Today’s popular nutritional supplements often come from plants that have been used medicinally for centuries.
Tribulus terrestris is reported to provide a wide range of health benefits, including increased sexual performance, decreased cholesterol and sugar, and altered hormone levels.
In the past, humans have used this plant for a variety of things, such as reducing edoema, preserving urinary tract health, and boosting libido.
In this article, we’ll examine the various health advantages of Tribulus terrestris as well as any possible adverse effects. We’ll also determine whether or not it actually works to improve health.
What Is Tribulus Terrestris?
The plant Tribulus Terrestris is native to dry and subtropical regions, including China, India, Mexico, Bulgaria, and Spain, as well as the entire Mediterranean region.
This plant is a type[1] of weed that grows best in hot, dry areas. It has received the names devil’s thorn and puncture vine due to the spikes that cover its fruits.
Although there are more than 26 different species of Tribulus plants, the majority of studies focused on the Tribulus Terrestris.
This therapeutic plant has likely been used for many centuries in conventional medicine.
In Chinese and Indian traditional medicine, the roots and fruits of Tribulus Terrestris were used as general health tonics and as remedies for a number of ailments.
Additionally, it has historically been used to reduce kidney stones, flush edema, cure urinary tract infections, and promote fertility.
Benefits Of Tribulus Terrestris
Here are some benefits associated with Tribulus Terrestris-
Optimum Sexual Health
Tribulus terrestris is mostly utilised as a supplement for promoting improved sexual health.
The production of the male sex hormone, testosterone, gets stimulated by natural steroidal substances in tribulus which are known as furostanol saponins. They block the natural hormone receptors.
As a result, more luteinizing hormone is produced, which pushes the testes’ Leydig cells to make more testosterone.
A Tribulus terrestris in the tablet form provides an immediate boost among males who have lower testosterone.
It might raise sperm, as per this[2] study. It could also offer a long lasting assistance in the prostate as a man ages.
In either case, it gives a man a natural way to maintain the levels of testosterone as well as sexual, mental, and physical wellness.
Tribulus terrestris is also quite popular for assisting in female sexual function. Contrary to those who did not take it, women who used tribulus terrestris reported[3] greater levels of sexual fulfilment and arousal.
Numerous studies show that taking tribulus terrestris supplements helps the body to maintain[4] healthy hormone levels.
Skin Care
Occasionally, the herb’s preparations might be applied orally and topically to treat skin disorders.
These include psoriasis, eczema, allergies, and scabies. Tribulus Terrestris has successfully lessened skin redness and lesions in leprosy patients.
Heart Health
Tribulus Terrestris could be useful[5] in reducing chest discomfort or angina symptoms. As per a clinical study, Tribulus Terrestris might have anti-anginal characteristics.
It appears to enhance blood flow to the coronaries by widening the coronary arteries. Anemia might also occasionally be treated with Tribulus Terrestris.
Strengthens Digestive Health
Tribulus Terrestris improves[6] the digestive system’s performance in several ways. Tribulus Terrestris is a moderate laxative that is prescribed in the medicine of Unani.
As per this analysis, saponins might also be[6] utilized to smooth muscular spasms or relieve colic.
It also lowers lipid levels and increases appetite. It helps to get rid of parasitic intestinal worms and relieves intestinal gas.
Aids In Breastfeeding And Development Of The Fetus
Tribulus Terrestris is said to help with the flow of milk during breastfeeding, as per some studies. Also, by strengthening the smooth local muscles, it aids in birthing.
There is, however, debate over the effectiveness of Tribulus Terrestris during labor, and this is being explored.
Pregnant women should use Tribulus Terrestris with caution as some research suggests that it might be a risk factor for miscarriage.
Addresses Infertility
Lower levels of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) are often associated[7] with erectile dysfunction, which is one of the main causes of male infertility.
The Tribulus Terrestris component protodioscin is in charge of raising the DHEA levels in males. Additionally, it also increases[8] sperm motility and concentration.
Regular consumption of the Tribulus Terrestris extract increases ovulation in women who have irregular ovulation patterns, as per numerous research.
Tribulus terrestris may have a therapeutic effect[9] in the female reproductive system at the very minute level. Further investigation is required to be done for the same.
Side Effects Of Tribulus Terristrius
Most studies examining the Tribulus Terrestris adverse effects are conducted on animals.
Large doses of the Tribulus Terrestris supplement were found to harm the kidneys, liver, and heart in these investigations.
As per a case study, a man took higher doses of Tribulus Terrestris for three days to prevent kidney stones. He ended up with acute kidney and liver toxicity.
Although this individual made a full recovery, the medicinal herb Tribulus Terrestris is listed[10] on the Dietary Supplement Toxic Table as it might[10] harm the kidneys.
Tribulus Terrestris supplements sold to athletes to add muscle mass or improve performance could include components that are not specified on the label.
These components could be anabolic androgenic steroids or different illegal compounds. Therefore, using a forbidden supplement might result in unintentional doping.
Dosage
Tribulus Terrestris has been often studied at several different doses to determine its effects.
200-1600 mg per day was employed in studies[11] that looked at libido enhancement while 1200 mg per day was utilized in studies[12] that looked into its sugar lowering effects.
In some research, doses were based upon body weight. For instance, doses of 4-8 mg per pound (8-12 mg per kg) of body weight were employed in several studies.
Tribulus Terrestris supplements are available in the form of capsules, powder, or tea.
All components of this plant are utilized for conventional medicinal therapies.
However, the Tribulus Terrestris supplements that you purchase online or in-store might include extracts from the root, leaves, or fruit of the plant.
There is no established dosage for this herbal Tribulus Terrestris supplement, and there is also no established dangerous dose.
Supplements that have Tribulus Terrestris might come in capsules ranging in size from 200 mg to 800 mg.
Conclusion
Thus, it could be said that this leafy, small plant known as Tribulus Terrestris offers a huge number of possible health advantages, however, most of them have only been investigated in animals.
Tribulus Terrestris could also boost libido in both women and men, although it does not raise testosterone. It would not, however, alter exercise capacity or body composition.
Although the majority of studies show that the Tribulus Terrestris supplement is safe and only has minor side effects, there have been a few rare toxicity cases.
Before having Tribulus Terrestris, as with many dietary supplements, you should consult your doctor and talk about the possible disadvantages and advantages.
12 References/Sources
Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.
- Ahmed Qureshi, Declan P Naughton, Andrea Petroczi. A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect. Review. J Diet Suppl. 2014 Mar;11(1):64-79.doi: 10.3109/19390211.2014.887602. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24559105/
- Sara Khaleghi, Mitra Bakhtiari, Atefeh Asadmobini, et al. Tribulus terrestris Extract Improves Human Sperm Parameters In Vitro. J Evid Based. Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jul; 22(3): 407–412. Published online 2016 Sep 30. doi: 10.1177/2156587216668110
- Elham Akhtari, Firoozeh Raisi, Mansoor Keshavarz, et al. Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo – controlled study. Daru. 2014; 22(1): 40.Published online 2014 Apr 28. doi: 10.1186/2008-2231-22-40
- Alexander V. SIROTKIN and Adriana KOLESAROVA. Puncture Vine (Tribulus Terrestris L.) in Control of Health and Reproduction. Physiol Res. 2021 Dec; 70(Suppl 4): S657–S667. Published online 2021 Dec 30. doi: 10.33549/physiolres.934711
- B Wang 1 , L Ma, T Liu. [406 cases of angina pectoris in coronary heart disease treated with saponin of Tribulus terrestris]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Feb;10(2):85-7, 68. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2364467/
- Kamila Misiakiewicz-Has, Dominika Maciejewska-Markiewicz, Sylwia Rzeszotek, et al. The Obscure Effect of Tribulus terrestris Saponins Plus Inulin on Liver Morphology, Liver Fatty Acids, Plasma Glucose, and Lipid Profile in SD Rats with and without Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Aug; 22(16): 8680. Published online 2021 Aug 12. doi: 10.3390/ijms22168680
- Ahmed I. El-Sakka. Dehydroepiandrosterone and Erectile Function: A Review. World J Mens Health. 2018 Sep; 36(3): 183–191. Published online 2018 May 11. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.180005
- Sara Khaleghi, Mitra Bakhtiari, Atefeh Asadmobini, and Farzane Esmaeili. Tribulus terrestris Extract Improves Human Sperm Parameters In Vitro. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jul; 22(3): 407–412. Published online 2016 Sep 30. doi: 10.1177/2156587216668110
- Desislava Abadjieva and Elena Kistanova. Tribulus terrestris Alters the Expression of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 in Rabbit Ovaries of Mothers and F1 Female Offspring. PLoS One. 2016; 11(2): e0150400. Published online 2016 Feb 29. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150400
- Amy Christine Brown. Kidney toxicity related to herbs and dietary supplements: Online table of case reports. Part 3 of 5 series. Review Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 Sep;107(Pt A):502-519.doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.07.024. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28755953/
- Vladimir Neychev, Vanyo Mitev. Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction. Review J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Feb 17;179:345-55.doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.055. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26727646/
- Nasrin Babadaei Samani, Azam Jokar, Mahmood Soveid, et al. Efficacy of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris on the Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile of Women With Diabetes Mellitus: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Randomized Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2016 Oct;21(4):NP91-7.doi: 10.1177/2156587216650775.
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Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.