1
|
Garcia JF, Seco-Calvo J, Arribalzaga S, Díez R, Lopez C, Fernandez MN, Garcia JJ, Diez MJ, de la Puente R, Sierra M, Sahagún AM. Tribulus terrestris and Sport Performance: A Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of Its Advertisement and Availability via Online Shopping in Six Different Countries. Nutrients 2024; 16:1320. [PMID: 38732566 PMCID: PMC11085339 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Dietary supplements are commonly used among athletes, and the Internet may be an easy source of these products. Tribulus terrestris is an herbal supplement with multiple properties. Of interest to athletes are reports that its consumption can lead to muscle mass gain and a faster recovery process. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the availability of Tribulus terrestris via the Internet in six countries (Canada, Puerto Rico, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, and the United States of America) via a specifically designed computer program. The characteristics of the websites selling this substance, the country from which it can be purchased, the route of administration, and recommendations for its use were analyzed. The results of the study show that this supplement is marketed mainly in Russia, Ukraine, and Spain on many websites that are mostly dedicated to sports products. Just over half of the webpages (59.14%) identified only distribute this supplement within the same country. The main claims for its consumption refer to sports performance benefits, but there are also claims that it may improve male hormone levels and sexual function. Athletes should be encouraged to seek professional advice prior to ingesting this supplement to ensure that it is suitable for their specific training and sports objectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Garcia
- Department of Mechanical, Informatics and Aerospatiale Engineering, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain;
| | - Jesús Seco-Calvo
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain;
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Basque Country University, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Soledad Arribalzaga
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain;
| | - Raquel Díez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (R.d.l.P.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Cristina Lopez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (R.d.l.P.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - M. Nelida Fernandez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (R.d.l.P.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Juan J. Garcia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (R.d.l.P.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - M. Jose Diez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (R.d.l.P.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Raul de la Puente
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (R.d.l.P.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Matilde Sierra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (R.d.l.P.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Ana M. Sahagún
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (R.d.l.P.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fernández-Lázaro D, Seco-Calvo J, Pascual-Fernández J, Domínguez-Ortega C, Del Valle Soto M, Mielgo-Ayuso J. 6-Week Supplementation with Tribulus terrestris L. to Trained Male CrossFit ® Athletes on Muscle, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Biomarkers: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16158. [PMID: 36498228 PMCID: PMC9736311 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but their effects on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in trained athletes are uncertain. The purpose of this single-blind placebo-controlled trial, in accordance with CONSORT guidelines, was to examine the effect of 6 weeks of TT supplementation on muscle metabolism, inflammation biomarkers, and oxidant status. Thirty trained male CrossFit® athletes were randomly assigned to be supplemented with 770 mg/day of TT (intervention group (IG)) or receive a placebo daily (control group (CG)) for 6 weeks. Muscle damage enzymes, inflammation biomarkers, and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) were assessed at baseline (T1), 21 days after baseline (T2), and after 42 days (T3). Grace, a Workout of the Day, was measured in T1 and T3. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was found between IG and CG in Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), and TAS levels at the end of the follow-up. Furthermore, TAS levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the IG, also LDH and CRP increased significantly (p < 0.05) at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the CG. No significant (p > 0.05) decreases in muscle damage or inflammation biomarkers were observed, although a slight downward trend was observed after 6 weeks for supplemented athletes. TT supplementation could attenuate the CrossFit® training program-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammation which could be due to the natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of TT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernández-Lázaro
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42003 Soria, Spain
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jesús Seco-Calvo
- Physiotherapy Department, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Campus of Vegazana, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Basque Country University, 48900 Leioa, Spain
| | - Jorge Pascual-Fernández
- Medical Hospital Emergency Service of Hospital San Pedro, Rioja Health, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Carlos Domínguez-Ortega
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42003 Soria, Spain
- Hematology Service of Santa Bárbara Hospital, Castile and Leon Health (SACyL), 42003 Soria, Spain
| | - Miguel Del Valle Soto
- Department of Cellular Morphology and Biology, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nejati M, Dehghan P, Khani M, Sarbakhsh P. The effect of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and performance of recreational runners: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:689. [PMID: 35986353 PMCID: PMC9389655 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06630-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
High intensity and endurance exercises lead to exercise-induced oxidative stress (EIOS), exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), and inflammation, which are the influencing factors on muscle soreness, localized swelling, and sports performance decrease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Tribulus terrestris (TT) as an herbal supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on the nutritional, oxidative, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory status, as well as the sports performance of recreational runners.
Methods/design
This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which will be conducted among recreational runners of Tabriz stadiums, Iran. Thirty-four recreational runners will be selected, and participants will be assigned randomly to two groups: to receive 500 mg TT supplement or placebo capsules twice daily for 2 weeks. Both groups will do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts during the study. Baseline and post-intervention body composition, muscle pain, and aerobic and anaerobic performance will be assessed. In addition, assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid (UA), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), protein carbonyl (PC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (MYO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) irisin, cortisol, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be done during three blood samplings. Changes in oxidative stress, anti/inflammatory biomarkers, and sports performance will be assessed as primary outcomes.
Discussion
This study will be the first to assess the potential effects of TT on recreational runners. Our results will contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding TT supplementation on the nutritional, oxidative, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory status and sports performance in recreational runners.
Trial registration
Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) (ID: IRCT20150205020965N8). Registration date: 13 February 2021.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fernández-Lázaro D, Fernandez-Lazaro CI, Seco-Calvo J, Garrosa E, Adams DP, Mielgo-Ayuso J. Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. on Sport and Health Biomarkers in Physically Active Adult Males: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159533. [PMID: 35954909 PMCID: PMC9368143 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and sports nutrition to improve health and performance. However, no conclusive evidence exists about the potential beneficial effects of TT on sport and health biomarkers in physically active adults. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the modified McMaster Critical Review Form for methodological quality assessment, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, to assess the effects of TT on immunological, hematological, biochemical, renal, lipidic, hormonal behavior, and anti-inflammatory response in physically active adult males. Among 340 records identified in the search, a total of 7 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, participants supplemented with TT displayed significant improvements in lipid profile. Inflammatory and hematological biomarkers showed moderate beneficial effects with no significant changes on renal biomarkers. No positive effects were observed on the immune system response. Additionally, no TT-induced toxicity was reported. In conclusion, there was no clear evidence of the beneficial effects of TT supplementation on muscle damage markers and hormonal behavior. More studies are needed to confirm the benefits of TT due to the limited number of studies available in the current literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernández-Lázaro
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42003 Soria, Spain
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.F.-L.); (C.I.F.-L.)
| | - Cesar I. Fernandez-Lazaro
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.F.-L.); (C.I.F.-L.)
| | - Jesús Seco-Calvo
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Physiotherapy Department, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana, 24071 Leon, Spain;
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Basque Country University, 48900 Leioa, Spain
| | - Evelina Garrosa
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and Institute of Neurosciences of Castile and Leon (INCYL), University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - David P. Adams
- Dual Credit Enrollment Program, Point University, Savannah, GA 31419, USA;
| | - Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Garcia JF, Arribalzaga S, Díez R, Lopez C, Fernandez MN, Garcia JJ, Diez MJ, Seco-Calvo J, Sierra M, Sahagún AM. Herbs as an Active Ingredient in Sport: Availability and Information on the Internet. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132764. [PMID: 35807943 PMCID: PMC9268717 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of supplements containing herbal active ingredients in sport has increased in recent years. Their consumption is explained by the benefits they may provide and because their natural origin do not involve health complications, from the point of view of the consumers. The aim of this study is to analyze the availability of four supplements (caffeine, turmeric, ginseng, cannabidiol) on the internet and understand the nature of these websites. A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study design was used. A detailed search was carried out with specifically developed software. The searches and data evaluation took 10 days. The websites consulted correspond to those that sell supplements, or some sport websites in the case of the Spanish ones, whereas those in English belong to pharmacies, parapharmacies, or herbalists. It is concluded that the websites do not provide adequate information to ensure proper consumption and lack advice on the choices of supplements and their administration guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Garcia
- Department of Mechanical, Informatics and Aerospatiale Engineering, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain;
| | - Soledad Arribalzaga
- Physiotherapy Department, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Campus de Vegazana, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain;
| | - Raquel Díez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Cristina Lopez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - M. Nelida Fernandez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Juan J. Garcia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - M. Jose Diez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Jesús Seco-Calvo
- Physiotherapy Department, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Campus de Vegazana, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain;
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Visiting Researcher of Basque Country University, 48900 Leioa, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Matilde Sierra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Ana M. Sahagún
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Veterinary Faculty, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain; (R.D.); (C.L.); (M.N.F.); (J.J.G.); (M.J.D.); (M.S.); (A.M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Does Tribulus terrestris L. affect hormonal responses following high-intensity resistance exercise? BIOMEDICAL HUMAN KINETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/bhk-2022-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study aim: To investigate the effect of a 2-week supplementation with Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) on the responses of testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones including triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) following an intensive session of resistance exercise (RE).
Materials and methods: Twenty-two healthy non-athlete men (23.8 ± 3.1 years) participated in this study were divided into two groups and were randomly assigned to receive either TT supplementation (n = 11) or a placebo (n = 11). They consumed two 250-mg capsules with TT or placebo (maltodextrin) per day and performed six REs with the intensity 80-90% of 1RM on the fifteen day of the experiment. Venous blood samples were drawn before supplementation, and before and after the RE session.
Results: The mean values of post-exercise testosterone and cortisol in both groups were significantly higher than pre-exercise and baseline (p < 0.01); however, there were no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Likewise, despite a trend toward different levels of the responses of thyroid hormones with TT supplementation, there were no significant differences either in different time points or the groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Short-term supplementation with TT appears to be ineffective in changing the hormonal responses measured in this study following a session of high-intensity RE.
Collapse
|
7
|
Fernández-Lázaro D, Mielgo-Ayuso J, del Valle Soto M, Adams DP, González-Bernal JJ, Seco-Calvo J. The Effects of 6 Weeks of Tribulus terrestris L. Supplementation on Body Composition, Hormonal Response, Perceived Exertion, and CrossFit ® Performance: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:3969. [PMID: 34836225 PMCID: PMC8623187 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) supplementation have been shown to enhance sports performance in many but not all studies. Moreover, data regarding the potential impact of TT supplementation on CrossFit® endurance is limited. This study aimed to determine whether TT supplementation improve body composition, hormonal response, and performance among CrossFit® athletes. In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a total of 30 healthy CrossFit®-trained males were randomly allocated to receive either 770 mg of TT supplementation or a placebo daily for 6 weeks. Body mass, fat mass, fat composition, testosterone and cortisol levels, and CrossFit® performance (5 common Workouts of the Day: back squat, bench press, dead lift, Grace, and CrossFit® Total) were assessed before and after intervention. There were no significant group x time interactions for the outcomes of the study except for testosterone levels and bench press performance (p < 0.05). TT supplementation did not impact enhance performance or body composition in CrossFit® male athletes. However, TT supplementation may act as a testosterone booster helping the recovery after physical loads and mitigating fatigue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernández-Lázaro
- Department of Cellular Biology, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Soria, University of Valladolid, 42003 Soria, Spain
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain;
| | - Miguel del Valle Soto
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain;
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - David P. Adams
- Dual Enrollment Program, Point University, Savannah, GA 31419, USA;
| | | | - Jesús Seco-Calvo
- Physiotherapy Department, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Campus de Vegazana, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain;
- Visiting Researcher of Basque Country University, Psychology Department, Faculty of Medicine, 48900 Leioa, Spain
| |
Collapse
|