VIE TRIBULUS

The origin of tribulus

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris), also known as Maltese Cross, is a plant belonging to the Zygophylaceae family. It is a small, sun-loving plant with yellow flowers that thrives on sandy, desert soils. This herbaceous plant grows all year round and can reach heights of up to 50 centimetres. What's more, it can spread up to a metre in diameter around itself, with its stems crawling along the ground.

Tribulus in history

The fruits of the tribulus plant, bristling with prickles strong enough to puncture a tire, have been used for over 3 millennia in certain parts of the world, particularly in traditional Ayurvedic and Asian medicine (China, Japan, Korea...). In 700 B.C., an Ayurvedic practitioner described tribulus as a plant called "gokshura" with aphrodisiac, tonic, fortifying, diuretic and rejuvenating properties. Later, China named tribulus "the herb that extinguishes winds and stops trembling", the "wind" corresponding to cardiovascular disease.

Then it was Europe's turn to discover this plant with its many properties, and Europeans used it mainly for hormonal disorders. It wasn't until the early 1980s that the use of tribulus to enhance sporting performance began to make headway. It was Bulgarian weightlifters who attributed their exceptional feats to tribulus.

Since then, the plant's fame has only grown, and it can now be found in numerous sexual performance enhancers.

Active ingredients of tribulus

Tribulus terrestris derives most of its medicinal properties from a single active ingredient: protodioscin. This steroidal saponin has a very high biological activity, which is the basis of its interesting properties. In fact, protodioscin's chemical composition is quite similar to that of DHEA, a well-known steroid hormone.

Tribulus also contains phytosterols, mainly beta-sitosterols, which are regularly used for urinary and prostate problems.

In 1847, a 3rd chemical molecule was discovered: Harmine. This active compound is used as a stimulant and aphrodisiac.

Properties and benefits of tribulus

Today, tribulus is the talk of the town, and the effects of its active ingredients are the subject of much debate. Thanks to these active ingredients, tribulus is said to have real medicinal virtues for the human body. Here are the properties found so far.

Tribulus is a phyto-modulating plant, which means that consuming it can induce one or more hormonal changes. Saponins, which stimulate the pituitary gland, give instructions to increase fertility and boost free testosterone production.
These saponins act on the luteinizing hormone secreted in the brain, which in turn stimulates testosterone production in the testicles of men and regulates progesterone and estrogen secretion in women.

In this way, tribulus acts on a variety of sexual disorders, including erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is a sexual disorder characterized by the inability to maintain a sufficiently rigid erection. In a study carried out on 180 men aged between 18 and 65 suffering from erectile dysfunction, the administration of tribulus terrestris improved sexual function as well as having an aphrodisiac effect.

In fact, we know that prolonged consumption of this plant makes spermatozoa more vigorous. They move much better. Sperm production also increases, even in subjects suffering from testicular hypotrophy. Sperm is more concentrated.

• Helps reduce menopause and andropause-related disorders

In Asia, tribulus is used to increase sexual activity in menopausal women. Menopause brings with it hormonal upheavals, such as a drop in the female hormone estradiol, which can lead to a decline in sexual desire.

Tribulus terrestris is used in herbal medicine to treat menopausal symptoms in women, in particular libido. In fact, a study was carried out on 60 menopausal women with sexual problems, with the aim of assessing the effects of tribulus terrestris on their sexual functions. After 90 days' treatment, the results showed that tribulus was effective in improving desire, arousal, sexual interest and vaginal lubrication. To boost estradiol synthesis and alleviate menopausal symptoms, the plant phytosterols in tribulus come into play.

For andropause, the plant stimulates testosterone synthesis. This improves erectile dysfunction and libido.
Tribulus is also rich in phytosterols (plant sterols), in particular beta-sitosterols, commonly used for certain prostate and urinary system problems.

• Improves sporting performance

Studies carried out in the 1980s demonstrated tribulus' ability to enhance the production of steroid hormones (testosterone, estrogen and DHEA). Tribulus terrestris contains certain saponins (such as gitonin) which have a chemical structure similar to testosterone and mimic its effects on the human body.

Tribulus acts as a natural anabolic, improving endurance and increasing muscle mass at the expense of fat mass. Athletes use it to recover more quickly from physical exertion. This improvement in physical condition after exercise is made possible by the presence of natural antioxidants in the plant's composition. Finally, athletes often use the fruit of the plant because of the claim that it improves muscle mass gain.

It can therefore be suggested that tribulus terrestris extracts may have a positive effect on muscle mass gain and sports performance. What's more, some studies suggest that tribulus terrestris saponins may also enhance sporting performance.

• Potentially lowers hypertension and fights cardiovascular disease

Studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of certain tribulus terrestris compounds, notably its saponins, during cerebral ischemia. These same saponins are marketed and used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Tribulus also acts as a myocardial protector. Indeed, studies have demonstrated this cardioprotective behavior against myocardial ischemia by protecting myocardial cells and reducing the mortality rate of these cells induced by oxidative stress . This also suggests tribulus terrestris' antioxidant properties.

The antihypertensive properties of tribulus terrestris extracts have also been demonstrated in hypertensive subjects.
Studies dating from 2006 and 2009 showed that methanoic and aqueous tribulus extracts significantly reduced blood pressure in rats and partially repaired the dysfunction resulting from hyperlipidemia.

• Maintains muscle and energy tone

Tribulus terrestris has long been used in traditional medicine as an analgesic plant, notably for the relief of rheumatic pain. The analgesic effect of tribulus terrestris has been demonstrated in clinical trials.

In a study designed to assess the immunomodulatory actions of five plants (Tribulus terrestris, Cassia tora, Achyranthes aspera, Mucuna pruriens and Abrus precatorius), all showed immunostimulant action. However, tribulus terrestris was the only plant to show a significant increase in humoral antibodies and phagocytosis index. Phagocytosis plays an important role in the body's defense against bacterial and parasitic infections.

The primary active ingredient in the tribulus plant is the steroidal saponin protodioscin. This is what concentrates its medicinal properties; it is close to DHEA, a steroid hormone with well-known effects.

A few words on DHEA

DHEA or DHA stands for "DeHydroEpiAndrosterone". It is a hormone produced in large quantities by the adrenal glands of every individual, male or female, throughout life. This hormone belongs to the steroid hormone family, like the sex hormones (estrogens, progesterone, androgens).

It has the properties of a male hormone (like testosterone), but with a much weaker action. It can also be converted into estrogens.

The function of DHEA in adults is not well known. It has long been known that its production declines with age, suggesting that it may play a role in aging.

Recently, this product was administered to volunteer subjects to assess its effects. This study showed that DHEA could improve skin condition, libido and slow bone loss only in women over 70. No benefits were seen in younger women or in men of any age.

Tribulus contraindications

At recommended doses, tribulus poses no significant problems or side effects.

However, due to the high saponin content of tribulus, it is possible that ingesting too much of the plant could irritate the gastric mucosa or cause acid reflux. The plant is therefore not recommended in cases of gastric or biliary problems.

People undergoing hormonal or diabetic treatment should seek medical advice before taking tribulus, as the plant may have an impact on hormone secretion and blood sugar levels.

Composition

Ingredients for C.J.R. (4 capsules/day)

* Tribulus Terrestris - Maltese Cross: 1,400.00 mg

* Coq10: 200.00 mg

Oryza Sativa (Rice), Silicon Dioxide,

HPMC capsule (Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose)

Weight : 2 260,00 mg

Reference Nutritional Value (R.N.V.) : NONE

Packaging

Bottle of 90 capsules