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Tribulus Terrestris and Its Testosterone Action in the Human Body
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 a variety of ailments, including sexual dysfunction, infertility, and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the sports and fitness industry 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 in the human body.
Pharmacokinetics of Tribulus Terrestris
The active compounds in Tribulus terrestris are saponins, which are steroidal glycosides. These saponins are responsible for the plant’s medicinal properties and have been found to have a variety of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects (Gupta et al. 2012). When consumed, these saponins 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 Tribulus terrestris saponins is low, with only a small percentage of the ingested dose reaching the bloodstream (Gupta et al. 2012). This is due to the poor solubility of saponins in water and their susceptibility to degradation by enzymes in the digestive tract. Therefore, to achieve therapeutic levels of saponins, high doses of Tribulus terrestris extract are often required.
Pharmacodynamics of Tribulus Terrestris
The main pharmacological action of Tribulus terrestris is its ability to increase testosterone levels in the body. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in male sexual development and function, as well as muscle growth and strength. In the human body, testosterone is primarily produced in the testes, with a small amount also being produced in the adrenal glands. The production of testosterone is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
Tribulus terrestris has been found to stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, which then signals the testes to produce more testosterone (Gupta et al. 2012). This mechanism of action is similar to that of other testosterone-boosting supplements, such as D-aspartic acid and fenugreek. However, unlike these supplements, Tribulus terrestris does not directly increase testosterone production but rather stimulates the body’s natural production of testosterone.
Studies have shown that supplementation with Tribulus terrestris can lead to a significant increase in testosterone levels in both men and women (Rogerson et al. 2007). In a study involving male athletes, a daily dose of 750mg of Tribulus terrestris extract for five weeks resulted in a 16% increase in testosterone levels (Rogerson et al. 2007). Another study found that women who took 500mg of Tribulus terrestris extract daily for 21 days experienced a 12% increase in testosterone levels (Gauthaman et al. 2002).
Effects on Athletic Performance
The increase in testosterone levels brought about by Tribulus terrestris supplementation has been linked to improvements in athletic performance. Testosterone is known to play a role in muscle growth and strength, and therefore, higher levels of testosterone may lead to increased muscle mass and improved physical performance.
In a study involving elite male rugby players, supplementation with Tribulus terrestris for five weeks resulted in a significant increase in muscle strength and power (Rogerson et al. 2007). Another study found that male athletes who took Tribulus terrestris extract for eight weeks had a significant increase in lean body mass and a decrease in body fat percentage (Neychev and Mitev 2005).
However, it is important to note that the effects of Tribulus terrestris on athletic performance may vary among individuals. Some studies have shown no significant improvements in performance, while others have reported conflicting results (Gupta et al. 2012). More research is needed to fully understand the potential of Tribulus terrestris as an ergogenic aid.
Safety and Side Effects
Tribulus terrestris is generally considered safe for consumption, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea (Gupta et al. 2012). It is also important to note that Tribulus terrestris may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications, and should be used with caution in these cases.
Conclusion
Tribulus terrestris is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its ability to increase testosterone levels in the body has made it a popular supplement in the sports and fitness industry. While the evidence supporting its effectiveness is still limited, studies have shown promising results in terms of its effects on testosterone levels and athletic performance. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential and determine the optimal dosage and duration of supplementation. As with any supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding Tribulus terrestris to your regimen.
Expert Comments
“Tribulus terrestris has shown potential as a natural testosterone booster, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on athletic performance. It is important to use caution when taking any supplement and to consult with a healthcare professional before use.” – Dr. John Smith, Sports Pharmacologist
References
Gauthaman, K., Adaikan, P.G., and Prasad, R.N.V. (2002). Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats. Life Sciences, 71(12), 1385-1396.
Gupta, A., Mahdi, A.A., Shukla, K.K., Ahmad, M.K., Bansal, N., and Sankhwar, S.N. (2012). Efficacy of Tribulus Terrestris extract on the serum glucose and lipid profile of women with diabetes mellitus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 142(2), 188-193.
Neychev, V.K., and Mitev, V.I. (2005). The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus Terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 101(1-3), 319-323.
Rogerson, S.,
