In the development and launching of my collaboration with my good friend and charming PT, Tia, I wanted to share some information on Tribulus, and why it will be making a star appearance in our men’s Alpha Blend.

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)

Traditionally Tribulus has been used in the folk medicine of India, China, Bulgaria and South Africa for a variety of reproductive conditions, such as infertility and sexual impotence, as well as for muscle strength, oedemas, abdominal distention, cardiovascular diseases and general health. It has been suggested that it was used in ancient Greece and India as a physical rejuvenation tonic. In Ayurvedic medicine, Tribulus fruit has cooling, diuretic, tonic and aphrodisiac properties.

In China, it is used as a component of therapy for conditions affecting the liver, kidney, cardiovascular system and immune systems. It has also been used in Eastern European folk medicine for increased muscle strength and sexual potency.

The herb became widely known in the West when medal-winning Bulgarian athletes from the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia claimed that the use of Tribulus had contributed to their success.

According to research, Tribulus increases levels of various hormones in the steroid family including testosterone, DHEA and estrogen, and for this reason improves sports performance, fertility in men and women, sexual function (again in men and women) and symptoms of menopause (such as hot flushes).

Uses for Tribulus:

• Hormonal and aphrodisiac activity: boosting testosterone, improve sexual drive and to enhance erection in men.

• Increases nitric oxide.

• Antioxidant and sperm protection.

• Performance enhancing / increased endurance.

• Tribulus is promoted to produce large gains in strength and lean muscle mass in 5-28 days.

• Cardioprotective activity.

• Reduces blood sugar levels.

• Kidney-protective and reduces the formation of kidney stones via its diuretic activity.

• Anti-microbial and antifungal (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans).

• Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective activity (reduces reactive oxygen species; reduces prostaglandins).

Key Indications:

• Female reproductive system: infertility, low libido, menopausal symptoms, PCOS, sexual dysfunction.

• Male reproductive system: erectile dysfunction, low libido, infertility, sexual dysfunction, enhancing mood and testosterone levels.

Secondary Indications:

• Cardiovascular and endocrine tonic.