Today you will know if Tribulus good for testosterone boost in healthy men and how does Tribulus increase testosterone in the body.
What are testosterone boosters?
Testosterone boosters are elements used to stimulate muscle tissue growth, increase strength and libido, and correct sex hormone levels. The effect of testosterone boosters is since these supplements can increase the natural production of its testosterone in the body.
Boosters are usually made up of natural plant components and vitamins, minerals, and less often synthetic substances that can also increase testosterone levels. Currently, there are enough scientific studies that prove the positive effect of some testosterone boosters, we are talking about here, on muscle mass gain. But is Tribulus one of those effective supplements?
How does Tribulus increase testosterone?
For many years, Tribulus remained one of the most popular testosterone boosters. However, after many scientific studies, opinions about the effectiveness of Tribulus have diverged.
Tribulus is an extract of a plant growing in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. It contains chemical compounds called steroid saponins, which are believed to increase testosterone levels. The most important of them is protodioscin.
Protodioscin is a steroid saponin that can be found in various plant species. Protodioscin is believed to have the ability to increase testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone.
Bodybuilders use Tribulus for many years in the hope to increase testosterone secretion, gain muscle mass, remove fat, and increase strength and endurance.
The mechanism of action of Tribulus is associated with its active component protodioscin, which stimulates the pituitary gland. The stimulating effect is related to the activation of the production of luteinizing hormones, which increase the level of free testosterone.
Besides, although it belongs to testosterone boosters, protodioscin also can increase the production of nitric oxide. Increased levels of nitric oxide lead to improved blood circulation. Since the efficiency of Tribulus is explained by protodioscin, it is better to look for products that are standardized and contain this active ingredient in high concentrations.
The standard dosage is usually 300-600 mg per day.
Tribulus Terrestris testosterone study results
In theory, Tribulus indirectly increases testosterone levels by increasing the level of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the natural production of testosterone and its serum level. However, very little research has been done on the effectiveness of Tribulus as a means of increasing testosterone levels.
Some studies suggest that it can increase testosterone levels by 30-50% in animals1 from the initial level, but still within the normal range for humans. No study has found that it raises testosterone levels above normal levels in healthy men or improves body composition.
In one study, 15 men who exercise with weights received a placebo or high doses of Tribulus (3.3 mg per kg body weight per day) for 2 months. The results showed no changes in body weight, percentage of fat, total muscle mass, or muscle strength due to the intake of Tribulus.
Who will benefit from taking Tribulus?
Because of the lack of scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this supplement, Tribulus cannot be recommended for building muscle mass in healthy men with normal T levels.
However, as a component in complex supplements, it may be useful for men with low testosterone levels, such as athletes at risk of overtraining syndrome, as well as for people on a long-term low-calorie diet and to improve fertility. 2
Tribulus testosterone booster side effects
Tribulus may increase the level of the female hormone estradiol, which may lead to breast growth in men – not exactly the effect sought by the gym-goers.
Best testosterone boosters according to studies
Learn more about scientifically proven testosterone supplements and which products available today contain working doses of them.
Mike Lilley is the author of many articles and reviews on our site. He is a fitness & bodybuilding blogger and co-founder of Boost Hormone. He writes product reviews based on the results of scientific research. From the great variety of information and products in this niche, he recommends only those that include science-based nutritional ingredients. Find Mike Lilley at SelfGrowth.
References:
Andrzej Pokrywka, Zbigniew Obmiński, Jadwiga Malczewska-Lenczowska, Zbigniew Fijałek, Ewa Turek-Lepa, and Ryszard Grucza – “Insights into Supplements with Tribulus Terrestris used by Athletes” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120469/
J Hum Kinet. 2014 Jun 28; 41: 99–105. Published online 2014 Jul 8. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2014-0037
Mrinalini Kumari and Poonam Singh – “Tribulus terrestris improves metronidazole-induced impaired fertility in the male mice” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6307007/
Afr Health Sci. 2018 Sep; 18(3): 645–652. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v18i3.22