Note
Given its qualifications as a nutritional supplement under DSHEA, its
wide range of applications (particularly its effects on sexual
function), long and diverse history of safe use and apparent absence of
toxicity, Bulgarian
Tribulus Terrestris is truly an ideal herb as the sports nutrition
supplement,
as an anti-aging tonic and as a sexual tonic.
Among the clinically significant effects of Tribulus terrestris
identified in various human and animal studies are:
• Reduction in cholesterol
• Reductions in high blood pressure
• Inhibition of stress-induced clumping of blood platelets
• Increases in strength of contraction of the heart muscle
• Reductions in sodium and fluid retention
• Anti-urolithiatic (urinary/kidney stone preventing) and litholytic
(dissolving)
activities
• Improvement of the profile of red and white blood cells, including V
and T lymphocytes and stimulation of the humoral immune system
• Anti-bacterial, anti-malarial and anti-fungal properties
• Anti-inflammatory activity
• Analgesic effects
And with specific regard to sexual function:
• In men --- increase libido, in potency and strength of erections, in
the number and quality of sperm produced, and often, testosterone
• In women --- increases libido, improved sex hormone profile
(increases in estradiol levels), mood and ovulation effects, and
reductions in some menopausal symptoms
Tribulus terrestris has been shown to increase free testosterone levels
in men when consumed it.
Safety
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.
Chemistry
Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris is extraordinarily rich in substances of
potential biological significance, including plant steroids, saponins,
flavonoids, alkaloids, unsaturated acids, oils, calcium, phosphorus,
iron
and protein, which individually and in concert, are responsible for its
many and varied physiological effects.
The presence and quantities of the pharmacologically important
metabolites depend on the parts of the plants used (above ground parts:
leaves and fruits and, to a lesser extent, the shoots) and on the
conditions of growth, cultivation and harvesting. The following ensures
that Trilovin™ delivers the highest possible quality and natural
content of active metabolites:
• The use of specific, unique and pharmaceutically oriented methods of
growing and harvesting Tribulus terrestris in Bulgaria
• Use of only the above ground (aerial) portions of the plant
• The subsequent handling, and processing in the United States
Availability
A quantity of Tribulus terrestris, cultivated and harvested in the
environmentally clean area of Topolovgrad, Bulgaria, according to the
specific methods developed for pharmaceutical use, is now available for
distribution in the United States and Canada. With international
documentation regarding origin, authenticity, radiological
contamination and chemical analysis, it was
released for use in the United States by the Food and Drug
Administration
in late 1996.
Is Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris different from Chinese and Indian
Tribulus?
Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris differs significantly from the Tribulus
Terrestris extracts from India and China.
Using a special method of harvesting and pharmaceutical preparation,
Bulgarian
Tribulus Terrestris has a very high concentration of steroidal
saponins.
Indian and Chinese Tribulus Terrestris do not.
There are three groups of active phytochemicals in Bulgarian Tribulus
Terrestris.
1. Dioscin, protodioscin, diosgenin, etc.
This first group has an effect on sexual performance and may treat
various sexual disorders, sexual energy level and strength by
increasing the percentage of free testosterone level for men, and
effects pregnenolone, progesterone, estrogen, etc. The hormone
balancing effects of Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris for women makes this
product best for premenstrual syndrome and menopausal syndrome.
2. Sterols – betasitosterols, stigma, etc.
This second group protects the prostate from swelling and in
combination with the X steroidal saponins (third group listed below),
protects the prostate from cancer.
3. Proprietary steroidal saponins currently referred to as X steroidal
saponins.
These X steroidal saponins effect the immune system. They have been
demonstrated to possess anti-bacterial and anti-viral (especially
anti-herpes) effects. Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris may be used
internally and externally to
treat herpes, and virus infections such as influenza and the common
cold.
Chinese and Indian Tribulus Terrestris are made from a different part
of the plant and is harvested at a different time of the year. The
phytochemistry of Chinese and Indian Tribulus Terrestris is
considerably different from that of Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris.
Chinese and Indian Tribulus Terrestris is used as a diuretic, and is
used
to treat kidney stones. Chinese and Indian Tribulus Terrestris does not
have the same pharmacological and physiological functions as Bulgarian
Tribulus
Terrestris. At the best, Indian and Chinese Tribulus Terrestris have
but
a trace of group 1 and 1 phytochemicals, and contain virtually no X
steroidal
saponins. The Indian and Chinese producers extract for furostanols,
which
has no equivalent pharmacological effect to the Bulgarian Tribulus
Terrestris.
Furostanols are not the active ingredient used to effect sexual
physiology
and to regulate hormone balance. As they exist in Indian and Chinese
Tribulus
Terrestris, they are not absorbed and utilized by the body. However,
the
all of the active substances in Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris are
readily absorbed and utilized in the body. This explains the radical
difference
in the effects of Tribulus Terrestris from different sources.
Bulgarian
Tribulus utilizes the entire plant. It promotes the functions of the
adrenal glands and can have profound benefits to menopausal women and
to men with weakening sexual function. Tribulus also has powerful, safe
anti-inflammatory action.
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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.