What is Tribulus terrestris?
Tribulus terrestris is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of eye trouble, edema, stomach ailments, and sexual dysfunction. It is also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of impotence and infertility, urogenital disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and chronic pain.[5]
Of the more than 70 compounds found in Tribulus terrestris, the most common include steroidal saponins and flavonoids, which are contained in the root and the fruit of the plant and appear to be largely responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neurological properties.[6] The particular composition of Tribulus terrestris largely depends on its geographical origin.[7]
What are Tribulus terrestris’ main benefits?
Tribulus terrestris is commonly claimed to have aphrodisiac properties. There is indeed some evidence that it can improve sexual desire, increase sexual satisfaction, and reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men[8][9][4][10] and enhance libido in women.[11][12] These effects seem to be most prominent in people who are experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. Current evidence fails to support that claim that Tribulus terrestris elevates testosterone levels.[13][14]
Tribulus terrestris may also have benefits for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol[15][16] and for reducing blood glucose in people with diabetes,[17][18] though evidence is limited.
What are Tribulus terrestris’ main drawbacks?
None of the clinical trials that have studied the effects of Tribulus terrestris have reported an increase in adverse side effects when compared to placebo treatments.[7][19][4] While no toxicology studies have been conducted in humans, rodent studies that have administered Tribulus terrestris at a dose of 500 mg per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) for 28 days (equivalent to a human dose of 80 mg/kg after adjusting for metabolic and size differences) didn’t observe any toxic side effects.[20] In vitro studies have shown cytotoxic, genotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting effects of Tribulus terrestris, but it is unknown how this may translate to humans.[21]
How does Tribulus terrestris work?
The mechanism by which Tribulus terrestris improves erectile function may involve an enhancement in the relaxation of penile smooth muscle tissue, increased intracavernous pressure, and elevated penile blood flow. These effects seem to be dependent on a greater release of nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelium of blood vessels.[22][23][24]
Tribulus terrestris and its extracts may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Tribulus terrestris scavenges hydrogen peroxide and superoxide free radicals[25] and increases the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.[26] Furthermore, Tribulus terrestris might inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-𝛼, interleukin 6, and interleukin 10.[27]
What are other names for Tribulus Terrestris
- Trib
- Puncturevine
- Protodioscin
Dosage information
Daily doses of 750–1,500 mg of Tribulus terrestris extract (unspecified if fruit or root) have commonly been examined in meta-analyses and systematic reviews, with a dosage of 750 mg/day being more common.[1][2][3]. In regards to active ingredients, one trial featured participants taking 500 mg of Tribulus terrestris extract, which contained 225 mg of furostanol saponins, three times per day.[4]
Frequently asked questions
Tribulus terrestris is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of eye trouble, edema, stomach ailments, and sexual dysfunction. It is also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of impotence and infertility, urogenital disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and chronic pain.[5]
Of the more than 70 compounds found in Tribulus terrestris, the most common include steroidal saponins and flavonoids, which are contained in the root and the fruit of the plant and appear to be largely responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neurological properties.[6] The particular composition of Tribulus terrestris largely depends on its geographical origin.[7]
Tribulus terrestris is commonly claimed to have aphrodisiac properties. There is indeed some evidence that it can improve sexual desire, increase sexual satisfaction, and reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men[8][9][4][10] and enhance libido in women.[11][12] These effects seem to be most prominent in people who are experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. Current evidence fails to support that claim that Tribulus terrestris elevates testosterone levels.[13][14]
Tribulus terrestris may also have benefits for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol[15][16] and for reducing blood glucose in people with diabetes,[17][18] though evidence is limited.
None of the clinical trials that have studied the effects of Tribulus terrestris have reported an increase in adverse side effects when compared to placebo treatments.[7][19][4] While no toxicology studies have been conducted in humans, rodent studies that have administered Tribulus terrestris at a dose of 500 mg per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) for 28 days (equivalent to a human dose of 80 mg/kg after adjusting for metabolic and size differences) didn’t observe any toxic side effects.[20] In vitro studies have shown cytotoxic, genotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting effects of Tribulus terrestris, but it is unknown how this may translate to humans.[21]
The mechanism by which Tribulus terrestris improves erectile function may involve an enhancement in the relaxation of penile smooth muscle tissue, increased intracavernous pressure, and elevated penile blood flow. These effects seem to be dependent on a greater release of nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelium of blood vessels.[22][23][24]
Tribulus terrestris and its extracts may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Tribulus terrestris scavenges hydrogen peroxide and superoxide free radicals[25] and increases the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.[26] Furthermore, Tribulus terrestris might inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-𝛼, interleukin 6, and interleukin 10.[27]
Update History
Dosage section updated
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References
- ^Borrelli F, Colalto C, Delfino DV, Iriti M, Izzo AAHerbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Drugs.(2018-Apr)
- ^Petre GC, Francini-Pesenti F, Vitagliano A, Grande G, Ferlin A, Garolla ADietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use.Nutrients.(2023-Aug-22)
- ^Martimbianco ALC, Pacheco RL, Vilarino FL, Latorraca COC, Torloni MR, Riera RTribulus Terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet.(2020 Jul)
- ^Kamenov Z, Fileva S, Kalinov K, Jannini EAEvaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialMaturitas.(2017 May)
- ^Chhatre S, Nesari T, Somani G, Kanchan D, Sathaye SPhytopharmacological overview of Tribulus terrestris.Pharmacogn Rev.(2014-Jan)
- ^Zhu W, Du Y, Meng H, Dong Y, Li LA review of traditional pharmacological uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestrisChem Cent J.(2017 Jul 11)
- ^Ștefănescu R, Tero-Vescan A, Negroiu A, Aurică E, Vari CEA Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties of L.Biomolecules.(2020-May-12)
- ^Kristian Leisegang, Renata FinelliAlternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic reviewArab J Urol.(2021 Jun 11)
- ^GamalEl Din SF, Abdel Salam MA, Mohamed MS, Ahmed AR, Motawaa AT, Saadeldin OA, Elnabarway RRTribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with late-onset hypogonadism: A placebo-controlled studyUrologia.(2018 Sep 25)
- ^Sellandi TM, Thakar AB, Baghel MSClinical study of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in Oligozoospermia: A double blind studyAyu.(2012 Jul)
- ^de Souza KZ, Vale FB, Geber SEfficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trialMenopause.(2016 Nov)
- ^Postigo S, Lima SM, Yamada SS, dos Reis BF, da Silva GM, Aoki TAssessment of the Effects of Tribulus Terrestris on Sexual Function of Menopausal Women.Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet.(2016-Mar)
- ^Neychev V, Mitev VPro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction.J Ethnopharmacol.(2016-Feb-17)
- ^Qureshi A, Naughton DP, Petroczi AA systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect.J Diet Suppl.(2014-Mar)
- ^Murthy AR, Dubey SD, Tripathi KAnti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A clinical studyAnc Sci Life.(2000 Jan)
- ^Mansoor Ahmad Siddiqui, Malik Itrat, Abdul Mobeen, Md Imran KhanEfficacy of Khār-i-khasak ( Tribulus terrestris Linn.) in prehypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialJ Complement Integr Med.(2021 Apr 1)
- ^Samani NB, Jokar A, Soveid M, Heydari M, Mosavat SHEfficacy 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 TrialJ Evid Based Complementary Altern Med.(2016 Oct)
- ^Ramteke RS, Thakar AB, Trivedi AH, Patil PDClinical efficacy of Gokshura-Punarnava Basti in the management of microalbuminuria in diabetes mellitus.Ayu.(2012-Oct)
- ^Diego Fernández-Lázaro, Cesar I Fernandez-Lazaro, Jesús Seco-Calvo, Evelina Garrosa, David P Adams, Juan Mielgo-AyusoEffects of Tribulus terrestris L. on Sport and Health Biomarkers in Physically Active Adult Males: A Systematic ReviewInt J Environ Res Public Health.(2022 Aug 3)
- ^Singh S, Nair V, Gupta YKEvaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in sexually sluggish male albino rats.J Pharmacol Pharmacother.(2012-Jan)
- ^Abudayyak M, Jannuzzi AT, Özhan G, Alpertunga BInvestigation on the toxic potential of Tribulus terrestris in vitro.Pharm Biol.(2015-Apr)
- ^Do J, Choi S, Choi J, Hyun JSEffects and Mechanism of Action of a Tribulus terrestris Extract on Penile Erection.Korean J Urol.(2013-Mar)
- ^Adaikan PG, Gauthaman K, Prasad RN, Ng SCProerectile pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the rabbit corpus cavernosum.Ann Acad Med Singap.(2000-Jan)
- ^Kam SC, Do JM, Choi JH, Jeon BT, Roh GS, Hyun JSIn vivo and in vitro animal investigation of the effect of a mixture of herbal extracts from Tribulus terrestris and Cornus officinalis on penile erection.J Sex Med.(2012-Oct)
- ^Bhuvad et al.ASSESSMENT OF FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF TEN MADHURASKANDHA DRUGS THROUGH UV SPECTROSCOPIC AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUEInternational Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.(2016-03-01)
- ^Li et al.Influence of gross saponins from tribulus terrestris L on SOD activity and MDA content for chronic high intraocular pressure in rabbitGuoji Yanke Zazhi.(2013-05-01)
- ^Ko HJ, Ahn EK, Oh JSN‑trans‑ρ‑caffeoyl tyramine isolated from Tribulus terrestris exerts anti‑inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.Int J Mol Med.(2015-Oct)
