Tribulus terrestris is a flowering plant in the family Zygophyllaceae, native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World in southern Europe, southern Asia, throughout Africa, and in northern Australia. It can thrive even in desert climates and poor soil.

Tribulus is extracted from the plant, and used as a natural nutritional supplement. It has been used for centuries by the Chinese to calm the liver, treat headaches, dizziness, and premature ejaculation, help impotence, low libido, male infertility, enhance energy and vitality.

In bodybuilding, Tribulus is used for its testosterone boosting properties more than anything else. Studies have shown over 50% increase in testosterone levels when taking Tribulus Terresteris. We all know testosterone helps build muscle and strength, that's why some pro athletes use steroids and other pro-hormones to enhance performance. You'll be happy to hear that Tribulus Terrestris is NOT a hormone! It works completely different from Andro and DHEA. Tribulus increases testosterone through increasing lutenizing hormone (LH) in your body. LH tells your body to produce testosterone. Why is this beneficial? Simply because Tribulus is not a hormone supplement, it merely works within the body's natural limits helping you achieve muscle and strength.

There has been a great deal of tribulus research and studies have been conducted, and all have shown positive benefits of supplementing Tribulus Terrestris without adverse effects. Tribulus is a key ingredient in Vig-Rx Plus.

Tribulus is sometimes used as a Viagra Alternative for men who maybe experiencing difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection and typically begins to work within 2 to 8 hours and better effects can be achieved by taking some the day before and on the day of planned intimacy.

References:

1. Abstract of Brown et al. (2000) at PubMed
2. Abstract of Gauthaman, Aidakan, and Prasad (2003) atPubMed
3. Abstract of Neychev and Mitev (2005) at PubMed
4. Flora Europaea: native distribution in Europe
5. G. A. Brown et al. (2000). "Effects of anabolic precursors on serum testosterone concentrations and adaptations to resistance training in young men". International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 10 (3): 340-359.
6. V. K. Neychev and V. I. Mitev (2005). "The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men". Journal of Ethnopharmacology 101 (13): 319323.
7. Gauthaman K, Ganesan AP and Prasad RN. (2003). "Sexual effects of puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat model". Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 9 (2): 257265.
8. Germplasm Resources Information Network:
9. U.S. Department of Agriculture's PLANTS database