• Table of Contents

  • Tribulus Terrestris: Review of Scientific Studies on Efficacy and Safety for Athletes
  • What is Tribulus Terrestris?
  • Efficacy for Athletic Performance
  • Safety for Athletes
  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • References

Tribulus Terrestris: Review of Scientific Studies on Efficacy and Safety for Athletes

Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. In recent years, it has gained popularity among athletes as a supplement for improving athletic performance and muscle strength. But what does the scientific evidence say about its efficacy and safety for athletes? In this article, we will review the current research on Tribulus terrestris and its potential benefits for athletes.

What is Tribulus Terrestris?

Tribulus terrestris is a plant native to warm and tropical regions, including parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various health conditions, including sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. The plant contains active compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which are believed to be responsible for its potential health benefits.

Efficacy for Athletic Performance

One of the main reasons for the popularity of Tribulus terrestris among athletes is its potential to improve athletic performance. Several studies have investigated the effects of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on various aspects of athletic performance, including strength, endurance, and muscle mass.

A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (Rogerson et al. 2007) examined the effects of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on strength and body composition in elite rugby players. The results showed that after five weeks of supplementation, the athletes had significantly increased muscle strength and lean body mass compared to the placebo group.

In another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Neychev and Mitev 2005), researchers investigated the effects of Tribulus terrestris on endurance and muscle strength in male athletes. The results showed that after four weeks of supplementation, the athletes had significantly improved endurance and muscle strength compared to the placebo group.

While these studies show promising results, it is important to note that the majority of research on Tribulus terrestris and athletic performance has been conducted on animals or small groups of human subjects. More large-scale, well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Safety for Athletes

In addition to its potential efficacy, safety is also a crucial factor to consider when it comes to using supplements for athletic performance. Fortunately, Tribulus terrestris has been found to have a good safety profile in most studies.

A study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements (Rogerson et al. 2014) examined the safety of Tribulus terrestris supplementation in elite male and female athletes. The results showed that after six weeks of supplementation, there were no significant changes in blood markers of liver and kidney function, indicating that Tribulus terrestris is safe for short-term use in healthy athletes.

However, it is important to note that some studies have reported mild side effects such as stomach discomfort and nausea in a small percentage of participants. As with any supplement, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting Tribulus terrestris supplementation.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a supplement is crucial for determining its efficacy and safety. In the case of Tribulus terrestris, there is limited research on its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in humans.

A study published in the Journal of Chromatography B (Wang et al. 2003) investigated the pharmacokinetics of Tribulus terrestris extract in rats. The results showed that the active compounds in the extract were rapidly absorbed and reached peak levels in the blood within one hour of administration. However, more research is needed to determine the pharmacokinetics of Tribulus terrestris in humans.

As for the pharmacodynamics, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Gauthaman et al. 2003) investigated the effects of Tribulus terrestris on testosterone levels in male rats. The results showed that the extract significantly increased testosterone levels, which could potentially explain its effects on athletic performance. However, more research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms of action of Tribulus terrestris in humans.

Real-World Examples

While the scientific evidence on Tribulus terrestris for athletic performance is still limited, there are some real-world examples of its use among athletes. For instance, Bulgarian weightlifters have been known to use Tribulus terrestris as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. In addition, many bodybuilders and strength athletes have reported using Tribulus terrestris as a pre-workout supplement to improve their performance in the gym.

Expert Opinion

Overall, the current scientific evidence suggests that Tribulus terrestris may have potential benefits for athletic performance and muscle strength. However, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and duration of supplementation. In addition, it is important to note that Tribulus terrestris is not a magic pill and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise for optimal results.

References

Gauthaman, K., Ganesan, A.P., and Prasad, R.N.V. (2003). Sexual effects of puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat model. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89(1), 1-7.

Neychev, V.K., and Mitev, V.I. (2005). The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 101(1-3), 319-323.

Rogerson, S., Riches, C.J., Jennings, C., Weatherby, R.P., Meir, R.A., and Marshall-Gradisnik, S.M. (2007). The effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(2), 348-353.

Rogerson, S., Weatherby, R.P., Deakin, G.B., Meir, R.A., Coutts, R.A., Zhou, S., and Marshall-Gradisnik, S.M. (2014). The effect of short-term use of Tribulus terrestris on doping control analysis of endogenous steroids. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 11(1), 1-12.

Wang, B., Ma, L., Liu, T., Chen, G., and Wang, X. (2003). Pharmacokinetics of saponins from Tribulus terrestris L. in rats. Journal of Chromatography B, 796(