MCWtrainer

Here is some information on tribulus supplementation...



Here is a great link...
http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/pr...tris-facts.htm[/quote]
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Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus terrestris is a prostrate, matforming plant. Although it has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years, little was scientifically known about it until recently. Tribulus is said to increase testosterone levels by as much as 30%, especially when taken in conjunction with sopharma. The primary mechanism of action to explain this phenomenon is that tribulus stimulates the secretion of lutenizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland. This in turn stimulates testosterone production, as well as growth hormone and estradiol. Therefore, tribulus can easily stimulate gynecomastia (gyno) and insulin resistance. This is very negative for bodybuilders. In women, tribulus stimulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol, but not testosterone. 750-1200 mg/day dosages are not uncommon and is usually stacked with 100 mg/day of DHEA (discussed later) and 100 mg/day of androstenedione. Although the rise in testosterone levels may sound attractive to many athletes, the side effects are much more dire than gynecomastia and insulin resistance. Tribulus Terrestris has been shown to dilate the coronary arteries (Wang, 1990) and has a diuretic effect (Arcasoy, 1998). In both cases, this can put the athlete in a dangerous state. Bourke (1995) found that severe nervous and muscular locomotor disorders are directly associated with tribulus terrestris ingestion. The production of bile stones is also greatly enhanced (Miles, 1994) due to hyperplasia of the bile ducts and diffuse swelling of hepatocytes (Tapia, 1994).
Gauthaman et al. (2005) suggests that tribulus stimulates androgen production, an effect similar to that of prohormones and prosteroids. For more on prohormones, read The Truth About Prohormones. As noted above, tribulus increases the risk of developing gynecomastia. Jameel et al. (2004) confirms this by stating that the increased incidence of gynecomastia in young male athletes is a direct result of the increased use of steroids and tribulus terrestris. Other evidence suggests that the heavy diuretic effect of tribulus can cause kidney damage.

Tribulus also contains a compound called saponin, which is a class of glucosides. Saponin derived from tribulus has been shown by Li et al. (2002) to elicit a hypoglycemic effect. Serum glucose is significantly lowered with tribulus supplementation, which has negative effects on insulin sensitivity and central nervous system function (the CNS runs solely on blood glucose). A result of prolonged tribulus supplementation may be diabetes. Further investigations by the same researchers found that tribulus lowers plasma HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels and severely restricts gluconeogenesis activity in the liver. Antonio et al. (2000) assessed the effect of tribulus supplementation (in high doses) on trained male athletes. Over the course of the investigation, there were no changes in body weight, percentage fat, total body water, dietary intake, or mood states in either group. Slight increases in muscle strength were found in the tribulus group compared to the placebo, but the results were not significant. Antonio and his associates concluded: “Supplementation with tribulus does not enhance body composition or exercise performance in resistance-trained males.”

Based on the available evidence, tribulus terrestris is an extremely dangerous supplement and cannot be used in a safe manner. Its supplementation should be avoided by all athletes at all times.

(I personally don't belive what they are saying about tribulus being extremely dangerous, that is just my opinion though...)

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Tribulus Terrestris


Description:
Tribulus (puncture vine) is a vine that has been used as a general tonic (energy) and herbal treatment for impotence, but is found primarily in dietary supplements marketed for increasing testosterone levels in bodybuilders and power athletes.


Claims:
- Increased testosterone production
- Increased muscle mass/strength


Theory:
The idea behind tribulus is that it may increase testosterone levels indirectly by raising blood levels of another hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and plays a role in regulating natural testosterone production and serum levels.

Scientific Support:
The active ingredient in tribulus is unknown, but is though to be a component known as furostanol saponins. There has been very little research conducted on the effectiveness of tribulus in elevating testosterone levels – the main claim made by body building products which contain the herb. In some cultures, the tribulus terrestris plant has been used as a "tonic" to in crease energy levels and treat sexual dysfunction (usually in males). In animals, tribulus may stimulate "mounting" behavior. Some European studies suggest that tribulus extract can increase testosterone levels 30-50% above baseline levels – but still well within the normal range. Unfortunately, however, these same studies also suggest a similar increase in estradiol levels – not exactly what the hardcore muscle builders should be interested in boosting

If tribulus extract does indeed elevate testosterone levels somewhat, but keeps them within normal ranges, it may be an effective supplement for individuals with reduced testosterone levels such as athletes at risk for overtraining syndrome and in those individuals on a prolonged low-calorie diet. It will not, however, cause you to start sprouting muscles from all parts of your body, as many body building mags would have you believe.

In one of the few well-controlled studies to examine the effects of tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance looked at 15 resistance-trained males. Subjects received either a placebo or a large dose of tribulus (1.5mg per pound of body weight per day for 2 months). Results showed no changes in body weight, percentage fat, total muscle mass or muscle strength related to tribulus supplementation.

Safety:
Although no significant side effects should be expected at doses of tribulus contained in commercial dietary supplements, animal studies have suggested the possibility of locomotor (muscle coordination) disturbances following ingestion of tribulus in high quantities. In sheep consuming tribulus plant for several months, neurological disease was characterized by an irreversible, asymmetrical, weakness of the hindlimbs.

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).

Dosage:
A typical dosage of 250-1500 mg of tribulus per day is fairly common. Be sure to choose an extract standardized for at least 30-45% steroidal saponins (furostanol).


References:
1. Antonio J, Uelmen J, Rodriguez R, Earnest C. The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000 Jun;10(2):208-15.
2. Arcasoy HB, Erenmemisoglu A, Tekol Y, Kurucu S, Kartal M. Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. saponin mixture on some smooth muscle preparations: a preliminary study. Boll Chim Farm. 1998 Dec;137(11):473-5.
3. Bourke CA. Hepatopathy in sheep associated with Tribulus terrestris. Aust Vet J. 1983 Jun;60(6):189.
4. Bourke CA. Staggers in sheep associated with the ingestion of Tribulus terrestris. Aust Vet J. 1984 Nov;61(11):360-3.
5. Duhan A, Chauhan BM, Punia D. Nutritional value of some non-conventional plant foods of India. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1992 Jul;42(3):193-200.
6. Wu G, Jiang S, Jiang F, Zhu D, Wu H, Jiang S. Steroidal glycosides from Tribulus terrestris. Phytochemistry. 1996 Aug;42(6):1677-81.
7. Xu YX, Chen HS, Liang HQ, Gu ZB, Liu WY, Leung WN, Li TJ. Three new saponins from Tribulus terrestris. Planta Med. 2000 Aug;66(6):545-50.
8. Yan W, Ohtani K, Kasai R, Yamasaki K. Steroidal saponins from fruits of Tribulus terrestris. Phytochemistry. 1996 Jul;42(5):1417-22.
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Tribulus

What is it?
Tribulus terrestris (also known as puncture vine) is a plant that grows in many tropical and moderate areas of the world. Reported to be the "secret weapon" employed by Bulgarian strength athletes, Tribulus terrestris is reported to increase muscle growth, improve libido and "lift" male performance in the bedroom. Many different cultures have used it for a number of conditions. The Greeks, for example, used Tribulus terrestris as a mood-enhancer. The people of Bulgaria used Tribulus terrestris as a way to enhance sex and as a treatment for infertility. Recently, eastern European athletes have used it in place of certain anabolic drugs to gain strength and size.

Who should use it?
Tribulus terrestris is effective for anyone seeking rapid gains in muscle size, strength and power Athletes involved in strength- and power-based sports, bodybuilders and regular gym users are likely to notice significant gains in both muscular size and performance. Men wanting to "lift" performance in the bedroom and enhance libido will also benefit from supplementation with Tribulus.

How does it work?
Tribulus terrestris is a plant shown to raise testosterone levels safely and naturally, and is rumoured to be the secret behind the success of many top Bulgarian weightlifters [1]. Testosterone is one of nature's most powerful muscle building hormone. Testosterone tells your muscle cells to absorb more protein, leading to more muscle size and strength. By raising testosterone levels safely and naturally, and then keeping them elevated for long periods, Tribulus terrestris will increase lean muscle, strength and performance. Instead of being a testosterone precursor, Tribulus terrestris leads to a rise in the production of luteinizing hormone. When luteinizing hormone levels are increased, the natural production of testosterone also increases.

Luteinizing hormone also increases sex drive and libido, which is why it has been used to increase fertility and help with impotence. Laboratory animal studies show that Tribulus terrestris increases sperm count as well as motility levels after taking it for 30 days. This is a good supplement for men and women to increase their sex drive. According to Bill Phillips, former editor of Muscle Media, "...Tribulus terrestris can significantly "lift" performance in the bedroom." Tribulus terrestris contains a number of different substances known as steroidal saponins. The saponin in Tribulus terrestris thought to be responsible for its effect on testosterone levels and libido is known as protodioscin. Many companies sell Tribulus terrestris, but very few harvest the right parts of the plant at the right time of the year (which is necessary to get high levels of the active protodioscins).

The protodioscin content of Tribulus terrestris varies widely depending on the way the herb is grown, processed, packaged, and stored [2]. Researchers from the University of Mississippi have shown wide variations in the protodioscin content of various Tribulus terrestris products [3]. High-quality Tribulus terrestis products are standardised to at least 60% protodioscin levels - the higher the protodioscin level, the better.

How should I use it?
Most experts recommend experimenting with 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams per day, in 2-3 divided doses.

What results should I expect?
It usually takes 5-7 days of supplementation with Tribulus terrestris before most people notice an increase in aggression, libido and drive.

To see and feel the gains in muscle strength and size takes a little longer, usually in the region of 11-15 days. When used in combination with an effective training programme and a high protein diet, it's reasonable to expect to gain several pounds of muscle in the first 3-4 weeks. Please note that some people may experience a strong increase in libido when using this product.

What should I use it with?
Tribulus terrestris is a highly effective supplement when taken alone for promoting gains in muscle strength and size, libido and aggression. However, some Bulgarian strength coaches believe that it works well at promoting muscle growth when combined with some of the newer anabolic compounds, such as Beta-Ecdysterone.

Because of the important role played by minerals in raising testosterone levels, Tribulus terrestris can be combined with zinc and magnesium (preferably as ZMA). Men looking for a real boost in sex drive may also want to combine Tribulus Terrestris with Horny Goat Weed. However, some men are uncomfortable with such a large rise in libido, and may benefit from starting with smaller doses to assess their tolerance. Approximately one in ten people report some gastrointestinal upset when taking Tribulus terrestris. Taking it with food can minimise this effect.
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Roundtable discussion...
http://www.gssiweb.com/reflib/refs/6..._50.cfm?pid=96

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For more info Click Here for the original thread.

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