What role does Tribulus terrestris play in bodybuilding?

As already mentioned, Tribulus terrestris is said to have a number of effects that are used especially in bodybuilding. Besides the reduction of body fat and the increase of libido, it is especially the anabolic effect that makes the substance interesting for bodybuilding. Through the indirect stimulation of the body’s own testosterone content, it is said to have a positive effect on muscle building.

Compared with anabolic preparations that are otherwise frequently used in bodybuilding, Tribulus terrestris is not suspected of having the full range of side effects that are associated with pure testosterone preparations. However, the effect of Tribulus terrestris lags far behind that of anabolic steroids so that it plays only a minor role in professional bodybuilding. It also has the disadvantage that it can be detected in doping tests despite its comparatively low effect.

The positive effect on the libido becomes significant in bodybuilding, however, when the body fat percentage drops to such an extent that the body no longer has enough cholesterol available to maintain the hormone balance. Due to evolution, the sex drive is therefore superficially switched off, as it is not needed for survival in an emergency situation – as suggested to the body by the low body fat. In contrast to testosterone preparations, however, Tribulus does not lead to a reduction in the sperm-producing cells in the male testicles, but even stimulates production.

The fundamental difference between these two options is that Tribulus powder is also available in pure form. Capsules, on the other hand, are usually provided with “fillers” that supplement the capsule. Often there are other ingredients contained, which are not necessarily always wanted or desired.

For example, many capsules contain added soya, which makes it difficult or even impossible for allergy sufferers to take. The powder form, on the other hand, can also be mixed with flavorings, which can make the intake as a drink quite tasty. Capsules also have the advantage that they contain a fixed amount of the active ingredient, so that a fixed amount can best be achieved by capsules. As vegetable active substance the active substance concentration is subject however to a natural fluctuation, so that with the income of powder of the quantity cannot be closed doubtlessly on contained active substance quantity.