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Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris ) is a small flowering plant that produces a fruit covered in spines. The fruit, the leaf, and the root are used, especially in natural medicine, to treat many conditions, especially sexual dysfunction. Find out about the properties of Tribulus and how can it be used?
Tribulus Terrestris – what is this plant?
Tribulus terrestris is a plant that is also known as a goat weed and belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. Tribulus terrestris is found all over the world, is favored by an arid climate and thrives in areas where other plants cannot survive. It is a small flowering plant that produces a fruit consisting of five spines. The fruit is said to resemble the head of a goat or bull with horns. The spikes of the fruit are sharp enough that they can injure the skin if stepped on them, and can even puncture the wheels of a bicycle or lawn mower.
Although the Tribulus Terrestris plant itself has been used for centuries in many forms of holistic medicine, it has become a popular dietary supplement in recent years and can be found in pill, powder or liquid extract form in health food stores. Tribulus Terrestris is most commonly used to treat sexual dysfunction and increase libido, reduce inflammation in the body, strengthen the heart muscle, regulate blood sugar and act as a diuretic.
In addition, Tribulus Terrestris is used to increase the energy and efficiency of the body during physical exertion. Tribulus is believed to raise the levels of certain hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.
See also: Medicinal herbs – occurrence and properties
Tribulus terrestris – active ingredients
Scientists believe that the saponins and flavonoids contained in Tribulus are responsible for the action of this plant. Of these, the steroidal saponin protodioscin is the most important. Tribulus extracts are usually standardized to contain saponins in the form of protodioscin.
Other active ingredients found in the Tribulus terrestris plant include:
- alkaloids,
- phenolic acid (terrestrosides A and B),
- country,
- fitosterole (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol),
- organic acids (cinnamic, vanilla),
- amino acids (alanine and threonine).
Tribulus terrestris roots contain mainly saponins: protodioscin, diosgenin and tribulosin. They also contain a protein that prevents the build-up of kidney stones.
The fruit contains phenolic amides and other saponins (terrestriamide and terrestrosides A and B). The saponin profile changes depending on where the plant is grown. For example, research suggests that varieties in Southeast Europe (such as Bulgaria and Greece) have over 30 times more protodioscin than varieties in Western Asia.
Order today Tribulus – Tribulus – YANGO dietary supplement in the form of convenient capsules. You can buy the preparation at Medonet Market.
Tribulus terrestris – properties
Tribulus terrestris is well known for its natural ability to increase sex drive and improve sexual satisfaction. One study found that taking Tribulus terrestris improved several indicators of sexual function in women after just four weeks and led to improved sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction and vaginal lubrication.
In addition, Tribulus terrestris has also been shown to affect sexual desire problems and prevent erectile dysfunction, although the exact mechanisms of action remain unclear.
Tribulus terrestris has also been shown to act as a natural diuretic by helping to increase urine production. In fact, one in vitro study found that Tribulus terrestris was used to aid diuresis, indicating that it may be an effective natural remedy for treating kidney stones.
Natural diuretics such as Tribulus terrestris can also have other health benefits and can help relieve gas, lower blood pressure, and increase your body’s natural ability to filter out toxins.
Both in vitro and animal studies have shown that Tribulus terrestris extract can show a strong effect in relieving pain and inflammation. Other research indicates that it may reduce levels of several markers of inflammation, and may also help reduce swelling.
Tribulus terrestris – application in natural medicine
Tribulus terrestris has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for the treatment of various ailments in folk medicine. Tribulus terrestris also known as Gokshura or “cow’s hoof” in Ayurveda. In folk medicine, Tribulus terrestris is often used as an aphrodisiac and natural diuretic. It is believed to have healing effects in relation to kidney stones, heart disease, coughing, difficulty breathing and problems urinating. Folk practitioners also believe that Tribulus terrestris stimulates the stomach.
Meanwhile, in traditional Cchina medicine, Tribulus terrestris fruits are also used to treat puffiness, eye problems, stomach bloating, and sexual problems. According to Chinese practitioners, it can also help restore the proper functioning of the liver, reduce abdominal distension, headaches and reduce the symptoms of conjunctivitis.
See: Liver function – what is the role of the liver in the body?
Tribulus terrestris – side effects
When used as recommended, Tribulus terrestris is relatively safe. However, like any herbal supplement, it can have some unwanted side effects. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include:
- abdominal cramps
- stomach pain,
- diarrhea,
- constipation
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- difficulty sleeping
- heavy menstrual bleeding.
Additionally, some case reports and animal studies also link Tribulus terrestris to an increased risk of developing kidney problems, although this symptom is very rare.
There is some evidence that Tribulus terrestris increases heart rate and causes anxiety. In addition, some studies suggest that Tribulus terrestris may negatively affect the prostate. Men with conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer should avoid using this herb. Moreover, according to the case report, a 36-year-old man was diagnosed with priapism (prolonged and painful penile erection) after consuming an herbal supplement containing Tribulus terrestris.
Tribulus terrestris is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding womenas it can negatively affect a developing fetus. Tribulus terrestris may also interact with medications for diabetes and high blood pressure.