Tribulus Terrestris: Fertility Herb for Both Men and Women

Tribulus terrestris, while there are not many herbs that have been show to benefit both male and female fertility, this is one of them. Tribulus has been used as a traditional fertility herb for years, in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Traditional healing practices are rooted in time tested results, but scientific researchers in Bulgaria wanted to know how this herb really works. Several studies have been conducted to find out how Tribulus aids fertility, for both men and women.
Studies show the following fertility benefits:

• Increase in sex hormone production in both men and women.
• Increase in serum FSH and estridiol in women.
• Increase in LH and testosterone in men.
• Improvement in sexual desire in both men and women.
• May normalize ovulation in infertile women when used prior to ovulation.
• Increase in sperm count, motility, and health.
• Decrease in the effects of antisperm antibodies.
• Overall fertility tonic for male and female reproductive system.
• May aid the male body in producing DHEA to treat erectile dysfunction.

Tribulus for Male Fertility

Erectile Dysfunction
The main part of Tribulus, that aids in fertility for men, is a constituent called protodioscin. This constituent improves DHEA levels in the male body. In men with ED, it has been found they have low levels of DHEA. Some studies have shown that protodioscin, extracted from Tribulus, increases natural DHEA levels needed for proper erection. Protodioscin is also the main constituent that is responsible for Tribulus’ aphrodisiac qualities. Increase in sexual desire when using this plant has been reported by both men and women.
Antisperm Antibodies
A study in 1998, performed in Bulgaria, using Tribulus on couples with antisperm antibodies, found a 61% increase in conception. Antisperm antibodies are when the body has an immune response to semen. Antibodies are triggered during the immune response that work to kill off the sperm. High numbers of sperm antibodies can make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg, and/or fertilize the egg. Antisperm antibodies also may damage sperm that survive, which increases chance of miscarriage. An extract, made into a tablet of Tribulus terrestris was given orally to couples with antisperm antibodies. Both the man and woman were treated. Men received 1 dose, 3 times a day for 60 days. Women received 1 dose, 3 times a day for 7 days, in the beginning of their cycle, for 6 months. The average time it took for couples to conceive was 5.2 months. This shows that consistency of use is very important!
In addition, TCM and Ayurvedic practitioners have found Tribulus to be very effective in improving sperm count, motility, and morphology when combined with dietary and exercise changes.

Tribulus for Female Fertility

Using Tribulus for Female Fertility and Ovulation Stimulation
One study performed on 36 women who were not ovulating, showed that that 67% realized normal ovulation after only 2-3 months of consistent use. The women were given 300-400mg a day, from day 5-14 of their menstrual cycle. 6% became pregnant right away.
A rat study using Tribulus, published in Aug. 2011, showed that Tribulus reduced the number of cysts in the ovaries, in female rats with PCOS. High doses of the extract were administered orally. The treatment showed the ovarian cysts to have significantly decreased, and normal ovarian function restored. While this was not a human study, it gives scientists more research to use when considering this herb for treatment of PCOS in humans. Many herbalists find Tribulus is an effective, overall female fertility tonic and ovarian stimulant, making it an excellent choice for women with PCOS. This is especially true for women who are not ovulating due to PCOS.
This herb has been found to be wonderful in aiding women with menstrual irregularities, improving timing of the entire menstrual cycle. Tribulus has also been found to be a nourishing tonic for the female reproductive system as a whole, especially concerning the ovaries.
Tribulus combines well with other herbs. See below for herbal combinations…..
The following herbs have been shown safe and effective when combined with Tribulus.

• Lack of libido: Damiana, Maca
• Male Sexual Dysfunction: Korean Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, Maca or Ashwaganda
• Female Tonic for Reproductive Health: Shatavari, Maca

Traditional Suggested Dosage of Tribulus terrestris
Capsule: 500mg a day to start, working up to a 1500mg a day as needed.
Tincture: 3-5 mL, 2 times a day.
For Men: Has been shown best to use all month long, 3-6 months.
For Women: Has been shown best to use from day 5-14 of the cycle, not past ovulation. Tribulus should not be used during pregnancy.
Safety of Tribulus Use: Pregnancy Caution
Many studies have been conducted using Tribulus. No adverse effects have been reported in humans, even with long-term use, with the exception of gastrointestinal upset in some people after 6 months of consistent use. Despite safety, there have been some reports by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners warning not to use Tribulus during pregnancy. Tribulus is not recommended for use during pregnancy. A woman who is trying to conceive should only use this herb prior to ovulation. Tribulus has been shown to cause or contribute to cholestsis when used during pregnancy. Cholestasis is a liver disease that only happens during pregnancy. In women who develop cholestasis, the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder is affected by very high levels of pregnancy hormones. The gallbladder holds bile from the liver, aiding in the breakdown of fats for digestion. Cholestasis slows this function down, which may cause bile acids to spill into the blood stream.
Some animal studies have shown to cause locomotor disorder known as staggers. While another showed decreased survival rate of offspring when taken during pregnancy. This is why Tribulus should not be used in pregnancy. Discontinue use of Tribulus once you find out you are pregnant, or if you think you may be pregnant.

Guarana inside Maca Tongkat Ali

Guaraná (pronounced gwa-ra-naa) is a berry that grows in the Amazon River drainage basin in northern parts of Brazil. Guaraná’s berries are widely regarded as an exceptional source of natural caffeine and have been used for centuries by native Amazonians to help maintain their stamina and increase physical endurance. It is the number one source of caffeine for South Americans. It has a different effect, however, than the caffeine normally consumed through coffee. This disparity in experience and effect from the natural caffeine of the guarana is due to its plant source that also contains widely varying mixtures of other xanthine alkaloids, including the stimulants theophylline and theobromine, and other substances such as polyphenols that form insoluble complexes that help to slow the release of caffeine into the bloodstream.

The really amazing thing about the guaraná berry, though, is that contained in its antioxidants there seems to be something that causes the memory to sharpen. So not only are you getting a boost of energy when you are consuming guaraná but you are also developing a sharper memory. It is a perfect complement with açaí.

Benefits

There are three powerful alkaloids found in the guaraná seed, guaranine (chemically identical to natural caffeine), theophylline, and theobromine. These alkaloids tone the central nervous system, the heart, and additionally they promote mental focus and clarity, with the added enhancement of memory functions. The guaraná seed contains natural caffeine about 2.5 times stronger than the caffeine found in coffee, tea, or cocoa. However, guaraná benefits from phytonutrients and their link to the fatty molecules in their seeds. This allows the guaraná to be absorbed gently over a sustained time period of 4-6 hours, thus providing the lasting stamina and alertness we all want. The result is a beneficial energizer for the heart and brain that is mild on the body. In contrast, the caffeine found in coffee gives a sudden rush with a relatively fast drop off.

As guaraná is rich in natural caffeine, it is regarded for its potential effects on cognition. On studies performed on rats, guaraná increased memory retention and physical endurance when compared with a placebo. A 2007 study on humans in a double-blind, counterbalanced, placebo-controlled study assessed the acute mood and cognitive effects throughout the day of a standardised guaraná extract. Guaraná improved secondary memory performance and increased alert and content mood ratings further supporting previous findings of cognitive improvements following guaraná consumption. The study suggested that the effects could not be attributed to caffeine alone.

Preliminary research has also shown guaraná may affect how quickly the body perceives itself to be full. One study showed an average 11.2 pound (5.1 kilogram) weight loss in a group taking a mixture of yerba mate, guaraná, and damiana, compared to an average one pound loss in a placebo group after 45 days.

Other laboratory studies have shown antioxidant and antibacterial effects, and also fat cell reduction in mice when combined with conjugated linoleic acid (as found in açaí) from frequent intake of guaraná. Furthermore, guaraná has been found to stimulate the flow of lipids, so fat can more readily be burned as energy. In this action it helps the body use up accumulated excess calories. It has also been proven to help the body reduce the number of adipocytes (fat storage in the tissues). In South America, guaraná is popular for treating cellulite and obesity.

History

The use of the guaraná berry pre-dates the discovery of Brazil. The Guaranis, an Amazon tribe, were found taking a drink made from the powder of the roasted and ground seeds of the berries. The natives claimed that this drink made from a "miraculous plant" could give such endurance that by drinking it one could go on a hunt for days without food and without feeling hunger or fatigue. The Guaranis would also tell of the drink taking away headaches, fever and painful muscle spasms, and a cure for bowel movements. In the Guaranis culture, guaraná plays a very important role, as it is believed to be magical, and a way to regain strength.

The Guaranís would make their drink, a tea, by shelling and washing the seeds, followed by pounding them into a fine powder. The powder is kneaded into dough and then shaped into cylinders, known as guaraná bread, which would be grated and then immersed into hot water along with sugar.

Today science has been able to confirm the claims of the Amazon natives by clinically researching the chemical composition of this medicinally-rich berry, and established the guaraná seeds as having numerous therapeutic properties. The first researchers collected the plant for study in the 17th centruy after it was introduced to European colonizers and Europe. By the late 1950’s, guaraná was commercialized. Today the guaraná plant is a sustainable rain forest product of enormous value and is used to provide a natural energy boost in teas, sodas and açaí. Guaraná is a big part of Brazilian culture, and for most Brazilians it has become a part of their everyday life.

Some of the many common uses of guaraná are:

• To increase energy and stamina
• To enhance memory and mental acuity
• To relieve headaches and PMS
• To suppress appetite
• To stimulate metabolism
• To act as a mild antidepressant
• To fight free radicals with antioxidant properties
• To reduce localized fats
• To treat diarrhea
• To help arthritis 

Amazon Legend about Guaraná
In the deep forest of Amazonas, where the Maué Natives lived, there was a highly respected couple that had given birth to a special boy child. This boy was an only child and the whole tribe regarded him as their guardian angel. He had an influence to always bring abundance where there was lack, health where there was illness, and peace where there was unrest. One day the little boy climbed up a tall tree to harvest a fruit. Jurupan, a jealous evil spirit transformed himself into a snake and killed the boy who fell down from the tree. When his people found him he appeared to be taken by a deep sleep but with his eyes open. All the tribe gathered mourning the death of their precious boy. At that moment a lightning bolt descended. Tupá, their supreme God, spoke through the mother of the boy and tried to soothe their affliction. The voice told them that they should harvest the eyes of the child and plant them. At that site there would be a sacred plant sprouting that would always bring the Maués nourishment and healing for all their evils and illnesses. With great reluctance they performed this deed of planting the eyes of the small one into the earth. They watered the site with their tears, and left the elders deep in the forest to guard such precious seeds. Soon after the planting, the guaraná plant sprouted. 

Harvest

Guaraná is harvested as a sustainable rainforest product from the Amazon. It can be grown amongst the natural rainforest, thus preserving the natural ecosystem. It is harvested for the berries’ seeds which are used to produce a powder that is quite rich with caffeine content.

Guaraná is bought from small farmers who have been harvesting the berry for years in the region. The commercial extraction process then starts by automatically weighting toasted and ground seeds. Next the seeds are sent to rotary extraction vessels with the addition of an extracting solvent fluid and, after a certain amount of contact time, the initial extract is obtained. This extract will then follow 3 steps: decantation, filtering, and vacuum concentration. Afterward, the extract is analyzed by the physical-chemical laboratory to assess whether it meets specifications established. Only after the entire process is completed will the extract be stored in fiber vessels, located in the cellar, and be ready for use.

While small farmers may have a more modern extraction process, the people of the Guarani culture in Brazil still perform the centuries-old process for making guaraná in a similar manner as their ancestors. First the seeds are shelled, washed, and then roasted for six hours. After the roasting process the seeds are then put into sacks and shaken until their outside shell comes off. They are then pounded into a fine powder and made into dough with water and rolled into cylindrical shapes about 8 inches long. The paste is then dried in the sun or over a slow fire until they are hard and a rough and reddish-brown color. These cylinders of guaraná seed powder are then grated, and the gratings put into a cup, and hot water is added to make a tea. Sugar is often added as well.

Tongkat Ali Benefits

Eurycoma longifolia, commonly referred to as Tongkat Ali, is primarily known for its sexual enhancing features.  Grown exclusively in Southeast Asia, the natural testosterone booster is credited for increasing ones’ libido, muscle mass, energy levels, athletic performance, improving workout recovery time, and has also been associated with cancer fighting activities.

Testosterone Levels

An increased testosterone level results in many known health benefits. Decreased risk of depression, less body fat, a stronger heart and bones, and a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease are just a few. Tongkat is most known for its testosterone building aspects which lead to a large number of other advantages.

Ergogenic Assistance

The extract has shown to promising results related to ergogenic support, meaning that upon supplementation users noticed an improved responsiveness to strenuous activity and exercise, similar to L-Glutamine. This effect results due to increased levels of testosterone.

Enhanced Libido

An increased libido or sexual desire is a common result from taking Tongkat Ali. Again, this can be credited to increased levels of testosterone. Most men and women taking the extract stated to have experienced increased sexual arousal.

Anti-Cancer Agent

The extract has also been linked to cancer (primarily breast, colon and lung) preventing benefits. Both alkaloids and quassinoids can be found in eurycoma longifolia and have been proven to significantly inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Energy Levels

By increasing the body’s metabolic rate and improving blood circulation enhanced energy levels have been experienced upon ingesting the supplement. One down side is the experience of insomnia and excessive fatigue the following day when not taking the proper dosage, but by taking the correct amounts earlier in the day you can experience all of the benefits and no negative side effects.

Athletic Performance

An increased level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is another effect of eurycoma longifolia, improving overall energy and vivacity. Significant enhancements in both athletic performance and muscle mass have been experienced in users of the agent. Thanks to the anabolic effects of Tongkat a large number of Southeast Asian athletes have begun using the substance with improved athletic results.

Increased Muscle Mass

The extract has been scientifically proven to induce muscle growth in men by 5% on average. The British Journal of Sports Medicine reinforced this by using a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. The journal also showed an average 1.8cm increase in the group’s arm circumference (30.87cm to 32.67cm).