Tribulus
Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about Tribulus. Tribulus terrestris was used by the cultures of India and Greece as a rejuvenation tonic. It was also used as a therapy for a variety of health conditions affecting the liver, kidney, and cardiovascular and immune systems. In early Europe, tribulus terrestris served as a fold medicine used to enhance muscle strength and sexual potency.
Common Names
Tribulus, Bai Ji Li
Latin Names
Tribulus terrestris
What It Is Used For
- Today, tribulus terrestris is taken in combination with a variety of herbal products used in connection with headaches, eye conditions such as itching, conjunctivitis and weak vision, and nervousness.
- This herb has also been used in connection with high blood pressure and rib pain.
- It is now being promoted as a booster for the purpose of increasing sex drive.
How It Is Used
Tribulus is most often used for infertility, erectile dysfunction, and low libido.
What the Science Says
- Animal studies in rats, rabbits and primates have demonstrated that administration of Tribulus terrestris extract can produce statistically significant increases in levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, and produces effects suggestive of aphrodisiac activity. On the other hand, one recent study found that T. terrestris caused no increase in testosterone or LH in young men, and another found that a commercial supplement containing androstenedione and herbal extracts, including T. terrestris, was no more effective at raising testosterone levels than androstenedione alone.
Side Effects and Cautions
- Pregnant or nursing women should not use tribulus.
- Adverse effects from supplementation with Tribulus terrestris are rare and tend to be insignificant. However, some users report an upset stomach, which can usually be counteracted by taking it with food.
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