Tribulus terrestris and Saponins?

Article Content:

Administration and Suggestions.

Tribulus terrestris Extract Tribulus Saponins Protodioscin photo picture image Primary Traditional Functions:

Testosterone stimulator, diuretic, aphrodisiac (stimulates libido), stimulates spermatogenesis and ovogenesis, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic,

Tribulus terrestris is a single herbal product that has recently become extremely popular in the natural health field. It has been found to benefit the sexual functions of both men and women. It is a libido enhancer. Clinical studies indicate that it helps with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and with menopausal syndrome. It provides extra drive for body builders. It has been found to regulate hormone levels in both men and women. The result is increased sexual potency in men and improved hormonal balance in women. Studies indicate that men who take Tribulus terrestris consistently have higher amounts of free testosterone in their systems.

Are there any side effects from Tribulus?

No significant adverse effects have been reported with supplementation of Tribulus Terrestris. However, some users report an upset stomach. This can usually be counteracted by taking it with food.

As for side effects, about one in ten people have associated some gastrointestinal upset with taking Tribulus. Taking food with it can minimize these effects if you are that one in ten. Related to syrian rue and seeds reported to contain similar alkaloids, ie; beta-carboline alkaloids such as harmaline, though there is little direct phytochemical studies of Australian species.

Safety and Acute toxicity:

No adverse effects have been noted in any of the clinical trials or human research studies. Toxicity is extremely low in both acute and long term animal studies (based on the animal data, a human would have to consume approximately 100 times the average recommended dose of 750mg). There are no contraindications, and no negative effects are presently known to exist when Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris is used as a nutritional supplement in the recommended amounts or when used as adjunctive therapy in the absence of other prescribed medications.

Toxicity: The LD50 of a liopihilized saponin extract was 813 mg/kg (mice, intraperitoneal) (Arcasoy et al. 1998). This plant is the cause of geeldikkop in sheep and other small livestock, a condition characterized by edema of the head, fever, and jaundice (Kirtikar and Basu 1993, 423). Photosensitization and cholangiohepatopathy have been noted in sheep grazing Tribulus terrestris. (Tapia et al. 1994). Two beta-carboline indoleamines (harmane and norharmane) isolated from the plant material of Tribulus terrestris have been implicated in causing central nervous system effects in sheep that have grazed on Tribulus over a period of months. Researchers proposed that harmane and norharmane accumulate in tryptamine-associated neurones of the central nervous system and gradually interact irreversibly with a specific neuronal gene DNA sequence (Bourke et al 1992).

Interaction Information:Although Tribulus terrestris is a safe non-hormonal food supplement, about one in ten people have associated some gastrointestinal upset while taking Tribulus terrestris. To minimize the effects of gastrointestinal upset, take with food. Do not use while pregnant. Safety in young children, nursing women, or those with severe illnesses is unknown.

Acute toxicity (LD50):Tribulus saponins

LD50-Lethal dose,50 percent death.Intraperitoneal.Rodent-mouse >813mg/kg.
LD50-Lethal dose,50 percent death.Oral.Rodent-mouse.>10grams(10,000 mg)/kg.
Details of toxic effects not reported other than lethal dose value.

A special attention should be paid to the evidence about the safety of the preparation. Under experimental conditions, no evidence of any acute, subchronic and/or chronic toxicity (behavioral, hematological, functional, biochemical and/or morphologic investigations) have been established whatsoever. There is no evidence of any carcinogenic, teratogenic and/or embryotoxic effect either.

The performed experiments showed that Tribestan possesses no toxic effect upon the animals. In rats, LD50 toxicity for intraperitoneal administration is 750~813 mg/kg b.m. whereas for the oral administration it is more than 10,000 mg/kg b.m. that is why, no symptoms of overdose and/or toxicity have been observed during the clinical trials.

Conclusion:

Tribulus has been shown to be a safe and legal way of increasing the testosterone levels in the body. Who doesn't want bigger muscles and a better sex life?

This plant is taken because it is believed to have a synergistic effect when taken in combination with DHEA. The herb has a long history in Eastern medicine. For 5,000 years it has been used in China and India to boost hormone production in men and women, and treat urinary tract problems, itchy skin and blood purification. Studies have shown that some products which contain Tribulus result in a significant increase in circulating testosterone levels. One explanation for this is that Tribulus stimulates the secretion of leutinizing hormone (LH), a gonad - stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland. In some cases, an increase in the level of estradiol also occurred. Thus while this herb could enhance GH secretion and overal mass increases, this could bode poorly for those who are highly susceptible to Gyno or insulin resistance. Bodybuilders are taking Tribulus supplements as part of a supplement stack.

Used in Ayurveda, sometimes in combination with Mucuna or cowhage, plant and dried spiny fruit are esteemed as cooloing, demulcent, diuretic, tonic and aphrodisiac.

Combines well for different conditions with ashwagandha (Withana somnifera), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolis), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), asoka (Saraca indica), ginger, and licorice root.

No adverse effects to the central nervous or cardiovascular systems were noted in any of the clinical studies; no toxicity and no deviations in blood count occurred. No known negative effects presently exist when Tribulus is used as a dietary supplement. Tribulus exhibits a mild diuretic effect.

Dosage Information:

Experts recommend taking between 750 to 1,250 mg per day, divided among meals, and stacking it with about 100 mg per day of DHEA, along with around 100 mg per day of androstenedione for optimum results. For other uses, read product label directions.

Reference:

1.Tribulus terrestris and Saponins?

Tribulus terrestris and Saponins?

Article Content:

Administration and Suggestions.

Reference:

last edit date:7th,May.2009.

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