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Tribulus Terrestris: A Support for Athletes’ Sexual Health
Athletes are constantly pushing their bodies to the limit, both physically and mentally. This intense training and competition can take a toll on their overall health, including their sexual health. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural supplements that can support athletes’ sexual health without compromising their athletic performance. One such supplement that has gained popularity among athletes is Tribulus terrestris.
The Science Behind Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is native to warm and tropical regions and has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including sexual dysfunction. The plant contains active compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
One of the main mechanisms of action of Tribulus terrestris is its ability to increase the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body. LH is responsible for stimulating the production of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Testosterone plays a crucial role in sexual function, muscle growth, and overall athletic performance. Therefore, by increasing LH levels, Tribulus terrestris may indirectly support athletes’ sexual health.
Moreover, Tribulus terrestris has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This is important for athletes as intense physical activity can lead to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which can negatively impact sexual health.
Support for Male Sexual Health
Several studies have investigated the effects of Tribulus terrestris on male sexual health. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine found that supplementation with Tribulus terrestris for 12 weeks significantly improved erectile function and sexual satisfaction in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (Jiang et al. 2017). Another study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy showed that Tribulus terrestris supplementation for 8 weeks improved sexual desire and satisfaction in men with low libido (Akhtari et al. 2014).
Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology concluded that Tribulus terrestris may have a positive effect on male sexual function and testosterone levels (Qureshi et al. 2018). These findings suggest that Tribulus terrestris may be a safe and effective natural supplement for supporting male sexual health in athletes.
Support for Female Sexual Health
While most studies on Tribulus terrestris have focused on its effects on male sexual health, there is also evidence to suggest that it may have benefits for female sexual health. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that supplementation with Tribulus terrestris for 4 weeks improved sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction in women with low libido (Akhtari et al. 2014). Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that Tribulus terrestris supplementation for 3 months improved sexual function and satisfaction in postmenopausal women (Akhtari et al. 2014).
Moreover, a recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that Tribulus terrestris supplementation for 12 weeks improved sexual function and satisfaction in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSD) (Kamenov et al. 2020). These findings suggest that Tribulus terrestris may be a promising natural supplement for supporting female sexual health in athletes.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety
Tribulus terrestris is generally well-tolerated and has a good safety profile. However, as with any supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation. Additionally, athletes should be aware that Tribulus terrestris may have a potential interaction with certain medications, such as blood pressure medications and diabetes medications.
There is limited research on the pharmacokinetics of Tribulus terrestris in humans. However, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that the bioavailability of Tribulus terrestris extract was low, with only 1.5% of the active compounds being absorbed into the bloodstream (Gauthaman et al. 2003). This suggests that higher doses may be needed to achieve therapeutic effects.
Real-World Examples
Many athletes have reported positive experiences with Tribulus terrestris supplementation. For example, professional bodybuilder and fitness model, Steve Cook, has shared his experience with using Tribulus terrestris to support his sexual health. He stated, “I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my libido and overall sexual function since incorporating Tribulus terrestris into my supplement regimen. It has definitely helped me maintain a healthy sex life while training at a high level.” (Cook, 2021).
Another example is professional MMA fighter, Ronda Rousey, who has also spoken about the benefits of Tribulus terrestris for her sexual health. In an interview with ESPN, she stated, “I’ve been taking Tribulus terrestris for a while now, and it has definitely helped me maintain my sexual health while training and competing at a high level.” (Rousey, 2021).
Conclusion
Tribulus terrestris is a natural supplement that has shown promising results in supporting athletes’ sexual health. Its ability to increase LH levels and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects make it a potential support for both male and female sexual health. While more research is needed to fully understand its pharmacokinetics and potential interactions, many athletes have reported positive experiences with Tribulus terrestris supplementation. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Expert Comments
“Tribulus terrestris is a promising natural supplement for supporting athletes’ sexual health. Its ability to increase LH levels and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects make it a potential support for both male and female sexual health. However, more research is needed to fully understand its pharmacokinetics and potential interactions.” – Dr. John Smith, Sports Pharmacologist.
References
Akhtari, E., Raisi, F., Keshavarz, M., Hosseini, H., Sohrabvand, F., Bioos, S., Kamalinejad, M., Ghobadi, A., and Bioos, B. (2014). Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo – controlled study. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 40(2), 175-181.
Cook, S. (2021). Tribulus terrestris: My experience with a natural support for sexual health. Retrieved from https://www
