
- childhood;
- period of pregnancy and lactation;
- pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- renal and heart failure;
- arterial hypertension;
- prostatic hypertrophy.
Popular and cheap analogues
The drug "Tribulus" has analogues. But despite the fact that they contain the same active ingredient, not all of them are indicated for use as a sports nutrition product. For example:
- "Tribestan". Available in the form of tablets, which are prescribed for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions.
- "Verona". Another drug that is sold in pharmacies for the treatment of impotence.
"Tribulus" is more popular in comparison with analogues. The demand for dietary supplements is explained by the rapid effect and safety for the body. When used correctly, the product will help you get the desired athletic figure and improve the functioning of your internal organs.
The drug "Tribulus": reviews, price
The instructions for use indicate that among the adverse reactions that may occur while taking the drug, patients most often experience:
- dyspeptic disorders (nausea, diarrhea, constipation);
- activation of the sebaceous glands and increased production of sebum;
- small rash, acne;
- sudden changes in blood pressure;
- allergy.
In most cases, trouble threatens those who do not adhere to the recommendations from the manufacturer when using the product. Side effects also appear in those users who purchased low-quality Tribulus. The reason for the product not meeting the specifications specified in the instructions may be:
- falsified production;
- the growth of the plant - the main component of the dietary supplement - in an environmentally unfavorable region;
- treatment with synthetic fertilizers.
Some athletes who fell for scammers and bought a fake write in their reviews that Tribulus did not produce any effect after a month of use. Other user reviews indicate that the low-quality drug brought them nothing but poisoning - on the very first day after drinking the capsule they experienced dizziness, general weakness and malaise, nausea, and vomiting. It turned out that the fundamentally important point here is the place of purchase of the product and its price.
Side effects
If the raw materials were grown in unsuitable conditions, the body’s reaction to taking such a drug can be very unpredictable. Suspicions about the low quality of the drug should arise if the user experiences the following symptoms:
- skin rashes;
- swelling of the mucous membranes;
- burning;
- nasal congestion.
We must not forget about the likelihood of individual intolerance to the component. As for digestive system disorders, the most common cause is an excess of a substance entering the body. An overdose does not pose any serious health risks if the necessary therapeutic measures are taken in a timely manner.
In addition, Tribulus cannot be taken regularly. The body must rest from the effects of active components. Otherwise, the endocrine system will stop independently synthesizing androgens. It is possible that after prolonged use of such dietary supplements, the body will react with a sharp decrease in muscle mass due to a reduction in hormones. Their imbalance also leads to disturbances in the psycho-emotional system. Hormonal surges can be accompanied by aggression, depression, and erectile dysfunction.
Tribulus terrestris- translated from Latin - thorny vine) has been known to people as a medicinal plant for a long time. In Ancient Greece, this plant was used as a diuretic and tonic. In India it was used as an antiseptic. The Chinese considered the “thorny vine” a universal medicine and used it to treat the kidneys, liver, heart and other organs. In the Balkans it was used as a cure for male infertility.
The abundance of data on the use of Tribulus Terrestris as a medicine strongly suggests its benefits to humans. Tribulus Terrestris is rich in many active substances. It contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins (including protodioscin) and many others. Tribulus Terrestris grows in the tropics and temperate climates - in Africa, South Asia, Southern Europe, northern Australia. When consuming it, it is important to know where and under what conditions this plant grew.
In Western countries, they did not know about the “thorny vine” until recently. Until the works of famous Chinese healers Yong (“Manual of Chinese Herbs and Recipes”), Hong, Hsu and Chen (“Chemical Composition of Chinese Herbs”) were published in the United States in the 1980s. After the publication of these books, Tribulus Terrestris became known in the West, and preparations obtained from it began to be used as medicine.
Athletes involved in bodybuilding paid attention to this plant after they learned that many athletes in the East use it during preparation for the Olympic Games and World Championships. The growing attention was especially facilitated by the fact that some of the athletes who took drugs from Tribulus Terrestris took first places in such high-ranking competitions. Currently, the plant Tribulus Terrestris is widely known throughout the world.
The effect of Tribulus Terrestris on the human body is based on increasing testosterone production. Its effects resemble those of hormones DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and androstenedione, but the mechanisms of this effect are different. Hormones DHEA and androstenedione serve as a kind of “raw material” for the production of testosterone in the body, while Tribulus Terrestris increases the content of luteinizing hormones in the body, with the participation of which testosterone is produced. Numerous studies have confirmed that the “thorny vine” significantly increases the production of testosterone in the human body.
Experiments and research with Tribulus Terrestris
Western researchers conducted experiments with pigs completely devoid of libido (sexual desire). Experimental specimens received Tribulus Terrestris along with food for several days. The study found that the sexual activity of male pigs increased sharply.
In Canada and the USA, trials were conducted to determine the effect of Tribulus Terrestris on the production of luteinizing hormones in the male body. The test batch included healthy men who took 750 mg daily for some time. a preparation made from the “thorny vine”. According to the results of the study, the amount of luteinizing hormones in the body of the subjects increased by an average of 75%. Testosterone levels increased by 40%.
Similar tests were conducted on a group of men with impotence. As you know, male impotence is caused by low levels of testosterone produced in the body. A lack of testosterone causes the male body to be unable to produce seminal fluid (sperm). A group of men participating in the study took 750 mg daily for a certain period of time. drug Tribulus Terrestris. Studies have found that the level of testosterone and luteinizing hormones has increased in the body of the vast majority of men.
The relationship between muscle growth and testosterone levels
It should be borne in mind that an increase in the level of luteinizing hormones and testosterone does not cause a noticeable increase in muscle mass and an increase in physical condition in all men. And this is quite understandable. Testosterone and luteinizing hormones are not directly related to muscle growth.
In general, it must be said that taking such drugs should be treated with a certain degree of caution. Many young athletes who have been bodybuilding for a long time and have been taking steroid drugs all this time have achieved a magnificent, muscular body. However, the price for this turned out to be too expensive. Their natural metabolism of testosterone and luteinizing hormones has ceased. Now these people, in order to compensate for the missing testosterone, have to constantly take medications that stimulate its production.
In addition, the effect of Tribulus Terrestris on the human body has not been fully studied. The effects of Tribulus have been studied primarily in people with low testosterone metabolism or other health conditions. The effect of the drug on the body of a healthy man, with normal production of testosterone and luteinizing hormones, is in many ways still a mystery.
Sellers of nutritional supplements based on Tribulus Terrestris often claim that the drugs they offer relieve many diseases, cause an increase in potency, muscle mass growth, etc. These statements are not without some truth. However, you should know that it is unlikely that you will be able to increase muscle mass and strength by taking Tribulus Terrestris alone. To achieve greater results in increasing muscle size and physical strength, you need to take dietary supplements containing androstenedione and DHEA at the same time as Tribulus and train hard in the gym.
How to take Tribulus
We recommend taking supplements containing Tribulus Terrestris in courses. This condition must be met especially if you decide to take it simultaneously with DHEA, androstenedione and other similar drugs.
What does it mean to take courses? This means that when taking a dietary supplement, you should alternate periods of use with periods of abstinence. Experts recommend limiting the time of use to six weeks. In this case, intensive training in the gym is necessary, otherwise a noticeable increase in muscle mass will not occur. It must be borne in mind that by increasing the period of use beyond six weeks, you risk harming your health. In addition, the maximum dose of Tribulus supplementation should not exceed 1250 milligrams per day. For the average man, the optimal dose is 750 milligrams. Remember that health comes first.
Side effects from using Tribulus Terrestris
Speaking about nutritional supplements containing the plant Tribulus Terrestris, we should also talk about the side effects that may occur when taking them.
The main one is indigestion. This side effect occurs quite often in men involved in bodybuilding while simultaneously taking Tribulus medications. Most often this is caused by incorrect dosage of the supplement or its poor quality. Therefore, before you start taking any testosterone supplements, including those containing Tribulus Terrestris, consult with your doctor, trainer and friends who have experience taking such drugs. In addition, buy only those drugs that you are confident in the quality and only from those companies that have established themselves as a reliable supplier of medicinal supplements.
Contraindications
The use of preparations containing the Tribulus Terrestris plant is strictly not recommended for young children and women, especially pregnant and lactating infants. It must be remembered that the “thorny vine” increases the production of testosterone, which is male hormone. Tribulus Terrestris is also contraindicated for men who have prostate hypertrophy.
Agree, thoughtless or simply incorrect selection of sports nutrition products is one of the factors that can provoke serious disruptions in the athlete’s body.
As a result, he stops progressing in the chosen direction, loses faith in his own abilities and stops playing his favorite sport.
The situation can become even sadder if irreversible changes occur in the human body due to taking a number of drugs.
In this case, such sports “therapy” threatens the development of dangerous pathologies and even disability.
In this article we will look at a supplement such as tribulus.
What it is?
The lack of culture in sports nutrition is associated with ignorance and misunderstanding of the patterns of physiological and biochemical processes in the body of a person actively involved in sports.
When it comes to the usual seasonal vitamin supplementation of an athlete, choosing the optimal vitamin and mineral complex is not difficult.
If, in order to achieve outstanding results in a certain area of sports activity, it is necessary to use drugs that radically change hormonal levels, their use should be taken as seriously as possible.
After all, it is hormones that directly influence the speed of metabolic processes and activate the hidden capabilities of the body.
The most important hormone that qualitatively regulates redox reactions, increases endurance, as well as speed-strength qualities of an athlete, is testosterone.
But drugs containing artificially synthesized testosterone are prohibited in the world of sports and do not always have a beneficial effect on the health of athletes.
That is why scientists have been actively working to create a biologically active agent that would stimulate the natural synthesis of testosterone directly by the human body.
The result of their labors is the sports nutrition product Tribulus.
Tribulus is called a highly effective nutritional supplement, which, in combination with other sports nutrition products, is successfully taken by many athletes around the world.
Interest in the plant
This drug is made on the basis of the herbaceous plant Tribulus Terrestris. Translated from Latin: “Thorny vine.” Tribulus terrestris grows in Northern Australia, Africa, South Asia, the Balkans and other countries with a similar type of climate.
Doctors, sports pharmacologists, as well as adherents of alternative methods of treatment became interested in this plant not by chance.
It contains a fairly large amount of biologically active substances in its leaves and fruits. Namely: tannins, alkaloids, steroidal glycosides, natural flavonoids, etc.
The main active ingredient is protodioscin. The healing properties and tonic effect of the “thorny vine” were noticed in Ancient China, Greece, and India.
Local healers actively used Tribulus Terrestris as a tonic, diuretic and as an elixir against infertility in men. With the help of the “thorny vine” they treated diseases of the kidneys, heart, liver and other anatomical structures of the body.
In modern medicine and sports, drugs whose active ingredient is Tribulus Terrestris are successfully used.
Their demand is explained by the ability to more safely stimulate the work of the pituitary gland, as well as the hypothalamus, which begin to produce luteinizing hormone several times more actively.
It also provokes the active production of natural testosterone. That is why people taking dietary supplements based on Tribulus Terrestris experience:
- active increase in muscle mass;
- increase in strength and endurance;
- increased sexual activity and libido.
It should be noted that some experts are quite skeptical about the facts described above and boldly declare that tribulus is not able to significantly enhance testosterone synthesis.
However, they do not deny the legitimacy of many scientific experiments that have proven that tribulus extract:
- is a powerful aphrodisiac for men;
- stimulates the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract;
- lowers blood pressure;
- has immunomodulatory properties;
- reduces cholesterol levels;
- strengthens the myocardium;
- improves muscle contractility;
- increases performance;
- promotes weight loss;
- stimulates spermatogenesis and increases potency;
- has a beneficial effect on kidney function.
As for some disagreements between scientists, this is due to the lack of final conclusions on the properties of the Tribulus Terrestris herb extract, since research in this direction continues.
But many believe that the advantages of the “thorny vine” are already obvious.
Benefits of Tribulus Extract
- Provides healthy testosterone synthesis without the need to administer the hormone in its pure form.
- Tribulus stimulates fat burning and muscle growth.
- Accelerates recovery processes after exercise.
- Taking tribulus-based nutritional supplements can significantly increase the intensity of your workouts.
- Models strong immunity.
- Flavonoids and alkaloids of Tribulus Terrestris protect the body from infections and pathogens.
- Increases libido and helps cure impotence.
- Stabilizes hormonal levels and accelerates anabolic reactions.
- Qualitatively cleanses liver cells after taking steroids.
- Promotes the fastest possible treatment of injuries and wound healing.
- Stabilizes the emotional state of women during menstruation and menopause.
- Increases endurance and strength in athletes.
- Refers to legitimate drugs that are approved by the Anti-Doping Committee.
- It is available in the form of capsules with different dosages, which allows you to create the most competent regimen for taking Tribulus.
Disadvantages and side effects
The reactive effect of Tribulus is pronounced if the person taking this nutritional supplement has initially low testosterone levels.
If the body produces a sufficient amount of the male power hormone, a person practically does not notice the effect of tribulus.
In this case, he questions the effectiveness of this drug and stops taking the supplement. Naturally, the “smart” selective action of tribulus cannot be called a problem.
The real disadvantage of this drug can be considered the fact that it can provoke in men the synthesis of female sex hormones - estrogens.
They can provoke the manifestation of secondary female sexual characteristics, which, of course, is not acceptable for representatives of the stronger half of humanity who want to clearly demonstrate athleticism and masculinity.
Another serious problem that arises with prolonged and uncontrolled use of tribulus is associated with dysfunction of the gonads.
In men, the synthesis of their own testosterone practically stops, which forces them to constantly take drugs containing this hormone.
Tribulus can cause the same side effects that accompany taking anabolic steroids. To prevent this from happening, a person must strictly and unquestioningly adhere to the recommendations of the doctor who prescribes tribulus.
In this case, the occurrence of undesirable effects is practically eliminated.
Contraindications
People who have been diagnosed with renal failure and/or pathologies of the cardiovascular system (hypertension, angina, coronary heart disease, etc.) should be treated with extreme caution when using such drugs.
In addition, tribulus is contraindicated for those who have serious hormonal imbalances. To avoid undesirable consequences due to taking Tribulus, you should consult with an experienced specialist in this field before starting a course.
Admission rules
For example, if one capsule contains 500 mg, then the daily dose should not exceed three doses. The first should be taken with breakfast, the second before training, and the third before bed.
The average length of the course of taking the drug should be 4–6 weeks, after which it is necessary to take a two-week break.
What sports nutrition products can tribulus be combined with?
To get the maximum effect from taking the drug, first of all you need to adhere to a sports diet and follow a training regimen.
Tribulus goes well with creatine, proteins and vitamin-mineral complexes.
Combining tribulus with egg albumin, casein, soy protein, the daily dose of the latter should be approximately 2–3 grams per 1 kilogram of the athlete’s body weight.
As for combining tribulus with other sports nutrition products (vitamin-mineral complexes, energy drinks, creatine, etc.), the ratio of these ingredients in an athlete’s diet is determined purely individually.
conclusions
So, when you decide to give your figure some athleticism, don’t forget about the gifts of nature. Feel free to use tribulus as an additional sports nutrition.
This supplement will allow you to achieve excellent results and here's why.
- Tribulus stimulates the body to produce healthy, “its own” testosterone.
- Taking dietary supplements based on tribulus allows you to quickly increase endurance and build muscle mass.
- Tribulus helps to withstand extreme loads and recover quickly.
- The drug has a beneficial effect on all functional systems of the body.
- This food supplement is not doping and, when taken correctly, is completely safe for health.
- Tribulus goes well with vitamins, minerals, energy drinks, creatine and proteins.
- The drug is contraindicated only for children, pregnant women and people with serious pathologies of the kidneys, blood vessels and heart.