Tribulus terrestris is a flowering plant that grows during the summers in tropical regions, including America,Australia, southern Europe, southern Asia, and Africa.

The extracts of this plant have been widely used for its manifold of health benefits, such as increased muscle mass, use as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and for its ability to enhance ones mood.

 

Reported Effects

1) Builds muscle mass.

2) Increases endurance and delivers energy.

3) Enhances the production of luteinizing hormone.

 

Reported effects include:

Enhances the production of luteinizing hormone – tribulus terrestris extract has shown significant result with increased testosterone levels in the human body. It promotes production of the luteinizing sex hormone which in turn raises the testosterone levels resulting in increased overall strength and stamina in the human body.

This has been seen to take place in men who are typically over the age of 35. Younger men already produce optimal amounts of testosterone in their body, so an elevation of testosterone in this case is not seen.

Builds muscle mass – One of the most promising effects of this supplement is its ability to build muscle mass in the body. The phytochemicals of tribulus terrestris supports the production of LH (luteinizing hormones) which helps develope muscle mass, especially popular among weightlifters, bodybuilders, and athletes.

Supports protein absorptions – The internal composition of the extract of this flowering plant also promotes the absorptions of protein in the body cells thereby ensuring good health along with stamina, which are both highly essential for bodybuilding.

Promotes endurance and provides energy – Bodybuilders and athletes use this supplement to increase their testosterone levels. This as a result drives long-lasting endurance and provides sufficient energy required for their heavy workouts. A boost in LH in younger men tends to have a similar effect as well even though actual levels of testosterone remain the same.

Increases sexual function – The ingredient is also used as a traditional herbal supplement for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, thereby increasing libido in men.

Helps with the treatment of potential diseases – It has been reported that this herbal supplement carries the potential to reduce the symptoms of various diseases, including kidney stones, hepatitis, high cholesterol, nasal tumors, Psoriasis, headaches, and so on.

 

Possible Dangers

Some believe that increased testosterone levels in the body due to the intake of tribulus terrestris may lead to anger, rage, lowering of female voice, etc. However, there is no strong evidence to support any of these effects.

There are some reported observations that this supplement may lead to stomach upset, unless taken along with proper nutrition.

 

FDA Approved?

Tribulus terrestris has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

 

Studies

Several studies suggested evidence that tribulus terrestris is not actually a hormone; it rather promotes the production of testosterone levels by increasing LH in the body and therefore does not cause any severe side effects in the human body.

Some studies suggest that the primary reason for use of this supplement is for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Its ability to relax muscles and promote blood flow to the genitals has been shown to be very effective for the treatment of ED.

A few studies also suggest that bodybuilders and athletes can take supplements of tribulus terrestris as a remedy to help increase muscle mass. More research needs to be conducted in this area though for conclusive proof.

Certain research reported that this herbal supplement can be used for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. However, sufficient evidence is yet to be announced to support the statements in such reports.

Several studies conducted in some universities recently suggest that tribulus terrestris supplements have the ability to balance the hormone levels in the body.

Some studies that were conducted to figure out the causes of infertility in men found that this herbal supplement can be used to enhance sperm motility in such individuals.

Based on the results stated by some recent studies conducted on the health benefits of tribulus terrestris supplements, bodybuilders and athletes experienced an increased level of strength, endurance and stamina after taking this supplement regularly for a few days. The dosage was defined based on the individual body structure and levels of body hormones so that no potential side effects are experienced.

 

Supplements using this ingredient:

1. Twinlab Tribulus Fuel

2. NOW Tribulus 1000

3. Universal Animal Stak

4. MHP T-Bomb II

5. Bodybuilding.com Supplements Tribulus Terrestris

6. Optimum Tribulus 625 Caps

7. NOW Tribulus

8. Nutrex Vitrix

9. PharmaFreak TEST FREAK

10. Prolab Horny Goat Weed

 

Conclusion

Tribulus terrestris is a widely known supplement used for increasing muscle mass, strength, stamina, endurance, and libido. The advantages of this supplement are not only for bodybuilders, weightlifters, and athletes, but also for people suffering from various potential diseases.

Various commercial supplements available in the market use tribulus terrestris as the main ingredient along with a secondary ingredient known as DHB.