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(Ana Aleksic, MSc (Pharmacy) | Last updated: November 28, 2019. “Tribulus Terrestris Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage”. Retrieved from https://selfhacked.com/blog/tribulus-terrestris/)

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Tribulus is a herb that has been used in various systems of traditional medicine for enhancing libido, fertility, and vitality. Although many take Tribulus seeking a natural “testosterone boost,” this herb won’t actually alter testosterone levels in healthy men. Read on to discover how it does work, along with a breakdown of its science-based health benefits and side effects.

 

What is Tribulus Terrestris?

 

Overview

 

Tribulus (Tribulus Terrestris) is a plant that grows in the Mediterranean and in subtropical and desert regions around the world, including India, Vietnam, China, Spain, Mexico, and Bulgaria. This common weed is particularly well-adapted to warm, dry regions. It got its nicknames “puncture vine” and “devil’s thorn” from the spikes that cover its fruits.

 

Although there are over 25 species of Tribulus plants, most of the research focused on Tribulus Terrestris.

 

This plant has a long history of use in ancient medicine systems. As part of Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, the roots and the fruits of Tribulus were considered remedies for numerous ailments and used as general health tonics. Its historical uses include boosting libido and fertility, flushing fluid buildup (edema), reducing kidney stones, and fighting urinary tract infections.

 

Today, Tribulus is commonly marketed and supplemented for increasing testosterone, libido and strength. Tribulus supplements are popular performance enhancers among bodybuilders. Others take Tribulus for its alleged heart-protective effects or to remedy sexual issues.

 

Active Components

 

Scientists believe that saponins and flavonoids in Tribulus are responsible for the effects of this plant. Of these, the steroidal saponin Protodioscin is the most important one. Extracts of Tribulus are usually standardised to contain a certain percentage of saponins in the form of Protodioscin.

 

Other active components found in the Tribulus plant include:

– Alkaloids (Harmane, Nonharmane, Tribulusterine)
– Phenolic Amides (Terrestrosides A and B)
– Tannins
– Phytosterols (β-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol)
– Organic acids (Cinnamic acid, Vanillic acid, Tribulus acid)
– Amino acids (Alanine and Threonine)

 

The roots primarily contain the saponins Protodioscin, Diosgenin, and Tribulosin. They also contain a protein that prevents the buildup of kidney stones.

 

The fruits contain the phenolic amides Tribulusamides A-D and other saponins (Terrestriamide and Terrestrosides A and B).

 

The saponin profile varies depending on where the plant is grown. For example, studies suggest that varieties in southeast Europe (e.g. Bulgaria and Greece) have over 30 times the amount of Protodioscin than varieties in Western Asia.

 

Mechanism of Action

 

Researchers have proposed the following mechanism of action of the active compounds found in Tribulus.

 

The steroidal saponin Protodioscin is thought to be responsible for the libido-enhancing effects of this plant. It acts as an aphrodisiac, increasing sexual activity and blood flow to the sexual organs (by boosting nitric oxide).
Other saponins (Terrestrosides A and B and Terrestrosin D) are a target of cancer research in cell culture.
Other active compounds (such as Tribulosin and Tribulusamides) are being investigated for affecting inflammation and survival of healthy cells exposed to stress.

 

The concentration of these active compounds in different formulations varies.

 

BENEFITS OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS

 

The benefits in this section will all refer to the most well-studied species, Tribulus Terrestris, as Tribulus.

 

– Enhancing Libido and Sexual Function

 

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or sexual dysfunction is a condition that reduces a person’s interest in sex. People who suffer from it have a lack of sexual fantasies and desire that causes distress and relationship issues. It affects up to 30% of women and 15% of men.

 

Many factors can affect HSDD, and some doctors will consider supplements alongside lifestyle and psychological interventions. Some evidence suggests that Tribulus is a potential supplement option for both sexes. More evidence supports its use in women with reduced sexual desire or other types of sexual dysfunction.

 

In two trials of 76 women with reduced sexual desire, taking 750 mg/day Tribulus for up to 4 months improved libido, orgasm, and satisfaction from sex. Another trial of 30 women found similar results using lower doses of a Tribulus extract (7.5 mg/day) for 4 weeks.

 

In two studies of 90 women with sexual dysfunction, taking 750 mg/day Tribulus improved sexual function and libido. This suggests Tribulus might be effective in both pre-menopausal and menopausal women.

 

Interestingly, Tribulus may also increase sexual function in men – mainly by increasing desire and helping men overcome erectile dysfunction (ED).

 

In a 12-week trial of 172 men with ED and reduced sexual desire, taking a higher dose of Tribulus (1,500 mg/day) improved satisfaction from sex, orgasm, and libido. Two other studies of 100 men with ED found lower doses (750 mg/day) for 3 months equally improved sexual function.

 

Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Tribulus supplements. Tribulus should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.

 

– Fertility In Men

 

Infertility is a global problem that affects 8 – 12% of couples worldwide. Low sperm count and poor sperm quality (movement and shape) account for more than 90% of male infertility cases. Tribulus is traditionally used to combat infertility issues in men, although proper scientific studies are still lacking to support this use.

 

Initially, scientists uncovered that Tribulus increases sperm production in rats. They also looked at its potential mechanism in a cell study to see how it might affect sperm quality and survival time.

 

Two clinical studies examined its effects in men with infertility. In one low-quality Ayurvedic study, taking 12g/day of Tribulus granules for 60 days improved sperm quality in 63 men with low sperm count. The exact content of these granules was not specified.

 

In another study of 65 men with infertility, supplementing with 250 mg/day of Tribulus for 12 weeks increased sperm count and quality.

 

– DHEA

 

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a weak anabolic (muscle-building) hormone made in the adrenal glands. The body uses DHEA to make sex hormones, Testosterone or Estrogen. It circulates in two forms: DHEA and DHEA sulphate (DHEAS). DHEAS is usually measured because it is found in much higher concentrations in the circulation.

 

In 245 men, 750 – 1,500 mg/day of Tribulus didn’t change in DHEAS levels after 12 weeks. In 106 women, on the other hand, 750 mg/day increased DHEA levels over the course of 90 days. Lastly, in monkeys Tribulus IV injections increased DHEAS levels by 29%.

 

– Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

 

Tribulus is traditionally used for heart-related health problems. Proper clinical trials are lacking to determine the effects of Tribulus on blood pressure and heart rate in humans.

 

In a study of 75 people with high blood pressure, 3 g/day of Tribulus for 4 weeks reduced blood pressure by 9% and decreased heart rate.

 

In mice with high blood pressure, Tribulus reduced blood pressure. Scientists suspect it might act by decreasing the activity of Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is an enzyme that increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. Drugs commonly prescribed for high blood pressure (called ACE inhibitors) act on this pathway.

 

Scientists are also investigating the effect of saponins from Tribulus on heart cells exposed to harmful chemicals in dishes. They are looking to determine the impact of Tribulus on antioxidant levels, oxidative stress, and blood clotting in rat hearts and cells deprived of oxygen.

 

– Blood Sugar Levels

 

In a trial of 98 diabetic people, 1 g/day of Tribulus for three months reduced fasting blood sugar and HbA1c, a long-term marker of blood sugar control. Multi-center, large-scale studies are needed to determine the effects of Tribulus on blood sugar.

 

Scientists believe that saponins and cinnamic acid found in this herb block enzymes that digest starches and sugars, which might prevent blood sugar levels from spiking after a meal. Future research should also determine whether it increases insulin levels, which helps shuttle sugar from the blood and into the cells.

 

Evidence is still lacking to support the use of Tribulus for blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

 

Lastly, Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter orchestrates cholinergic activity in the body and is vital for memory, learning, alertness, and attention. Tribulus weakly-blocked the activity of Acetylcholinesterase in a cell study, but its impact on Acetylcholine in humans is completely unknown.

 

RESEARCH DOSAGE

 

Although Tribulus can be supplemented as powdered root or fruit, extracts are much more common. Extracts are usually standardised to contain 15-60% total saponins (~45% is typical) and at least 6% Protodioscin.

 

Tribulus varieties that grow in eastern Europe have much higher Protodioscin (and much lower Tribulosin) levels than those grown in India and Vietnam. If you’re seeking libido enhancement, Protodioscin is the most important compound you should look for.

 

For increasing libido and sexual function and for lowering blood sugar, the dose of extracts in clinical trials ranged between 750 mg and 1,500 mg daily (divided into three doses).

 

Between 1g and 3g daily of the extract was used in studies examining a cholesterol-lowering effect.

 

Using 12g/day of an Ayurvedic Tribulus fruit powder was effective for increasing fertility in men.

 

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