STUDY I:
J Altern Complement Med. 2003 Apr;9(2):257-65.
Sexual effects of puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat model.
Gauthaman K, Ganesan AP, Prasad RN.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
OBJECTIVE: 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 & 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.
So what does this mean?
There is support to show in our rodent friends that trib in fact does have a place when PROTODIOSCIN is STANDARDIZED, albeit for a lot smaller and perhaps much easier body weight to achieve large enough extractions.
Studies such as this would lend us to equate an 85% standardization necessary in human males - DO YOU THINK ANY SUPPLEMENT COMPANIES REMOTELY COME CLOSE TO THIS TALLY? Is the essential fact of being a supplement company the sole limiting factor of more broad-based acceptance?
I am convinced the research has not fully explored the potential here, how bout you?
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STUDY II:
J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Apr;85(2-3):257-60.
Tribulus terrestris: preliminary study of its diuretic and contractile effects and comparison with Zea mays.
Al-Ali M, Wahbi S, Twaij H, Al-Badr A.
Department of Urology, St. Bartholomew's, The Royal London & Homerton University Hospitals, 224B East End Road, East Finchley, N2 8AX, London, UK.
OBJECTIVES: Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) which is called Al-Gutub (in Iraqi dialect) or Quti;ba (in classical Arabic medicine), and Zea mays were both used alone or in combination by Iraqi herbalists to propel urinary stones. We studied the aqueous extract of the leaves and fruits of T. terrestris and the hair of Z. mays, to determine their diuretic activity and the contractile effect of T. terrestris. METHODS: The aqueous extract was filtered and the solvent was evaporated to produce a dry crude extract. The dry extract was then dissolved in physiological saline to make the required concentrations. Wistar male rats were used for the diuresis test and strips of isolated Guinea pig ileum were used for the contractility test. RESULTS: The aqueous extract of T. terrestris, in oral dose of 5g/kg elicited a positive diuresis, which was slightly more than that of furosemide. Z. mays aqueous extract did not result in significant diuresis when given alone in oral dose of 5g/kg, while combination of Z. mays and T. terrestris extracts produced the same extent of diuresis as that produced by T. terrestris alone. Na(+), K(+) and Cl(+) concentrations in the urine had also much increased. In addition to its diuretic activity T. terrestris had evoked a contractile activity on Guinea pig ileum. CONCLUSION: T. terrestris has long been used empirically to propel urinary stones. The diuretic and contractile effects of T. terrestris indicate that it has the potential of propelling urinary stones and merits further pharmacological studies.
So what does this mean?
If trib has the potential to act as a diuretic, were the lack of weight gain depicted in the Antonio, et al study truly an accurate depiction of what's going on here? In addition, would a diuretic benefit not show potentially other routes for bodybuilding uses in say, pre-contest mode, etc..?
I am convinced the research has not fully explored the potential here, how bout you?
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Conclusion
To me, it is obvious that there is need to further investigate this area and we will in Part II. With the evidence presented here, I am not sure anyone could refute that Trib, WITHOUT A DOUBT has benefit to a supplement regime, and I, for one am MORE CONVINCED that in the follow-up to this piece, you too will be a convert.
What is to come? There was an additional study done by Brown and colleagues that supports the work of Antonio, et al. with blood labs which will be examined in-depth next time. And a complete follow-up look at the evidence will be presented. Stay tuned.
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References
1. Bucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Am J Clin Nutr. 72:624S-36S, 2000.
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. 137:473-5, 1998.
3. Dimitrov M, Georgiev P, Vitanov S. Use of tribestan on rams with sexual disorders. Vet Med Nauki. 24:102-110, 1987.
4. Adaikan PG, Gauthaman K, Prasad RN, Ng SC. Proerectile pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the
rabbit corpus cavernosum. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 29(1):22-6, 2000.
5. Adimoelja A. Phytochemicals and the breakthrough of traditional herbs in the management of sexual dysfunctions. Int J
Androl. 23(Suppl 2):82-4, 2000.
6. Wang B, Ma L, Liu T. 406 cases of angina pectoris in coronary heart disease treated with saponin of Tribulus terrestris.
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 10:85-7, 1990.
7. Bourke CA, Stevens GR, Carrigan MJ. Locomotor effects in sheep of alkaloids identified in Australian Tribulus terrestris.
Aust Vet J. 69:163?165, 1992.
8. Bourke CA. Staggers in sheep associated with the ingestion of Tribulus terrestris. Aust Vet J. 61:360?363, 1984.
9. 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 10:208-15, 2000.
Note that the two studies in evaluation were not re-cited in reference section. You can find the study info within the body of the text.
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