Supplement Godfather

QUESTION:  I want to use Tribulus to boost my test levels, but I keep reading about how you have to use the right “strain” of Tribulus, which apparently only comes from Bulgaria. Is this true?

ANSWER: Or is this just some marketing angle companies are taking? Yes, it is true that you have to use the right type of Tribulus. if you want to effectively boost test levels. There can be a huge difference between different sources (or strains) of Tribulus. It all comes down to the variations in steroidal saponin and protodioscin content. Protodioscin is the saponin found in Tribulus that’s responsible for its test-boosting properties. So, without the right amount of total saponins and protodioscin, Tribulus won’t have a significant impact on test secretion in the body. The reason Bulgarian Tribulus is considered the best is because in the early 1980s, the first human clinical trials conducted on Tribulus were done in Bulgaria, and, of course, the Tribulus used in the studies was grown in Bulgaria. Just because you get your Tribulus from Bulgaria doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best stuff. Yes, some of the best Tribulus in the world does come from Bulgaria, but there are also good sources from other places, too. It all comes down to the saponin content of the Tribulus. The studies conducted back in the early 1980s in Bulgaria used a strain of Tribulus standardized for 45% saponins. I’ve actually been researching Tribulus over the last few months and while doing so, I discovered some very interesting info about this herb! First of all, the ‘real’ Tribulus (I mean the stuff that contains at least 45% saponins) is relatively expensive, especially compared to stuff that isn’t standardized for 45% saponins. In fact, on average, Tribulus extract standardized for a minimum of 45% saponins can cost up to 100% to 300% more than the regular raw stuff. So, you can see why crooked supplement company owners would want to include the raw stuff in their product. They end up making 2 to 3 times more profit! Now with all that being said, how the heck are you supposed to know if your Tribulus is good quality stuff or garbage? Well, one simple way to find out if your Tribulus is an extract standardized for those powerful test-boosting saponins is to open up a capsule and take a look at the powder. Raw Tribulus, meaning the stuff that is NOT standardized for saponins has a different look, smell and texture than the real stuff that’s loaded with saponins. The fake Tribulus is lighter in color and very dry and lifeless, whereas the real stuff is darker in color, can be a bit sticky, and has a distinct smell because it contains live saponins.

To read more of Don Gauvreau's work, please visit his website at: www.supplementgodfather.com or www.PharmaFreak.com. If you have a question you want answered, email us at: questions@muscle-insider.com