Tribulus by NOW Foods - Sports And Specialty Formulas 100 Capsules Elevates Testosterone Levels* Our Price: $9.10 Retail Price: $14.98 You Save: $5.88 each, a 39% Savings!
Tribulus terrestris has been used for centuries in ancient Greece, India and Africa to increase fertility and rejuvenate the body. Recent scientific studies indicate that, although it actually contains no hormones, Tribulus helps to support healthy hormone and male reproductive health. Tribulus has been used by some of the worlds’ most elite athletes and may be used by the recreational athlete as well. Our minimum 45% saponin content makes NOW® Tribulus one of the most potent formulas available.*
Additional Sizes Available
100 Capsules - 1,000 mg of Tribulus terrestris
90 Tablets - 1,000 mg of Tribulus terrestris
Supplement Facts
One (1) Capsule Contains:
Amount Per Serving
Tribulus terrestris Standardized Extract (Tribulus terrestris ) Aerial Parts and Fruit 500 mg
Silica, Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source), Gelatin Capsule, Contains no sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg or preservatives. As an herbal dietary supplement, one (1) capsule, one to three times (1-3x) daily as needed prior to meals, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Male Support , Sports Nutrition , Testosterone Support Erectile Function , Hormonal Imbalances , Low Endurance Adrenal , Endocrine , Pituitary Passive , Sedate , Solemn What is Tribulus and what is it good for? Tribulus terrestris is a perennial trailing plant that grows predominantly in India. It has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an herbal tonic for sexual dysfunction and certain urinary disorders. Tribulus seems to work by facilitating the absorption of essential fatty acids (EFA), which are used by the liver to manufacture certain hormones. In men, the secretion of leutinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland appears to be increased. In women, it appears to increase secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Studies of this herb are ongoing. Herbs currently being studied for similar effects are Maca, a Peruvian perennial that grows in the Andes mountains, and Muira puama, an Amazonian plant.
Tribulus is not the same as horny goat weed, a popular libido-enhancer currently on the market. This herb is called Epimedium (Epimedium grandiflorum).
By Ted Waszkuc, Ph.D., NOW Foods Methods Development Scientist
There are two main reasons leading to variations in plant herbal extracts from different sources. One is that the choice of plant parts - like roots, leaves and stems or fruits of the particular species - might be different. The second reason reflects differences in the plant origin, as the natural composition of plant from identical species may vary depending on climatic and regional differences. The Tribulus story is rather striking example of how the plant’s geographic origin can effect its phytochemical composition and nutritional quality.
The genus of Tribulus (family of Zygophyllaceae) comprises about 20 species of creeping perennial shrubs or herbs, of which species named “terrestris” – Tribulus terrestris L. - is the most common one. The plant grows worldwide in subtropical countries of Asia and Africa, but also in southeastern Europe (primarily Bulgaria).
Like other weedy species, Tribulus has many common names. Puncture vine, caltrop and goat’s head are the most widely used. Tribulus terrestris L. is a ground-hugging herbaceous perennial plant that grows as a summer annual in colder climates. Its reddish branches spread radially from a central point up to a diameter of about 3 feet, bearing small, oblong leaflets which may form flat patches along the ground. Fruits are easy to identify due to their unique shape comprising four single-seeded nutlets bearing two sharp spines that can puncture bicycle tires or cause considerable pain to bare feet. The goat’s head common name for this plant reflects its fruit’s characteristic shape.
In countries like India and China fruits of T.terrestris has been used since ancient times for the treatment of various urinary and cardiovascular complaints, as an antiseptic and a temporary anti-inflammatory remedy. In ancient Greece puncture vine was used as a physical rejuvenation tonic. Its aphrodisiac properties have also been noted since early times. Modern scientific research has recently confirmed most of the traditional observations.1,2,3,4
Puncture vine made its way to the New World on ships from the Mediterranean, finding true niche in the U.S. Southwest. In some regions it is considered an invasive species, even growing wildly in sidewalk cracks.
T. terrestris extract used as a single herbal product ingredient has recently become popular in natural health products. It has been marketed as a general tonic to increase energy levels and herbal remedy for sexual dysfunction, especially in men. Athletes from Eastern Europe, primarily Bulgaria, have used it successfully since 1980’s to improve strength and stamina.5 In recent years, Tribulus has also developed a following among body builders and exercise enthusiasts in Western World. It is believed that T. terrestris affects testosterone production by triggering the body into releasing luteinizing hormone (LH).4 LH is responsible for “telling” the body to produce more testosterone. By promoting the production of the body’s own hormones, it works within the body’s natural limits to help men, especially older men, achieve their strength and muscular potential. Tribulus will not cause the body to indefinitely produce more and more of any hormone, but rather it balances natural hormone levels. In fact, one recent study found that T.terrestris caused no increase in testosterone or LH production in young, healthy men.6
Tribulus owes its health and medicinal effects to the specific group of steroidal glycosides belonging to the wider class of natural products called “saponins”.7,8 Saponins constitute a vast group of glycosides, either steroidal or triterpenoid in nature, which are ubiquitous in plants; their generic name derived from Latin word: sapo, saponis - which means soap - reflects detergent-like ability to form foamy solutions in water. Tribulus steroidal saponin content varies depending upon the source of saponin within the plant (e.g. fruit, leaves or steams). There are two types of Tribulus steroidal glycosides: spirostanols in fruits9 and furostanols, mainly found in leaves.10,11 The active phytochemical in T. terrestris plant is proven to be steroidal saponin of furostanol type called protodioscin.12
Tribulus terrestris grown on different soils does not consistently produce the same levels of steroidal saponins.The protodioscin content of T. terrestris varies greatly depending on the geographic region in which it is grown. Analysis of products selected from the U.S. market found lower levels of protodioscin in the majority of samples.13 It was found that the level of protodioscin changes substantially with the plant part (leaf, stem or fruit) and origin (Bulgaria, India or China) of the Tribulus. All samples from Bulgaria contained a rather high percentage of protodioscin, with most of it in the leaves (1.34%), significantly less in the stems (0.27%) and fruits (0.24%). The phytochemistry of Chinese and Indian Tribulus differed considerably from that of Bulgarian origin. Samples from India and China showed totally different profiles in saponin content with protodioscin as only a minor compound: 0.063% in fruit from China and 0.024% in stem from India (leaf samples were not available).13 Consequently, Chinese and Indian T.terrestris does not have the same pharmacological and physiological functions as Bulgarian Tribulus.
NOW Foods uses Tribulus powder extract manufactured from genuine Bulgarian leaves containing not only standardized, high protodioscin level, but all steroidal saponins characteristic to the plant. The quality of the product is assessed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This allows us to assure that only top quality active ingredients are used in our products and to guarantee their authenticity and potency.
References:
1 Al-Ali, M., et al., Tribulus terrestris: preliminary study of its diuretic and contractile effects and comparison with Zea mays. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 85, 257-260 (2003)
2 Phillps, O.A., et al., Antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Tribulus terrestris in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 104, 351-355 (2006)
3 Zhang, J-D, et al., Antifungal activities and action mechanisms of compounds from Tribulus terrestris L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 103, 76-84 (2006)
4 Gauthman, K., et al., Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats. Life Sciences 71, 1385-1396 (2002)
5 Antonio, J., et al., The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 10, 208-215 (2000)
6 Neychev, V.K., et al., The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men. J. of Ethnopharmacology 101, 319-323 (2005)
7 Wu, G., et al., Steroidal glycosides from Tribulus terrestris. Phytochemistry 42, 1677-1681 (1996)
8 Bedir, E., et al., Biologically active steroidal glycosides from Tribulus terrestris. Pharmazie 57, 491-493 (2002)
9 Wang, Y., et al., Steroidal saponins from fruits of Tribulus terrestris. Phytochemistry 42, 1417-1422 (1996)
10 De Combarieu, E., et al., Furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris. Fitoterapia 74, 583-591 (2003)
11 Conrad, J., et al., A novel furostanol saponin from Tribulus terrestris of Bulgarian origin. Fitoterapia 75, 117-122 (2004)
12 Gauthaman, K., et al., Sexual effects of puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat model. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 9(2), 257-265 (2003)
13 Ganzera, M., et al., Determination of steroidal saponins in Tribulus terrestris by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and evaporative light scattering detection. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 90(11), 1752-1758 (2001)
“It is a flame which sinks for lack of fuel…” - Pierre Corneille
Athletes are one of the most unique breeds of life roaming the earth. On the surface, their traits are simple; sweat beaded foreheads, high-tech stop watches, chiseled physiques, running shoes, corporately endorsed attire, etc. But when you take just a moment to peer into what really makes an athlete an athlete, it’s becomes easy to see what sets them apart.
From bikers to bodybuilders, sprinters to swimmers, athletes epitomize what it means to be alive. These modern day, physically motivated warriors thrive on personal achievement, lament the thought of failure and in the process, subject their bodies to immeasurable amounts of pain and exhaustion. But these aren’t just traits to an athlete – they’re prerequisites.
When you consider the enormous nutritional needs of the average busy adult, then and only then, can you begin to appreciate what the most physically active individuals require in order to succeed. And while these needs vary from sport to sport and lifestyle to lifestyle, there’s simply no denying their never-ending need to fuel, refuel and repeat. So whether you’re just starting out, or make it your life’s work, here are a few ways to get the most out of your training.
Essential Electrolytes
Every human being is at the mercy of their diet to provide them with a solid foundation of nutrients. This is especially true in the case of endurance athletes, bodybuilders and other adrenaline-seeking competitors. During intense physical training, the body calls upon its reserve of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium to provide the spark needed for increased respiration, muscle contractions, nerve impulses and countless other functions.
A well-stocked cellular arsenal of these nutrients can ultimately lead to greater levels of sustained endurance, muscular strength and mental clarity. Deprivation, on the other hand, is an invitation for disaster. When the body is pushed to extremes, but unable to locate what it needs, it becomes prone to fatigue, cramping, nausea and headaches. Not to mention, last place. Products such as Carbo Gain and ZMA can provide a solid base of nutrients. (See reverse for detailed specifications).
Protein for Optimal Performance
Sending a frail, malnourished warrior into battle is the biological equivalent of trying to win the Daytona 500 on a set of roller-skates. Under no circumstances should this be attempted. Though popularized by bodybuilders, protein supplementation is imperative for athletes at every stage and skill set. Its role in muscular development still accounts for its unceasing popularity, though many users don’t realize that protein has many other responsibilities.
As one of the body’s key structural building-blocks, the amino acids in protein are actively involved in the repair and development of muscle fibers, hormone, antibodies and enzymes – each one vital to the success of any hard working athlete. Over the past 10 years or so, the science of isolating and manufacturing protein supplements has advanced far beyond what anyone could have possibly predicted. Today’s products are very pleasant tasting, highly bioavailable (easy to absorb), nutritionally optimized and available in a number of different flavors.
The Edge
If you consider yourself a serious, competition-minded athlete, you already know how important the “edge” is when it comes to your success. Regardless of whether it’s shaving a second off your personal best, squeezing out one more rep on the bench, or bumping up your batting average by just a tenth of a point, the difference between achieving first place and an honorable mention may be a simple as knowing what specialty nutrients can make it so.
Thanks to impressive advances in the science of sports nutrition, there are plenty to choose from these days. Creatine monohydrate, for example, helps foster the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a mitochondrial chemical that makes it possible to store, produce and use energy for muscular contractions. Another, branched chain amino acids (BCAA), help increase protein synthesis by promoting anabolic balance by preventing the catabolism that typically occurs during intense training. Pyruvate, a unique pairing of calcium and pyruvic acid, helps facilitate the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into muscles where it supports the production of metabolic energy.
When it comes to fueling your body with the nutrients and compounds it needs to perform at its pinnacle, quality takes top priority. Purchasing a line of supplements based on the allure of the label won’t do a thing for your ability to improve, physically. In fact, it may end up costing you more than just money in the long run.
NOW Sports supplements are developed under the same demanding, science-based standards inherent to every NOW product, and guaranteed to be exceptional in potency, purity and quality.
Raw Materials
Superior supplements begin with superior raw materials. As the foundation that supports our line of quality products, NOW tests raw materials for contaminants, heavy metals, pesticides and fillers. Our philosophy remains unfaltering; we always start with the purest, freshest raw materials to ensure that the finished product is the best it can be. By partnering with some of the most trusted names in the industry including Lonza, PL Thomas, Cyanotech, Inter-Health, Hoffman LaRoche, Sabinsa and others, NOW is proud to provide unadulterated natural products that are safe, potent and true to their claim.
Natural Ingredients
Mad Cow Free
Growth Hormone Free
Exacting Heavy Metal and Pesticide Specifications
Pure, Fresh Raw Materials, Always
Good Manufacturing Practices
NOW's commitment to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is evident in everything we do. As one of the first companies to receive GMP certification from the NNFA, in addition to being one of the very few to maintain a consistent 'A' rating, we've remained steadfast in our commitment to good manufacturing practices. Our clean, controlled and technologically advanced production facility is regularly inspected by the Food and Drug Administration, and has been certified organic by Quality Assurance International.
Longstanding NNFA GMP "A" Rating FDA Inspected Organic Certification by QAI Clean, Modern, Controlled Production Facility
NOW Foods Health Professor - Sports Nutrition Brochure
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