Tribulus
Tribulus Terrestris
Dragon Herbs Tribulus is a potent herb that has been introduced into the world herbal market in a new standardized state. Until recently, the seeds of this plant were used as a medicinal herb in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. However, scientific researchers inBulgaria have discovered that when Tribulus is organically-grown under certain strict conditions and harvested at a newly discovered, specific time, the herb has amazing hormone stimulating, and hormone modulating potency.
Chemistry
Dragon Herbs Tribulus 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 portions of the plant
- The subsequent handling, and processing in the United States
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 extremely effective for premenstrual syndrome and menopausal syndrome.
2. Sterols – beta-sitosterols, 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.
3. Proprietary steroidal saponins currently referred to as X steroidal saponins.
These X steroidal saponins affect the immune system. They have been demonstrated to possess anti-bacterial and anti-viral (especially anti-herpes) effects.
History
Tribulus terrestris has played an important role in folk medicine for millennia. The ancient Greeks used it as a general tonic, diuretic, and mild laxative. In India, Tribulus has been used since ancient times for its diuretic and aphrodisiac properties. Tribulus is widely recommended in Ayurvedic rejuvenative formulations, particularly in the treatment of sexual deficiencies. In China, the herb has been a frequent component of therapy for a variety of disorders affecting the liver and cardiovascular system, and particularly as an anti-inflammatory agent for the kidney and urinary tract.
For all of its therapeutic and adaptogenic effects, the most common cross cultural use of the herb has, nevertheless, been in the treatment of infertility in women, impotence in men, and for increasing the libido of both sexes. It was the search for safe, non-hormonal treatments for infertility and other reproductive disorders that inspired scientists at the Chemical Pharmaceutical Research Institute in Sofia, Bulgaria, to investigate Tribulus terrestris in the early 1960’s, based on its widespread and seemingly successful use in such applications. Their studies of the chemistry and pharmacology, plus the physiological and medicinal effects confirmed in clinical studies have attracted world-wide attention. As a result, standardized pharmaceutical preparations of the herb were developed. By 1981, these were incorporated into mainstream medical treatment of various sexual disorders in much of Eastern Europe.
Until 1985, little was known about the plant in America other than by a small group of scientists, herbalists, and doctors trained in Oriental and Ayurvedic traditions. Even then, little notice was taken of the remarkable aspects of Tribulus terrestris, and it is only recently that the fitness-enhancing benefits of Tribulus terrestris were brought to the attention of the athletic and body building community in the United States. This was as a result of the use of Tribulus terrestris by Eastern European Olympic and world champion strength and power athletes. The first feature article on Tribulus terrestris in a major American magazine was published in the September 1996 issue of Muscle & Fitness. Since then, interest in and the demand for the herb has increased dramatically.
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 per day). There are no contraindications, and no negative effects are presently known to exist when Trilovin™ (standardized Tribulus terrestris) is used as a nutritional supplement or when used as adjunctive therapy in the absence of other prescribed medications.
Availability
Dragon Herbs Tribulus is cultivated and harvested in the environmentally clean area of Topolovgrad, Bulgaria, according to the specific methods developed for pharmaceutical use. It is imported with international documentation regarding origin, authenticity, radiological contamination and chemical analysis and has been approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration since 1996. The pure standardized Tribulus terrestris is available in capsules and as a hydro-alcoholic extract.
Bulgarian vs Chinese and Indian Tribulus Terrestris
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.
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 photochemistry 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 affect 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, all of the active 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.
Summary
Dragon Herbs Tribulus is a superb nutritional supplement for most men and women. It helps regulate hormonal balance and has positive effects on a number of fundamental physiological functions. It is useful for those who wish to build lean muscle as well as by those who desire to experience improvement in their sex lives. It is a superb supplement for women who are experiencing problems associated with menopause and with PMS.
Tribulus may be combined with a wide range of herbs to enhance or modify its actions. Ask your herbalist to recommend the correct combination to suit your needs.
Traditional Function
Adaptogenic, tonifies Kidney and reproductive functions, clears heat, eliminates dampness
Who can use it? Adults
Concentration: powdered Tribulus Terrestris
Specifications: 100 Capsules 460 mg each
Precautions: Use with caution if you are pregnant or lactating
Ingredients: Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris (whole plant)
Other Ingredients: Vegetarian capsules (Pullulan caps 100% natural, water-soluble polysaccharide produced through a fermentation process; vegetable origin; non-GMO; no starch, preservative or chemical modifications; gluten free.), rice powder.
Usage: Take 3 capsules, 2 times per day or as directed by a healthcare professional
Remember Ron Teeguarden’s “First Rule of Tonic Herbalism,” summed up in a single word –Compliance. If you don’t take the herbs, they won’t work.”
