Tribulus Terrestris benefit, side effects, supplement extract,
testosterone, research studies
Review of supplement dosage, frequency of use, and combining it
with other aphrodisiac herbs
that enhances
sexuality in men and women
November 16 2019
by
Ray Sahelian,
M.D.
Benefit and side effects, review, does it work?
Tribulus terrestris,
also called "puncture vine," is a plant used around the world. It improves sexual function in humans.
What
does modern science have to say about this herb? Does it
improve athletic performance, does it influence testosterone levels? Does this herb improve sexual performance, erectile function
or libido?
This article reviews the benefits and side effects.
Tribulus Extract 500 mg, 60 pills
Buy Tribulus Terrestris supplement extract pill
This tropical vine
is common in sandy soils throughout
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other parts of the world. It can be used by both men and women.
It can be combined with other aphrodisiac herbs such as avena sativa,
catuaba, ginseng, horny goat weed, maca, muira puama, mucuna pruriens, tongkat
ali and yohimbe as long as the dosage of each is a fraction of a capsule.
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Supplement Facts | ||
Serving Size: 1 Tablet | ||
Amount Per Serving | % DV | |
Tribulus Fruit Extract (minimum 45% total saponins) |
500 mg | † |
Suggested use for tribulus products: Use one
tablet in the morning on an empty stomach. Take at least 2 or 3 days off
each week from use
For a more effective
sexual enhancer, try Passion Rx with Yohimbe.
Buy Tribulus Terrestris supplement
extract, Passion Rx libido booster for
men and women, maca herb, tongkat ali, or horny goat weed. You can alternate
their use each day.
Latest review of human studies
Effective in women with low sexual desire
DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
2014. Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women:
randomized double-blind placebo - controlled study. This study, done in Tehran, Iran,
tested the safety and efficacy of Tribulus terrestris in women with
hypoactive sexual desire disorder during their fertile years. Sixty seven
women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder were randomly assigned to
Tribulus terrestris extract (7.5 mg/day) or placebo for 4 weeks. Desire,
arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were measured at baseline
and after 4 weeks after the end of the treatment by using the Female Sexual
Function Index. At the end of the fourth week,
patients in the Tribulus terrestris group had experienced significant
improvement in their total FSFI, desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfactionI. Frequency of side effects was similar between the
two groups.
My comments: When I first read the abstract, it did not make sense
to me that the dosage was 7.5 mg a day. But then I found the whole article and
it said that a syrup was prepared from the ethanolic
extract of Tribulus terrestris. There was 3.5 grams of ethanolic extract in
every 5 ml of the syrup. The dosage was 7.5 ml of the syrup, not 7.5 mg.
Therefore the dosage was roughly 5 to 6 grams of the herb a day.
Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018. Efficacy of Tribulus Terrestris for the treatment of premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, with 40 premenopausal women reporting diminished libido, receiving Tribulus terrestris or placebo. Patients treated with the plant aphrodisiac experienced improvement in desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction. Women receiving T. terrestris had increased levels of free and bioavailable testosterone. T. terrestris might be a safe alternative for the treatment of premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder as it was effective in reducing the symptoms, probably due to an increase in the serum levels of free and bioavailable testosterone.
Not effective in men with erectile
dysfunction, dose may have been too low
Actas Urol Esp. 2014. Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction:
A prospective, randomized, double blind study. This study done in Spain selected thirty healthy men ove rthe age of 40 with
erectile dysfunction. Patients were randomized into two groups of fifteen subjects each.
The study group received 800mg of Tribulus terrestris, divided into two
doses per day for thirty days and the control group received placebo
administered in the same way. At the dose and interval studied, Tribulus terrestris was not
more effective than placebo on improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction or
serum total testosterone.
My comments: The dosage in this study was 800 mg, there is no
mention whether it was an extract. The dosage in the trial on women as
mentioned above used several grams a day.
Sexual behavior
and enhancement
Life Science 2002.
Animal studies have found TT to be helpful as a sex booster. Sexual behavior and
intracavernous pressure (ICP) were studied in both normal and castrated rats to further
understand the role of tribulus as an aphrodisiac. ICP refers to blood flow into the corpus
cavernosa of the penis. Adult rats were divided into groups of 8 each that included
distilled water treated (normal and castrated), testosterone treated (normal and
castrated) and tribulus treated (castrated). Compared to the castrated control, treatment of
castrated rats (with either testosterone or tribulus extract) showed increase in prostate weight
and ICP. There was also an improvement in sexual behavior as evidenced by
an increase in mounting frequency.
Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract Protodioscin
in normal and castrated rats.
In my personal and professional experience, this herb
does seem to have a positive influence on sexual enhancement. I personally have
noticed improved sexual performance after a few days of use.
J Pharmacology Pharmacotherapy 2012. Evaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris in sexually sluggish male albino rats. To study the effect of acute and repeated dose administration of lyophilized aqueous extract of the dried fruits of Tribulus terrestris on sexual function in sexually sluggish male albino rats. In order to assess the effect of chronic T. terrestris exposure on the hypothalamus--pituitary--gonadal axis, testosterone level estimation and sperm count were carried out. Twenty-eight-day oral toxicity studies were carried out to evaluate the long-term effects of the TT administration on different body systems. A dose-dependent improvement in sexual behavior was observed with treatment as characterized by an increase in mount frequency, intromission frequency, and penile erection index, as well as a decrease in mount latency, intromission latency, and ejaculatory latency. Chronic administration produced a significant increase in serum testosterone levels with no significant effect on the sperm count. No overt body system dysfunctions were observed in 28-day oral toxicity study. Findings of the present study validate the traditional use of T. terrestris as a sexual enhancer in the management of sexual dysfunction in males.
Testosterone effect, does it increase or decrease?
I have read some
websites that claim it increases testosterone levels and I have come
across one human trial in women that supports this. Even if it does, I don't know
whether it would do so consistently if tribulus is taken for prolonged periods.
Animal and human studies have shown conflicting results.
Q. I want you to know that taking tribulus
terrestis for two months my total testosterone level went from 162 to
328, my Dr. said keep using it. I
have no more menopause hot flashes and sweats. Thank you very much for your
product.
A. We would be interested in more feedback from women who use tribulus to
know whether this herb has an influence on menopausal hot flashes or
testosterone levels.
Q. Doesn't raising testosterone levels in males,
specifically tribulus, increase prostate cancer risk?
A. Very few studies have been done to determine the long term
influence of tribulus terrestris supplement use in terms of testosterone
production or release. I do not think it has a meaningful influence on long
term testosterone levels. Also, there is no reason to take it daily for months
or years.
Journal Ethnopharmacology 2015. Pro-sexual and Androgen Enhancing Effects of Tribulus terrestris: Fact or Fiction. Historically, aphrodisiacs have had a reputation for making sex more achievable and satisfying. It has been long believed that Tribulus terrestris possesses aphrodisiac properties purportedly attributed to its ability to influence levels or mimic function of sex hormones. However, reliable scientific evidence supporting these purported bioactivities are scant and far from conclusive. Analysis of phytochemical and pharmacological studies in humans and animals revealed an important role for TT in treating erectile dysfunction and sexual desire problems; however, empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that this desirable effects are due to androgen enhancing properties of tribulus is, at best, inconclusive, and analysis of empirical evidence from a comprehensive review of available literature proved this hypothesis wrong. While the mechanisms underlying tribulus aphrodisiac activity remain largely unknown, there is emerging compelling evidence from experimental studies in animals for possible endothelium and nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms underlying the aphrodisiac and pro-erectile activities.
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Libido and sexual thoughts
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For hundreds of years
civilizations around the world have known about locally grown herbs that achieve
wonderful results.
Now, renowned physician and herbal
expert Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Natural Sex Boosters, has
combined a number of exotic herbs from the Amazon jungle, India, China,
Malaysia, and Africa, that support healthy desire and performance. This aphrodisiac formula provides a natural solution for those
looking for an alternative to synthetic drugs.
The potent herbal extracts in this natural
aphrodisiac formula include ashwagandha,
catuaba bark, cnidium, damiana, horny goat weed, maca, mucuna pruriens, muira puama, tongkat
ali,
tribulus and yohimbe. A version is available without yohimbe bark extract.
Angina pectoris (chest pain)
Tribulus terrestris has been studied in China and found to reduce the frequency
of angina pectoris attacks but I have not yet come across Western studies
regarding its role in heart health.
Athletic performance, exercise
Does tribulus terrestris
have an
influence on testosterone release or enhance testosterone production? One study in rodents indicates that tribulus has an influence on androgen receptors located on brain cells
in the hypothalamus. Another animal study found TT use did
increase testosterone levels. However, a human study done in Australia in 2007 did not
find the herb to have a major influence on muscle mass growth,
nor did tribulus seem to influence blood testosterone levels in humans to
any great extent. Animal and human studies have shown conflicting results in
regards to its influence on testosterone
levels. This herb is legal to use in all
professional sports. I doubt that it offers any significant athletic performance
benefits.
Int J Sport Nutrition Exercise Metabolism. 2000. The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise
performance in resistance-trained males.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the herbal preparation
Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in
resistance-trained males. Fifteen subjects were randomly assigned to a placebo
or tribulus (3.2 mg per kg body weight daily) group. There were no changes in body weight, percentage fat,
total body water, dietary intake, or mood states in either group after an 8-week
exercise (resistance training) and supplementation period. This study shows
supplementation does not
enhance body composition or exercise performance in resistance-trained males.
J Strength and Conditioning Research 2007. The effect of five weeks of Tribulus
terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during
preseason training in elite rugby league players.
Twenty-two
Australian elite male rugby league players were match-paired and randomly
assigned in a double-blind manner to either a TT or placebo
group. All subjects performed structured heavy resistance training as part of
the club's preseason preparations. A tribulus terrestris extract (450 mg each
day)) or placebo capsule was consumed once daily for 5 weeks. After 5 weeks of
training, strength and fat free mass increased significantly without any
difference between the two groups. No between-group differences were noted in the urinary testosterone / epitestosterone ratio.
Phytomedicine 2008. The hormonal effects of Tribulus
terrestris and its role in the management of male erectile dysfunction - an
evaluation using primates, rabbit and rat.
Tribulus terrestris extract was administered intravenously in primates for acute
study. Rabbits and normal rats were treated with orally for 8
weeks. In addition, castrated rats were treated either with
testosterone cypionate or tribulus terrestris orally (5mg/kg daily for 8 weeks).
Blood samples were analyzed for testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and
dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels. In
primates, the increases in testosterone, DHT and DHEAS were statistically significant. In rabbits, both testosterone and DHT
were increased compared to control, however, only the increases in DHT were
statistically significant. In castrated rats increases in testosterone levels
by 51% and 25% were observed with testosterone and tribulus terrestris extract
respectively that were statistically significant. The herb increases
some of the sex hormones, possibly due to the presence of protodioscin in the
extract.
J Sport Health Sci. 2017. Tribulus terrestris extracts alleviate muscle damage and promote anaerobic performance of trained male boxers and its mechanisms: Roles of androgen, IGF-1, and IGF binding protein-3.
Weight lifting or training
I have been told that tribulus terrestris is good to use when weightlifting and
that the testosterone in it is helpful for building muscle. Is it effective for body building purposes for a man.
There are no studies to prove this herb is effective
for weightlifting or bodybuilding.
I am a 63 yr old male. I am lifting weights
to maintain body strength. I was advised to take two Tribulus Terrestris
capsules before and two after my work out. I work out every other day. I have
high blood pressure controlled by medication. Was the advice I was given
correct.
We don't think this herb is a good option for those
considering weight lifting or body building. Creatine and protein supplements
are more appropriate.
Blood pressure
effect
Antihypertensive and vasodilator effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts
of Tribulus terrestris in rats.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2006. Department of Pharmaceutical
Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat,
Kuwait.
It was concluded that
extracts of Tribulus terrestris possess significant antihypertensive activity in
spontaneously hypertensive rats. The antihypertensive effects appeared to result
from a direct arterial smooth muscle relaxation possibly involving nitric oxide
release and membrane hyperpolarization.
Cancer influence
Breast cancer
The inhibitory effect of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on Bcap-37 breast
cancer cell line in vitro
Zhong Yao Cai. 2003.
Saponins
from tribulus terrestris had potent inhibitory effect on Bcap-37 cell line in a
concentration-dependent manner.
Kidney cancer
Experimental study of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on renal carcinoma
cell line
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005.
Saponins can significantly inhibit the
growth of renal carcinoma cell in vitro, partially, by apoptosis.
Prostate surgery, cancer
I am six years post prostatectomy with a 0.01 PSA level. Is there a risk in
taking tribulus? The research seems unclear.
I am not aware of any research specifically on its role after
prostate removal and prostate cancer, but I do not suspect the occasional use
will have much of an influence.
Cholesterol and lipids
Effect of saponin from Tribulus terrestris on hyperlipidemia
Zhong Yao Cai. 2003.
The preventive and therapeutic effects of saponin
on diet-induced hyperlipidemia in mice have been studied. It showed that in
preventive experiment the tribulus terrestris saponin could significantly lower
the levels of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride.
Energy and fatigue
fighter
Tribulus has some energy boosting abilities, as do ginseng, cordyceps,
maca, and tongkat ali. MultiVit Rx multivitamin formula is a great option for
energy enhancement. As with most herbs, I recommend taking breaks from use.
Menopause, perimenopause?
Q. I recently started taking Tribulus to alleviate symptoms of perimenopause
(specifically urogenital dryness and inflammation). It does indeed help, and I’m
curious how it works. I wanted to try DHEA, but it’s not available over the
counter in Canada. Tribulus was recommended as an alternative. I know you
generally recommend taking breaks from any herbal supplements discussed on your
website. That recommendation notwithstanding, I’m wondering if you think there’s
any utility in cycling it with the menstrual cycle – for example, in the same
way that some people recommend using wild yam to align or mimic the rhythm of
progesterone through a month’s cycle.
A. I don't have any experience or knowledge using this herb for
menopause or perimenopause but my suggestion is to use it as infrequently as
possible for long term use, and cycling it is an option.
Mechanism of action,
how does it work?
Tribulus terrestris may work by relaxing smooth muscles and increasing blood flow into the corpus cavernosa. The relaxant effect observed is probably due to the increase in
the release of
nitric oxide from the endothelium and nerve endings. Since the herb relaxes smooth muscles, this
may account for its benefits in abdominal colic. The role of this herb on testosterone production or release needs to be evaluated
further before any statements can be made with confidence.
Most people notice the benefits on the third or fourth day of use.
Korean J Urol. 2013. Effects and Mechanism of Action of a Tribulus terrestris Extract on Penile Erection. Department of Urology, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea. The relaxation effects and mechanism of action of the T. terrestris extract on rabbit corpus cavernosum were investigated in an organ bath. The intracavernous pressure (ICP) was calculated after oral administration of the extract for 1 month to evaluate whether the relaxation response of the CC shown in the organ bath occurred in vivo. Additionally, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were measured in the corpus cavernosum by immunoassay. The T. terrestris extract induced concentration-dependent relaxation of the CC in an organ bath. The mechanism included a reaction involving the nitric oxide/nitric oxide synthase pathway and endothelium of the CC. Moreover, in an in vivo study, the TT extract showed a significant concentration-dependent increase in ICP. Accordingly, the TT extract may improve erectile function.
Historical uses
In Turkey, it is commonly used in folk medicine
for blood pressure and cholesterol. In Europe, it has been used in folk medicine
throughout history, as far back as the Greeks, for wide-ranging conditions as
headache, nervous disorders, and sexual dysfunction. In China and India, this
herb has been touted for use in liver, kidney, urinary, and cardiovascular
remedies.
What's in the herb and the plant?
The fruits of tribulus contain a number of different
substances including saponins (protodioscin,
furostanol), glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, resins, tannins, sugars,
sterols, and essential oil.
Recently, two new saponins have been isolated: Terrestrinins A and B, .
A frequently mentioned substance in tribulus
terrestris is
protodioscin, which some claim is one of the active substances within this plant. When
different samples of tribulus were analyzed, significant differences in the composition
of saponins
were observed depending on the origin and plant part used. One analysis of products showed
considerable variations of 0.17 to 6.5 % in protodioscin content.
Availability of
supplements
Tribulus is most often found in combination with other sex-enhancing herbs in
various libido products. This herb
is also sold by itself often in a dosage ranging from 250 to 750 mg. It is
found in a variety of extract potencies. Some examples of tribulus extracts
include 20 percent saponins, 40 percent saponins, 45 percent saponins, 60
percent saponins, 20 percent protodioscin, 40 percent protodioscin.
How many different types of tribulus extracts are available?
The ones I have seen are the following: Tribulus terrestris powder,
10% extract, 20% extract, and 40% extract. There are others but the above are the
most commonly used.
Tribulus side effects, caution, safety, risk, danger, adverse reaction
No significant tribulus side effects have yet been reported in the medical literature regarding
its use by
humans as part of a clinical trial, but there have been case reports of
individuals abusing this herb and having certain complications. Rare cases of
kidney damage have been reported when misused, overused, or taken together with
other herbs or medications that can put stress on the kidneys.
Little is
known about the long-term use of TT consumption in humans. As with most
herbs, it is best to take breaks from use in order to minimize potential
long term adverse effects. When sheep consume tribulus
terrestris as 80% of their diet, liver damage and other changes occur. In my
personal experience, and feedback from patients, I have noticed and heard the
following tribulus terrestris side effects: more energy, feeling warmer,
slightly faster heart beat, restlessness. These adverse event
are dose dependent. I personally do not notice the tribulus side effects on
dosages less than 300 mg, but these adverse effects are more common above 500 mg.
Tribulus terrestris-induced severe nephrotoxicity in a
young healthy male.
Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2010. Clinical Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran, Iran.
We report a case of hepatotoxicity,
nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity in an Iranian male patient who used the plant's
extract to prevent kidney stone formation. He presented with seizure and very
high serum aminotransferases and creatinine after consuming herbal water for 2
days. Discontinuation of the herbal remedy resulted in improvement in symptoms
and normalization of his liver enzymes.
Prostate enlargement, BPH, PSA level
Any reason to be concerned in using it having BPH benign prostate enlargement?
Does it influence the prostate gland and PSA levels?
A. We have not seen any research regarding a connection
between tribulus terrestris and prostate enlargement, BPH, and PSA levels. But, as with most
supplements, we advise taking breaks from use and this minimizes any potential
problems.
Withdrawal
I have not seen any evidence of significant
withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation.
Research studies
Cell Physiol Biochem. 2013. Cellular and molecular mechanisms in vascular smooth
muscle cells by which total saponin extracted from Tribulus terrestris protects
against artherosclerosis.
Hypoglycemic effect of saponin from Tribulus terrestris
Zhong Yao Cai. 2002.
The level
of serum glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride was reduced by saponin from Tribulus
terrestris. Serum SOD activity
of the mice was increased by the saponin.
Sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure (ICP) were studied in both normal and castrated rats to further understand the role of tribulus containing protodioscin as an aphrodisiac. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups of 8 each that included distilled water treated (normal and castrated), testosterone treated (normal and castrated, 10 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously, bi-weekly) and tribulus treated (castrated, 5 mg/kg body weight, orally once daily). Decreases in body weight, prostate weight and ICP were observed among the castrated groups of rats compared to the intact group. There was an overall reduction in the sexual behaviour parameters in the castrated groups of rats as reflected by decrease in mount and intromission frequencies (MF and IF) and increase in mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies (ML, IL, EL) as well as post-ejaculatory interval (PEI). Compared to the castrated control, treatment of castrated rats (with either testosterone or tribulus extract) showed increase in prostate weight and ICP that were statistically significant. There was also a mild to moderate improvement of the sexual behaviour parameters as evidenced by increase in MF and IF; decrease in ML, IL and PEI. It is concluded that tribulus extract appears to possess aphrodisiac activity.
Supplement emails
What can you tell me about tribulus terrestris and osteoporosis in men or women by virtue of testosterone
increase?
A. In order to know how whether this plant is effective
for osteoporosis, at least a one year study has to be done in women. No such
study has been done, therefore it is not possible to say whether TT is an appropriate herb for the treatment of osteoporosis. Other
options have been studied much better. Furthermore, even if the plant extract
stimulates testosterone release, are the effects consistent over time? Will
there be side effects with long term daily use? What is the appropriate dose for
adequate testosterone release without other negative consequences? All these
questions have not been determined.
Are there hazardous side effects of using Tribulus terrestris and Viagra simultaneously? Can the minimum dose of 25 mg of
sildenafil citrate can be taken along? What is the duration of a dosage?
It is always a good idea, before mixing herbs and pharmaceutical
drugs, to first learn how each one work by itself. In the case of tribulus
terrestris one can learn the effects by taking in the morning at one capsule a
day for at least 4 or 5 days. When combining medications and herbs the dosage of each should be reduced. Each person has a
different dosage at which the benefits and side effects will be noticed. Tribulus
and other herbs take a few days to start working so there is no point in taking
the supplement the same day as a Viagra pill. One can take the herbal pill two or three days in a row before planned
sexual activity and then take Viagra, Cialis or Levitra on the day of sexual
activity. The effects of tribulus can last a day or two after the last dose.
Ultimate Nutrition Testostro Grow HP - I bought the product
to test for myself whether I felt a difference in athletic performance, the
increasing libido factor not playing a part as I didn't have any problems in
that area. I took the product, 1 tablet (500mg Tribulus Terrestris
(aerial, 45% saponins)) for 4 days. The first day taking the product, I
immediately noticed an erection lasting until the next morning. The next day, I
felt great at the gym. However, on the third day, my sex drive was almost
completely gone, and I had nothing to blame but the Tribulus. I didn't use any
other supplements or medication at the time. So I stopped taking the Ultimate
Nutrition Testostro Grow HP, but the 'normal' sex drive hasn't come back since.
A. Ingredients in this product are: Amount per serving: Chrysin
(100% pure) 800mg Tribulus Terrestris (aerial, 45% saponins) 1500mg Saw Palmetto
Extract (fruit) 200mg Nettle Root Extract (0.8% sterols) 155mg Avena Sativa
Extract (10:1) 90mg Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) 40mg Daidzein 30mg Hawthorne Extract
(fruit) 130mg Cucurbita Pepo Extract (10:1) 120mg Alpha Lipoic Acid 160mg. With
so many different ingredients it is difficult to say what all the interactions
are. A good option is to take a break from all supplements for a couple of weeks
to allow your body to rebalance itself.
I was told I have slightly lower testosterone than is usual.
I have man boobs (probably because in the past I drunk a lot of bourbon; In the
present because I drink a lot of soy milk) and at the gym it was suggested I
take supplements with Tribulus terrestris. Is that right? Would it help me get
rid of my man boobs through exercise and that herb extract?
A. We doubt this herbal product would be of benefit in reducing man
boobs. Exercise is more likely to be of benefit.
More
details about the plant
Puncturevine is a prostrate
annual herb that grows from a simple taproot. It produces
numerous stems, up to several feet long, that are much branched and arise
from the crown to produce a dense mat. The fruit is a
woody burr with sharp, rigid spines (strong enough to puncture bicycle
tires or penetrate shoe soles). Tribulus is Latin for "three-pointed, a
caltrop," the shape of which is suggested by the three-pronged
fruit, and referring to the caltrop, a military weapon, an iron ball with
projecting spikes. It is a serious weed in
pastures, roadsides, waste places, vacant lots and cultivated fields. The spines of
the tribulus fruit can cause damage to the feet of animals and are a
nuisance to children. If growing in orchards or vineyards, it is a problem
to the fruit pickers. If grazing animals happen to eat a bur, it may cause
injury to the mouth, stomach, and intestines.
The foliage is toxic to livestock,
especially sheep, when consumed in large quantities.
This plant is found throughout the United States, except along
the northern tier from Montana to New England. It is also found in Asia,
South Africa, the Mediterranean region, South America, and Australia.
Tribulus terrestris was introduced into the United States with livestock
imported from the Mediterranean region. It has become widespread since
then.
The fruits or berries are the parts most often used in traditional medicine. The
composition of different substances within tribulus is likely to vary depending on which part of
the world it grows.
History
In
China it is used in a number of conditions affecting the liver
and kidney as well as the cardiovascular and immune systems. The role of tribulus terrestris
in eastern European folk medicine for muscle strength and sexual potency led to
two decades of formal (though secret) government-sponsored studies. The development of a
formula for tribulus terrestris, along with the rise of a market economy in
eastern Europe, has rapidly expanded its use over the last decade. Tribulus
terrestris herb is now sold as a standardized pharmaceutical preparation for
muscle strength and sexual potency throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Forms Available
Tribulus Fruit extract 20% saponins, 40%
Also available are 20% Protodioscin
and
40% Protodioscin
Various misspellings include terrestis, tribulous,
terrestrus, terristrus, tribulas
Other products online:
Physician Formulas Tribulus
Supplement facts and amount per pill:
Tribulus Terrestris extract 400 mg each pill (standardized to 40 % saponins)
Now Foods, TestoJack 100, 120 Veggie Caps
Supplement Facts | ||
Serving Size: 2 Veg Capsules | ||
Servings per Container: 60 | ||
Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value | |
Vitamin B-6 (from Pyridoxine HCl) | 3 mg | 150% |
Magnesium (from Magnesium Aspartate) | 140 mg | 35% |
Zinc (from Zinc Mono-L-methionine and Zinc Aspartate) | 9 mg | 60% |
ZMA (complex of Zinc Mono-L-methionine, Magnesium/Zinc Aspartate, and Pyridoxine HCl) | 808 mg | † |
Tribulus terrestris Extract (Fruit) (min. 20% Saponins) | 250 mg | † |
LJ100 Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Extract) (Root) (min 22% Eurypeptides) | 50 mg | † |