Quoted from dinoiii
"Tribulus Terrestris
Here is an example of a supplement with quite the storied past. Tribulus terrestris has a long history of use in Eastern Europe and China as a liver tonic and natural hormone stimulator. It has also been used for sexual dysfunction and infertility. Western practitioners became aware of the Bulgarian pharmaceutical (Sopharma) product designated to treat hormonal insufficiency and a potential fertility therapy.
Tribestan is the trade name of a formula with tribulus and other herbs sold in Eastern Europe. After a strong underground following among bodybuilders brought it to the U.S., Sopharma licensed the formula to several American supplement companies for sale here. Company claims purport up to 30 percent testosterone increases in men and subsequent increased men's libido, strength of erections, and sperm production. Though the purported studies that support these claims are still outstanding in presentation, the supplement's cult following certainly raises an eyebrow.
The mechanism of action is purported to be increased secretion of LH from the pituitary. One thing warranting exploration is how tribulus does have a female-SPECIFIC stimulatation of FSH production. Again, this does not appear to be the case in males.
I have discussed at length in my Tribulus article some of the potential overlooked benefits, but I am going to step outside of that series here and report a link I see to another hormonal system that plays an important role in the post-cycle period. Tribulus terrestris provides a safe, non-hormonal stimulation of the endocrine system emphasizing testosterone AND estradiol (again, it is an LH stimulator) production and liver enhancement. The important point I want to make is that both of the aforementioned effects contribute to and augment the metabolic action of HGH and IGF-1 as both testosterone and estrogen increase their production.
Additionally, imperative effects of tribulus during the PCT time frame could be the improved libido production and increased sperm count noted. It also acts as a liver tonic that further contributes to better hormone production and phenomenal potential after C17-alkylated hormonal use. A little biochemistry recall: the liver synthesizes hormones from cholesterol and breaks down fats to EFAs, which also play major roles in hormone production.
One more positive. Tribulus boosts the break down of proteins to amino acids for the creation of new muscle cells, which directly impacts growth hormone. The more muscle you have, the more endogenous HGH the body will produce – and vice versa. The effect tribulus has on protein greatly complements the actions of growth hormone and creates better energy usage, exercise recovery, and stamina. For this reason, the herb offers significant benefits for professional athletes despite negative press.
From body composition studies that didn't show instantaneous "results" – the herb found itself placed very far down the list of some bodybuilder's arsenals. This is unfortunate because bodybuilding is a complete science (ok, so it may be my dream that all consider bodybuilding that, BUT THE HUMAN BODY VERY MUCH IS THE SCIENCE!!!)
It does not end there, the fruit and root of Tribulus terrestris also contain metabolites like phytosteroids, flavanoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. These bioactive compounds have a strong and beneficial effect on the immune, sexual, and reproductive systems. It also reduces cholesterol, helps to prevent kidney stones and has been reported to offer a sense of well being (more later on psychiatric effects of cycle and post-cycle use). One clinical study revealed it has the ability to dilate coronary arteries, making it an ideal heart tonic "
