How Good Is Tribulus?

[MCWAY]

Not very good from the research I've seen:

 "In one of the few well-controlled studies to examine the effects of tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance looked at 15 resistance-trained males. Subjects received either a placebo or a large dose of tribulus (1.5mg per pound of body weight per day for 2 months). Results showed no changes in body weight, percentage fat, total muscle mass or muscle strength related to tribulus supplementation."

citing 1. Antonio J, Uelmen J, Rodriguez R, Earnest C. The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000 Jun;10(2):208-15. 2.


http://www.supplementwatch.com/suplib/supplement.asp?DocId=1263

Ummm......I'll go out on a limb here and say that the reason those guys didn't get any significant results from Trib is because they took TOO LITTLE of the testosterone-boosting herb.

1.5 mg per pound of bodyweight? For a 200-lb man, that only 300 mg of Trib. Heck, one capsule of Ultimate Nutrition's Tribulus Terrestris has TWO AND A HALF TIMES as much TT as what these folks called a "large dose".

And, that's assuming that all the guys in this "experiment" weighed at least 200 lbs. People who perform these type of studies tend to use average-sized men.

I don't know about you, but I don't consider a third of a Trib capsule a "large dose". I use 1500 mg of Tribulus Terrestris; that's over SIX (6) mg per lb of bodyweight for me.

[delta9mda]

As stated earlier, I only take 2 capsules (1500 mg) on the 4 days a week that I train, 1-1.5 hours before hitting the weights.

i take the dose that i want to, and it aint no 1.5 grams.    the guy asked how good is trib and some people say worthless and i telling my experience with the stuff.

[MidniteRambo]

Obviously, I would have preferred a study with different parameters so your point is a worthy one.  On the other hand, there's no data out there of which I am aware (and please correct me if I'm wrong and post the study) that demonstrates any muscle building benefit.  I've taken large doses of the stuff and not seen any dramatic changes from when I'm not taking it.  Given the absence of measurable benefit and scientific support, most guys are better off spending their $50 on other supplements.  I would love to believe it works, but you know the old saying, if it did, it would be banned.

[MCWAY]

i take the dose that i want to, and it aint no 1.5 grams.    the guy asked how good is trib and some people say worthless and i telling my experience with the stuff.

As am I. Our posts make a similar point. We both take more Tribulus than what the folks, particularly in the study that MidniteRambo linked, claim is a "large dose". I use that particular dosage, because that's the amount that, to date, has been effective for me. I've considered going a bit higher, which I could do, given how relatively inexpensive Ultimate Nutrition's Tribulus Terrestris is. But, right now 2 capsules seems to be getting it done.

How effective Trib actually is may depend on how much you take. But, it's safe to say that 1.5 mg per pound of bodyweight is FAR from enough to reap any benefits.

[MCWAY]

Obviously, I would have preferred a study with different parameters so your point is a worthy one.  On the other hand, there's no data out there of which I am aware (and please correct me if I'm wrong and post the study) that demonstrates any muscle building benefit.  I've taken large doses of the stuff and not seen any dramatic changes from when I'm not taking it.  Given the absence of measurable benefit and scientific support, most guys are better off spending their $50 on other supplements.  I would love to believe it works, but you know the old saying, if it did, it would be banned.

This is not the first time some "mainstream" scientists have deemed a particular nutritional supplement as ineffective, or causing no significant gains in mass (that's been done with creatine, as well). As is often the case, the subjects used too little of the supplement in question to merit any benefit.

If the guys in this study were taking Trib the way those pursuing bodybuilding goals are instructed to take it, yet reaped little benefit, that would be another story. But, taking a third of a pill of Tribulus Terrestris (or any other supplement, for that matter) won't produce a thing for anybody.

[Rhino]

I swear by the stuff. I use it as a pre-workout stim. It gives me energy to hit the gym. I stack it with: vit c, saw palmetto, caffeine and a tea or coffee.

It's dirt cheap as far as I'm concerned, because 3 pills before the gym work for me. I'm horny all day long, and I can't complain about that.

I only get acne when I'm on the stuff, and my skin gets greasey too. So how can you explain that?

I also find it gives me more of a healty glow than just green tea alone. I like that effect. Ya Hoo, I feel like a teen again. hehe

Yes, someone mentioned brocoli. That's great stuff. I eat it as much as I can. I'm going to try to eat a bit everyday. I figure I'll have some before bed starting next week. I'll have it right after my creating, milk protein drink.

[MCWAY]

I swear by the stuff. I use it as a pre-workout stim. It gives me energy to hit the gym. I stack it with: vit c, saw palmetto, caffeine and a tea or coffee.

It's dirt cheap as far as I'm concerned, because 3 pills before the gym work for me. I'm horny all day long, and I can't complain about that.

I only get acne when I'm on the stuff, and my skin gets greasey too. So how can you explain that?

I also find it gives me more of a healty glow than just green tea alone. I like that effect. Ya Hoo, I feel like a teen again. hehe

Yes, someone mentioned brocoli. That's great stuff. I eat it as much as I can. I'm going to try to eat a bit everyday. I figure I'll have some before bed starting next week. I'll have it right after my creating, milk protein drink.

I've never developed acne or oily skin from using Tribulus. My wife got me some fron NOW Sports, as she couldn't find the kind from Ultimate Nutrition that I normally use. I hope the quality is the same. The NOW caps are only 500 mg each, instead of 750 mg like those from Ultimate. That means I'll have to take three capsules a day instead of two, to get my usual 1500 mg.

I see that you use Vitamin C with your Trib; so, do I. Perhaps, you should add some ALC to the mix. That's what I've done and I like the results. I recommend GNC's grand (either the regular ALC capsules or the yellow ALC pills that also have alpha lipoic acid).