Tribulus terrestris and Saponins?

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Scientific Research and Update.

Tribulus terrestris Extract Tribulus Saponins Protodioscin photo picture image Sexual Effects of Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) Extract (Protodioscin): An Evaluation Using a Rat Model:

 Apart from its claims for improvement of sexual functions in men, the puncturevine plant (Tribulus terrestris: TT) has long been considered as an energizer and vitalizer in the indigenous system of medicine. Sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements were taken in rats to scientifically validate the claim of TT [containing protodioscin (PTN)] as an aphrodisiac.

 Materials and methods: Forty sexually mature male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each. Group I served as a control group and groups II, III, and IV were treated with three different doses of TT extract (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively), orally, once daily for 8 weeks. Weight was recorded and the rats from all four groups were subjected to sexual behavior studies with primed females and various parameters namely mount and intromission frequencies (MF and IF, respectively), mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies (ML, IL, and EL, respectively) as well as postejaculatory interval (PEI) were recorded. In addition, blood pressure and ICP were recorded for all rats at the end of study.

 Results: Increases in body weight (by 9, 23, and 18% for groups II, III and IV) and ICP (by 43% and 26% for groups III and IV) were statistically significant compared to the control group. Increases in MF (by 27% and 24%) and IF (by 19% and 22%) for the groups III and IV were statistically significant. Decreases in ML (by 16%, 23%, and 22% for groups II, III, and IV) and PEI (by 20% for group III) were statistically significant compared to the control.

 Conclusions: The weight gain and improvement in sexual behavior parameters observed in rats could be secondary to the androgen increasing property of TT (PTN) that was observed in our earlier study on primates. The increase in ICP which confirms the proerectile aphrodisiac property of TT could possibly be the result of an increase in androgen and subsequent release of nitric oxide from the nerve endings innervating the corpus cavernosum.

 The alkaloids of Tribulus Terrestris: A Revised Structure for the alkaloid tribulusterine:

 The fruit of the plant Tribulus terrestris is well known as a traditional Chinese medicine with a myriad of reported uses. Herbal medicine preparations are becoming available for many uses including body building and for stimulating spermatogenesis and libido. In addition, the whole live plant causes significant sheep losses in certain regions of Australia when conditions for growth are favoured. Chronic poisoning of the sheep occurs, characterised by a distressing irreversible asymmetric locomotor disorder. The symptoms, which have some similarities to those of Parkinson¡¯s disease in humans, are indicative of a localised interference with the central nervous system, possibly with serotonin-associated neurones. On the basis of other studies, it was thought that the neurotoxic agent may be the -carboline alkaloid, tribulusterine, which had been isolated in very low yield from the fruit of T. terrestris. This investigation developed an efficient synthesis of tribulusterine in order to confirm its structure and provide sufficient material for animal toxicity studies. A successful synthesis of the target alkaloid with structural confirmation by NMR and X-ray crystallography indicated that a structural revision for the reported natural alkaloid was necessary. The same synthetic strategy when applied to the synthesis of perlolyrine confirmed that this closely related -carboline was the natural Tribulus constituent.

 Research about Tribulus Terrestris:

 There are also studies in which Tribulus Terrestris was found to have a stimulating effect on the libido.One study showed that when healthy men were given a daily dose of 750 mg of standardized Tribulus Terrestris, they enjoyed a 30% increase in their testosterone level, after just 5 days.

 In another study of men suffering from impotence and infertility, the administration of a standardized extract of Tribulus Terrestris caused an increase in the testosterone levels and improvement in libido without any side effects.

 Studies show that it works very well when stacked with DHEA and androstenedione. It increased testosterone levels in a different way, however, than either DHEA or andro do. Instead of being a testosterone precursor, it leads to the production of the luteinizing hormone (LH). When LH levels are increased, the natural production of testosterone also increases. LH is a hormone that also deals with sex drive. Now one can understand why it has been used to increase fertility and help with impotence. Laboratory animal studies found that Tribulus terrestris increased 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. Most experts recommend experimenting with 750 to 1,250 mg per day, divided among meals.

 Studies have shown a better than 50% increase in testosterone levels when taking the Tribulus herb. When scientists began studying the remarkable curative power of Tribulus, they discovered that it significantly elevates the level of several hormones: Testosterone; Luteinizing Hormone (LH is a gonad stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol. A significant benefit of Tribulus is the stimulation of hormone production to a balanced level, without over stimulating the secretion of hormones. The liver is a major synthesizer of hormones. The hormones are synthesized from cholesterol, so a herb such as Tribulus that has a stimulating effect on the liver will have a major influence on cholesterol and other products of the liver. Tribulus' role as a liver tonic is very important - breaking down the cholesterol and fats that inhibit healthy liver function. The cholesterol and fats are converted to hormones and energy resulting in increased performance and stamina.

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citations1.Tribulus terrestris and Saponins?

last edit date:7th,May.2009.