Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is a natural herb used for its medicinal effects around the world. Tribulus is extracted from the plant, and used as a natural nutritional supplement. Tribulus Terrestris has been used for centuries by the Chinese to calm the liver, treat headaches, dizziness, and premature ejaculation. In bodybuilding, Tribulus is used for its testosterone boosting properties more than anything else. Studies have shown over 50% increase in testosterone levels when taking Tribulus Terresteris. Tribulus Terrestris is not a hormone. It works completely different from Andro and DHEA. Tribulus increases testosterone through increasing lutenizing hormone (LH) in your body. LH tells your body to produce testosterone. Why is this beneficial? Simply because Tribulus is not a hormone supplement, it merely works within the body's natural limits helping you achieve muscle and strength. Much tribulus research and studies have been conducted, and there are some contradicting results regarding the positive benefits of supplementing Tribulus Terrestris. There are a large number of studies that provide contradicting results on the effectiveness of tribulus. Various studies on rats have demonstrated that tribulus increased testosterone and sexual activity. Tribulus works, but not for everyone. It is probable that Tribulus terrestris would work a lot better in people who have low testosterone levels in the first place; this means that the older you are, the more likely Tribulus terrestris is to make a difference. Tribulus terrestris is still little known in the west for its medicinal properties but is widely used in Indian ayurvedic medicine where it is known as "gokshura". In ayurveda it is considered a tonic and its effects are sometimes compared to those of ginseng, although the two herbs work through entirely different mechanisms. Tribulus terrestris supplements are mainly promoted for the enhancement of sexual health through their ability to raise hormone levels. Independent studies have verified that the herb does indeed raise hormone levels but only modestly, leaving them within the normal range. A number of sources state that Tribulus terrestris elevates testosterone in particular by stimulating production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). As such it has become popular with weight-lifters despite research indicating that the herb only raises testosterone considerably when there is a deficiency to start with. Tribulus terrestris also has powerful effects on the liver, stimulating bile flow and increasing levels of glutathione. Other benefits reported include immune stimulation, anti-fungal properties and heart protective effects.
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