🔰 Introduction
Tribulus Terrestris is known to have numerous health benefits. It is a small, flowering plant which is also known as a puncture vine and goat's head. It is a Mediterranean plant that yields a fruit that is covered with spines.
The fruit, root, and leaf are used as medicine to treat several health conditions. It is found in many places, including parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
What Is Tribulus Terrestris?
Tribulus (Tribulus Terrestris) is a plant that yields fruit covered with spines.
Tribulus contains certain chemicals that might increase levels of some hormones.
Fun Fact: Tribulus is known as a puncture vine because its sharp spines can puncture bicycle tires.
Tribulus is used for sexual disorders, chest pain, infertility, enlarged prostate, and several other conditions. However, there is no scientific evidence regarding this.
History & Growth of Tribulus Terrestris
Today, Tribulus Terrestris is popularly used as a general health supplement. It can be grown in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive. It is found and adapted to warm temperate and tropical regions in southern Eurasia, North Africa, North America, and Australia.
It has been a significant constituent in traditional Chinese medicines and Indian Ayurveda medicine. Thus, It is a multi-functional herb that is helping to cure diseases.
Tribulus Terrestris Benefits
It Might Affect Blood Sugar & Heart Health
Research found the effects of taking 1,000 mg of Tribulus Terrestris per day in 98 women with type 2 diabetes.
Those taking the supplement experienced lower blood sugar and help protect against blood vessel damage and help prevent increases in blood cholesterol.
Tribulus Terrestris May Enhance Libido
Even though it may not increase testosterone, it might boost libido.
Studies found that when men with reduced sex drives consumed 750 to 1,500 mg of Tribulus Terrestris every day for 2 months, their sexual desire increased significantly by 79%.
Plus, 67% of women with very low libidos experienced increased sexual desire after taking 500–1,500 mg supplements of Tribulus for 90 days.
Thus, Tribulus Terrestris may improve libido in women and men; more research is required to explain the extent of sexual effects of this Tribulus supplement.
Helps with Chest Pain
It is considered to cure chest pains. It generally helps in an endocrine way. It boosts hormones that relieve pain.
Regular consumption of Tribulus Terrestris is known to have numerous health benefits in day to day life.
Sexual Dysfunction
Tribulus might help treat erectile dysfunction. Researchers found that those who took Tribulus significantly improved sexual function (including erectile dysfunction).
Additionally, a study in 2018 shows that Tribulus might help treat sexual dysfunction in women as well.
Based on several pieces of evidence, doctors suggest an herbal preparation of Tribulus to support their patients' sexual and hormonal function.
Diabetes
Tribulus might fight diabetes. A study published in 2016 showed that women with type 2 diabetes received either three months of Tribulus treatment or a placebo.
Blood glucose and total cholesterol were significantly decreased compared with the placebo.
Possible Side Effects of Tribulus Terrestris
Apart from its health benefits, there is some concern that Tribulus may trigger side effects such as an increase in heart rate and restlessness.
Additionally, some research showed that Tribulus might increase prostate weight.
Note: Men with ailments such as benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer should avoid using this herb.
As Tribulus might lessen blood sugar levels, taking the herb in combination with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to become severely low.
According to a report, a 36-year old man was diagnosed with priapism after consuming an herbal supplement containing Tribulus.
Dietary supplements are widely unregulated, and in some instances, might contain ingredients that are not on the label.
Other Side effects
Consuming Tribulus as a supplement for a short time is apparently safe, provided that you are healthy and you are not breastfeeding or pregnant.
Its side effects can include an upset stomach, trouble sleeping, and irregular periods.
Risks taking Tribulus
Lab tests on animals associate Tribulus to problems in fetal development. Plus, men should be aware that there are certain concerns about possible links between Tribulus and prostate problems.
Interactions
There are no major interactions between Tribulus and foods or other supplements and herbs.
However, Tribulus has been known to interact with certain medications. It might react with diabetes medications. Do not consume if you are taking heart and blood pressure medicines. Such as
- Beta-blockers
- Nitrates
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Digoxin
- Calcium channel blockers
If you are taking diabetes medications, Tribulus may decrease your blood sugars to severely low levels. It might also increase the effect the steroids that have on your body.
Make sure to let your doctor know about any you're taking, even if they are natural. In this way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with foods, medications, or other herbs and supplements. They can also let you know if the supplement may be risky for you.
Tribulus Terrestris Impact on Body
In addition to the possible health effects presented already, Tribulus Terrestris might have various other effects on the body:
- The brain: If consumed as part of a multi-ingredient supplement, Tribulus Terrestris might have antidepressant effects in mice.
- Cancer: A test-tube research has shown a possible anti-cancer effect of Tribulus Terrestris.
- Inflammation: A test-tube study revealed potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Fluid balance: Tribulus Terrestris might act as a diuretic and increase urine production.
- Immune system: rats' immune system activity has been shown to increase when they are given this supplement.
- Pain relief: High doses of this supplement might provide pain relief in rats.
However, almost all of the mentioned effects have only been studied and tried in test tubes or animals or test tubes, and the evidence is very limited.
We need much more research on animals and humans to decide whether Tribulus Terrestris has these effects.
Dosage and Safety
Researchers have used numerous doses to evaluate the effects of Tribulus Terrestris.
Studies reviewing its possible blood sugar-lowering effect used 1,000 mg per day, while studies investigating libido enhancement used doses from 250 to 1,500 mg per day.
Other studies prescribed doses of Tribulus relative to body weight. For instance, some studies have used doses of 4.5 to 9 mg per pound (10 to 20 mg per kg) of the body weight. So, if you weigh about 155 pounds ( i.e., 70 kg), you might need to take a dose of 700 to 1,400 mg per day.
If you are interested in buying/trying Tribulus Terrestris supplements, a wide selection is available on Amazon.
Saponins- Important Component in Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris contains Saponins and it is something that is responsible for their health benefits.
It is common for Tribulus Terrestris supplements to contain 45–60% saponins.
Takeaway
Keep into consideration the possible benefits and risks before taking Tribulus Terrestris.
Nowadays, Tribulus Terrestris is broadly used as a dietary supplement and pills. It has a vital role in sexual health medications and bodybuilding supplements. However, this herb is poisonous for sheep and can cause severe cases of tribulosis.
According to researchers, Tribulus Terrestris varies quite significantly when collected worldwide, along with its medicinal values and strength of the effect.
Due to its unusual shape and incredible course of action, it has got quite some names over the last millennium, which includes goat’s-head, bindii, puncture vine, bhakti, cat’s-head, devil’s eyelashes, Burra gokhru, caltrop, bullhead, small caltrops, devil’s-weed, devil’s-thorn, and tack weed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I get Tribulus Terrestris naturally from foods?
Ans. Yes. Tribulus fruit can be eaten. Please take it under proper guidance.
Q. What kind of climate does Tribulus Terrestris grow?
Ans. Tribulus Terrestris is a plant in the caltrop family broadly scattered around the world. It is adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can also survive.
Q. Can my son take Tribulus Terrestris? At what age can a person take Tribulus Terrestris?
Ans. Research on Tribulus Terrestris supplements shows that various products made with the plant are focused on boosting testosterone. It is believed that it affects men and women aged 14–60.
