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Tribulus terrestris

With Father’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to stop, take a moment, and think about our Dads, and thank them for their important role in bringing us into this world.

It’s also time to think about all those men out there who would love to become a Father, but may be experiencing some difficulty with sperm production, quality and motility.

This is a very common problem, which can stem from many causes, such as poor diet, smoking, drinking, working with chemicals, stress, hormone imbalance etc.

Well men, there is an answer, a fantastic Herb called Tribulus!


Tribulus is a herb that grows in different countries, (Bulgarian Tribulus is said to be the best), and the leaf and aerial parts are used, containing the active ingredient furostanol saponins.

The root and fruit may be substituted for the leaf in some formulations, but are unlikely to have the same therapeutic profile.

Tribulus has many fantastic properties including an increase in energy and stamina, increasing sexual performance in men, erectile dysfunction, stimulating the production of sperm, and increasing the quality, motility and survival of sperm.3

In studies conducted in 2002, and 2003, statistically significant results proved that Tribulus extract contains proerectile aphrodisiac properties resulting from an increase in androgen and subsequent release of Nitric Oxide from the nerve endings.1,2

In a clinical trial, Men with low sperm counts of unknown origin were treated with 750mg of Tribulus terrestris for 60 days. They experienced a significant increase in sperm motility.4

In another trial, Men with shrunken testes and low sperm count received 1500mg of Tribulus for 60 days. This treatment resulted in increased volume of semen produced, improved sperm motility and increased testosterone production.5

Please not some other nutrients that may also be very beneficial for men in increasing sperm quality and motility are zinc, magnesium, B Vitamins and CoQ10.

Tribulus terrestris has also been tested for its effectiveness in eliminating female menopause symptoms.
In a crossover study, 50 women (26 of whom were experiencing menopause and 24 of whom were surgically menopausal through removal of the ovaries) received standardized Tribulus at a dosage of 500-750mg per day after an initial higher loading dose. Tribulus treatment resulted in significant improvement in the following symptoms of menopause in 98% of patients: hot flashes, sweating, depression, insomnia and anxiety.6

Tribulis terrestris is available in tablet or liquid form from your Go-Vita Store. Recommended dosage is between 50-100ml per week (2:1 liquid) or Tablet – Standardized extract doses delivering between 200 – 400mg per day furostanol saponins.

Contraindications and precautions – Saponins can cause or aggravate oesophageal reflux. Caution in patients with Cholestasis (Failure of normal amounts of bile to reach the intestines).


References
  1. Gauthaman, K., et al Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats. Life Sciences. 71(12):1385-1396,2002.
  2. Gauthaman, K., et al. Sexual effects of puncturevine (tribulus terrestris) extract (Protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat model. J Altern Complement Med. 9(2):257-265, 2003.
  3. Dean, W, The male reproductive homeostat: neuroendocrine theory of aging – part VI. Vitamin Research News. May 2000.
  4. Protich, M., et al Clinical trial of the preparation Tribestan in infertile men. Akush Ginekol. 22(4):326-329, 1983
  5. Viktorov, I > V., et al. Clinical investigation on Tribestan in males with disorders of sexual function. Med-Biol-Inf. 1982.
  6. Zarkova, S. Tribestan: Experimental and clinical Investigations. Chemical Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Sofia, 1983

Written by Karen Lade, ND.
 


 

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Shop 151 / Smithfield Shopping Centre, SMITHFIELD QLD 4878
P 07 4038 1662 | www.govita.com.au

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Shop 104 Stockland Earlville, Mulgrave Road, EARLVILLE QLD 4870
P 07 4054 2481 | www.govita.com.au