Tribulus

Taxobox
name = "Tribulus"


image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Tribulus cistoides" in flower
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Zygophyllales
familia = Zygophyllaceae
genus = "Tribulus"
genus_authority = L.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Tribulus adscendens" "Tribulus alacranensis" "Tribulus alatus" "Tribulus bimucronatus" "Tribulus brachystylis" "Tribulus brasiliensis" "Tribulus californicus" "Tribulus caribaea" "Tribulus cistoides" "Tribulus cristatus" "Tribulus decolor" "Tribulus dimidiatus" "Tribulus excrucians" "Tribulus fisheri" "Tribulus glabrata" "Tribulus grandiflorus" "Tribulus hirsutus" "Tribulus humifusus" "Tribulus hystrix" "Tribulus longipes" "Tribulus longipetalus" "Tribulus macranthus" "Tribulus macrocarpus" "Tribulus macropterus" "Tribulus maximus" "Tribulus minutus" "Tribulus micrococcus" "Tribulus moluccanus" "Tribulus parvispinus" "Tribulus pechuelii" "Tribulus pentandrus" "Tribulus pentandrus" "Tribulus platypterus" "Tribulus pterophorus" "Tribulus pubescens" "Tribulus rajasthanensis" "Tribulus ranunculiflorus" "Tribulus saharae" "Tribulus sericeus" "Tribulus taiwanense" "Tribulus terrestris" "Tribulus trijugatus" "Tribulus trijugus" "Tribulus tuberculatus" "Tribulus zeyheri":"Tribulus is also a derivative Roman era (Latin language) name for the weapon known in English today as the CaltropCite Sm|"Battle of Alesia" (Caesar's conquest of Gaul in 52 BC)), Battlefield Detectives program, (2006), rebroadcast: 2008-09-08 on History Channel International (13;00-14:00 hrs EDST)
Note=No mention of name caltrop at all, but illustrated and given as battle key to defend roman lines of circumvaliation per recent digs evidence.] , which bears strong resemblances with the plant today named _la. Tribulus terrestris" or puncture vine.

"Tribulus" is a genus of plants found in many warm regions. The best-known member is "T. terrestris" (puncture vine), a widespread weed and also the source of a dietary supplement claimed to increase the body's natural testosterone levels and thereby improve male sexual performance and help build muscle. "T. terrestris" has consistently failed to increase testosterone levels in controlled studies. [cite journal|author=Brown GA, Vukovich MD, Reifenrath TA, Uhl NL, Parsons KA, Sharp RL, King DS |title=Effects of anabolic precursors on serum testosterone concentrations and adaptations to resistance training in young men |journal= Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab |year=2000 |issue=3 |volume=10 |pages=340–59 |pmid =10997957 ] [cite journal|author=Brown GA, Vukovich MD, Martini ER, Kohut ML, Franke WD, Jackson DA, King DS |title=Endocrine and lipid responses to chronic androstenediol-herbal supplementation in 30 to 58 year old men |journal= J Am Coll Nutr |year=2001 |issue=5 |volume=20 |pages=520–8 |pmid =11601567 ] [cite journal|author=Neychev VK, & Mitev VI. |title=The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men |journal= J Ethnopharmacol |year=2005 |issue=1-3 |volume=101 |pages=319–23 |pmid = 15994038 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2005.05.017 ] It has also failed to demonstrate strength-enhancing properties. [cite journal|author=Rogerson S, Riches CJ, Jennings C, Weatherby RP, Meir RA, Marshall-Gradisnik SM. |title=The Effect of Five Weeks of Tribulus terrestris Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Body Composition During Preseason Training in Elite Rugby League Players |journal= J Strength Cond Res |year=2007 |issue=2 |volume=21 |pages=348–53 |pmid =17530942 |doi=10.1519/R-18395.1 ] However, many supplement brands such as 4Ever Fit and InterACTIVE Nutrition sold products that combines various herbs with tribulus terrestis, which has been a debate whether the effects are true or false.

Tribulus has been shown to enhance sexual behaviour in an animal model. [cite journal|author=Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG, Prasad RN. |title=Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats |journal= Life Sci |year=2002 |issue=12 |volume=71 |pages=1385–96 |pmid =12127159 |doi=10.1016/S0024-3205(02)01858-1 ] It appears to do so by stimulating androgen receptors in the brain.

"Tribulus" species are perennial, but some grow as annuals in colder climates. The leaves are opposite and compound. The flowers are perfect (hermaphroditic) and insect-pollinated, with fivefold symmetry. The ovary is divided into locules that are in turn divided by "false septa" (the latter distinguish "Tribulus" from other members of its family).

Some body builders use "T. terrestris" as post cycle therapy or "PCT". After they've completed an anabolic-steroid cycle, they use it under the assumption that it will restore the body's natural testosterone levels.

Tribulus has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of India. It is considered an aphrodisiac, diuretic, and nervine.

Some species are cultivated as ornamental plants in warm regions. Some, notably "T. cistoides, T. longipetalus, T. micrococcus, T. terrestris," and "T. zeyheri", are considered weeds.

References

External links

* [http://bodd.cf.ac.uk/BotDermFolder/BotDermZ/ZYGO.html Article on hazards of "Tribulus" species from Botanical Dermatology Database]
* [http://delta-intkey.com/angio/www/zygophyl.htm Technical description of Zygophyllaceae] from "The Families of Flowering Plants", L. Watson and M. J. Dallw