Most clinical studies use daily tribulus testosterone doses between 750–1,500 mg. A study of older men with partial androgen deficiency showed a clear link between testosterone levels (both total and free) and IIEF-5 scores after taking TT . TT supplements can substantially boost libido without changing hormone levels. This works especially well for those with reduced blood flow or mild erectile dysfunction linked to andropause. Estrogen is a group of steroid hormones primarily responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. It’s often marketed as a natural testosterone booster, although the scientific evidence supporting this claim is mixed. The Latin name tribulus originally meant the caltrop (a spiky weapon of similar shape), but in Classical times the word already meant this plant as well. As a dietary supplement, take two (2) capsules once per day, preferably with food along with 8 oz of water, or as directed by your healthcare professional. By lowering the lipids and continually increased pressure inside blood vessels, T. Terrestris is very similar to that of DHEA, the precursor hormone to that of testosterone (5). Research paints a different picture of tribulus testosterone effects, despite its popularity as a natural testosterone booster. This helps explain how TT might benefit men with mild erectile dysfunction or low libido . Studies on tribulus supplements highlight this two-part action - both hormonal and vascular. This study did not specifically say that Tribulus didn't work. This supplement contains many ingredients in addition to the 750 mg of Tribulus. This investigation involved a supplement called Andro 6. Those taking the placebo could do more repetitions on the bench press and leg press than did those who received the supplement. Prior to this, other researchers gave either Tribulus -or a placebo – to 15 healthy weight lifters (18 – 35 years of age). All subjects performed the same weight-lifting exercise program, and the study lasted five weeks. Some research suggests fenugreek/testofen extract may raise anabolic hormone levels in men. An issue with this study was that 24 of the 40 women were excluded from the study results. In a small study, researchers gave the herb to 2 women (yes, just two women) for two days to see what would happen. The amount used in this study was 3.21 mg per kilogram of body weight. Let's look at some of the clinical studies. Thus, further well-controlled, randomized clinical trials are warranted to establish an effective TT supplementation protocol (dosage and duration) to improve erectile function. Therefore, further well-controlled clinical trials are imperative to portray reliable conclusions about TT supplementation in the field of male health and hence to afford qualified trials for future meta-analysis studies. At best, TT is a low-cost supplement and well-tolerated at the documented dosage regimens, as no clinical side effects or impairment in lipid or liver panel tests were registered in the studies (Table 3), revealing the potential safety of TT supplementation . It is worth mentioning that saponin concentration differed from 40 to 60% of TT supplements between the included studies, with the exception of the study by Santos et al. , which reported no details of saponin content. Regardless of this concern, such a testosterone increase is equivalent to the potential of vitamin D supplementation and some herbals supplements, such as long Jack (Eurycoma longifolia Jack, Simaroubaceae) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L., Fabaceae) 5,25. For example, several studies have used doses of 4.5–9 mg per pound (10–20 mg per kg) of body weight. However, almost all of these effects have only been studied in animals or test tubes, and even then, the evidence is very limited (3). However, it’s likely that these supplements would also be ineffective in this population. Unfortunately, no research is available on the effects of Tribulus terrestris in exercising women. In fact, research is also very limited on whether the plant improves body composition or performance in active individuals and athletes. Some researchers found that when men with reduced sex drives consumed 750–1,500 mg of Tribulus terrestris daily for two months, their sexual desire increased by 79% (4, 9). Research suggests Tribulus terrestris may help manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. For most healthy people, daily use for short periods (up to 90 days) has been shown to be safe in studies. Current human research does not show that Tribulus terrestris has a significant impact on either estrogen or Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in men.
