Stronger, bigger muscles are your body goal? Hard work in the gym and a well-balanced diet are crucial. But you also need more help and support. It’s always better to stick to natural methods because they’re safer and more convenient.
The use of a herbal supplement is one of these natural methods. Most men use various products to support muscle growth. Tribulus Terrestris is a common ingredient in those products. But, does Tribulus build muscle? You’re going to find out in this article.
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What is Tribulus Terrestris?
Tribulus Terrestris is an annual plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. Other members of this family include bean-caper and 285 other species.
The plant is native to warm temperate and tropical regions in Euroasia and Africa. Tribulus mainly grows in the Mediterranean area, but also other parts of the world such as Vietnam, India, Spain, China, Bulgaria, and Mexico.
The plant is small and leafy. Also known as goat’s head, caltrop, and Gokshura, Tribulus Terrestris is a vine with yellow flowers. Lemon-yellow flowers have five petals and ten stamens. After the flowers bloom, the fruit develops. Spikes cover the fruit. These spikes are why people refer to Tribulus Terrestris as “puncture vine” and “devil’s thorn.”
Like many other plants, Tribulus played an essential role in medicine of different cultures. Both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda relied on Tribulus, in addition to other plants, to prevent or manage various health problems.
The use of Tribulus for medicinal properties extends to modern times. Nowadays, Tribulus is a popular ingredient in many nutritional supplement products. This has a lot to do with the versatility of the plant. A wide spectrum of health benefits is the reason why Tribulus fits in perfectly in formulas of supplements for various purposes.
Health benefits
Tribulus Terrestris had an important role in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. These health systems are widely praised for the remarkable use of plants for medicinal purposes.
For example, Ayurveda relies on ashwagandha too. Ashwagandha is one of the most potent herbs and a common dietary supplement. It’s also a popular ingredient in many natural products. The same health system that relied on ashwagandha also focused on Tribulus.
This means Tribulus Terrestris was considered powerful. And it is!
Health benefits of Tribulus Terrestris stem from active compounds – saponins. These compounds have a plethora of effects that support our health and wellbeing. Below, you can learn more about the health benefits of Tribulus Terrestris supplements.
Heart health
Heart diseases are prevalent. The biggest cause of these problems is an unhealthy lifestyle. Although cardiovascular diseases are serious, there is a lot we can do to prevent and manage them.
A healthy lifestyle is vital for a healthy heart. This means you need to exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet. Many people don’t know that Tribulus can support heart health and normal blood pressure.
Evidence shows that supplementation with Tribulus Terrestris could protect against blood vessel damage. It can prevent increases in blood cholesterol levels. As a result, Tribulus supports the proper function of the heart. Of course, the risk of cardiovascular diseases lowers.
Blood glucose control
Blood glucose, or blood sugar, comes from the food you eat. The body needs it for energy. High blood glucose levels lead to diabetes. They can also negatively affect heart health. Proper management of blood glucose is crucial for diabetes prevention. Studies show that Tribulus supplementation can lower blood sugar (and cholesterol) levels.
Enhanced libido
High libido is what every man wants. You want to be an alpha male. And alpha males have intense strength and libido.
Some men and women experience decreased interest in sexual activity. In other words, their libido is low. Factors that cause low libido to include:
- Hormone imbalances
- Medications
- Depression
- Chronic illnesses
- Sleep problems
- Aging
- Stress
- Low self-esteem
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Alcohol and drug use
Low libido has a major impact on confidence and quality of life. But, you can increase it with Tribulus Terrestris. In one study, men who used Tribulus for two months increased libido. Their sex drive increased by 79%. Tribulus works for women, too. With this plant, you can increase sexual desire naturally and discretely.
Treats erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men in the world. Besides premature ejaculation, it’s the most common sexual dysfunction. This problem means you can’t achieve an erection or maintain it long enough for pleasurable intercourse.
The causes of erectile dysfunction are numerous. Heart disease, medications, low testosterone, depression, and other factors contribute to this sexual dysfunction.
Men are reluctant to talk about erectile dysfunction with other people. That explains why most guys don’t actively manage this problem.
If you’re looking for a convenient and effective tool to manage ED, Tribulus could help you out. Studies confirm that supplementation with Tribulus has the potential to tackle erectile dysfunction. This plant can help you get stronger erections and improve sexual satisfaction.
Other health benefits of Tribulus Terrestris
Health benefits of Tribulus Terrestris are numerous, and they also extend to the following:
- Fluid balance
- Stronger immune system
- Antidepressant effects
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Pain relief
- Anti-cancer effects
More research on Tribulus is necessary to uncover all benefits and mechanisms of action. We are going to discuss the most notable benefit of Tribulus Terrestris, testosterone production, below.
Can it be used to build muscle mass?
Most people wonder does Tribulus build muscle mass. This is especially the case if you want to support muscle growth with natural products.
Tribulus Terrestris can build your muscle mass, and it uses several mechanisms to make it happen. The most important mechanism is the increased production of testosterone. In fact, elevated testosterone production is the most popular benefit of Tribulus Terrestris. Higher testosterone levels are down to an increased concentration of the luteinizing hormone.
Most people buy testosterone booster products that contain Tribulus. Testosterone is vital for muscle mass. Loss of muscle is a symptom of low-T. By improving the production of testosterone, Tribulus Terrestris helps build muscle. Plus, a healthy testosterone level keeps you healthy and increases muscular strength. You see, low testosterone levels can elevate stress levels and increase the risk of other health problems.
On the other side, increased testosterone levels are all about making you feel and look like an alpha male. Tribulus is a natural testosterone booster that has a unique mechanism of action. It supports the body’s testosterone production by fixing the root causes of this problem, rather than masking the issue.
The plant alleviates muscle damage and promotes anaerobic performance, particularly in athletes. So, if you’re an active person, Tribulus can protect your muscles. Reduced muscle damage, coupled with improved performance, leads to stronger and bigger muscles.
Muscle building effects of Tribulus are also down to saponins. The main saponin in Tribulus, protodioscin, promotes the release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels. This allows more oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to reach muscles. After all, muscles depend on all these things to grow.
Speaking of nitric oxide, you also need it for strong erections. Poor blood flow is a major cause of erectile problems. The same way it prevents muscles from growing properly. Increased nitric oxide levels help you achieve stronger erections and get more blood in muscles to develop.
To sum up, Tribulus Terrestris extract helps build lean muscle mass by:
- Naturally boosting serum testosterone levels.
- Promoting endurance, muscle repair, muscle strength, and recovery
- Improving athletic performance
- Supporting blood circulation in muscles
- Promoting increased retention of oxygen
- Stimulating the synthesis of protein
- Alleviating fatigue
- Supporting fat loss
- Boosting lean muscle power
- Helping maintain healthy body weight, promoting weight loss, and supporting body composition
Your muscle mass depends on overall health and other factors. It’s not just about workout out in the gym. By supporting general health and wellbeing, this plant can help you increase your muscle mass.
The effects of Tribulus for muscle building depend on the quality of the product. You should strive to buy high-quality Tribulus with high purity and potency. Results won’t happen if Tribulus extract is not good enough. Options are endless. You can find the plant in testosterone supplement, but also in other products or on its own.
Also, it’s useful to remember that the Tribulus supplement is not a replacement for regular exercise and proper diet. It should accompany your workouts and eating plans. For example, you need resistance training, cardio, and more to achieve your goals.
Dosage
At this point, there is no specific dosage of Tribulus Terrestris for muscle building. A lot more research on this subject is necessary. Studies used different amounts to inspect the effectiveness of Tribulus Terrestris.
For example, studies that investigated the blood sugar-lowering effect of Tribulus used 1000mg per day. The plant enhances libido at doses ranging between 250mg and 1500mg.
Some studies suggested dosage should depend on bodyweight. For example, 4.5-9mg per pound (10-20mg per kg) of body weight could work. That means a person who weighs 155lbs (70kg) should take 700-1400mg of Bulgarian Tribulus per day.
These supplementation dosages are not specific for muscle building.
Common doses for building muscle are between 2.3mg and 4.6mg of protodioscin per pound of body weight a day. Protodioscin is a type of steroidal saponin. The saponins are active compounds in Tribulus Terrestris, as mentioned above.
Some suggest it’s practical to take 3g to 5g of Tribulus during the day. Take 2/3 of the daily dose an hour before a workout. Remaining 1/3 should be taken after a workout.
Every person is different, and their bodies react to Tribulus differently. It may take a while to find the perfect dosage. Start with the lowest dose and work your way up. Give yourself some time to see how a certain dosage works for you. If you don’t notice meaningful results, you can adjust it.
Possible side effects
Tribulus Terrestris is a powerful plant. Many dietary supplement products include this plant in their formulas. If you’ve never used Tribulus for muscle gain before, you’re probably wondering if there are any side effects you may expect. The good news is that Tribulus is considered safe for consumption.
Adverse reactions are not common. However, some people may experience minor stomach cramps or reflux. Other potential side effects of Tribulus include:
- Abdominal pain
- Agitation
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The risk of side effects increases with improper use. Stick to dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
We often believe that we can take as much as we want because the active ingredient is natural. But excessive use leads to unwanted reactions. Every product comes with dosage instructions. Try to adhere to these suggestions.
What people love the most about Tribulus is its safety. Besides its effectiveness, the safe nature of Tribulus could be a reason behind its popularity.
Conclusion
Tribulus Terrestris is one of the most popular medicinal plants. Many testosterone boosters contain Tribulus in their formulas. The health benefits of Tribulus Terrestris are numerous.
The plant supports the production of testosterone, promotes heart health, aids management of blood sugar, and more. Tribulus Terrestris can also help build muscle. It builds muscle through several mechanisms. The best effects come with the best product, so choose wisely.
