Its name is intricate, but its uses are abundant, and its potential health benefits make Tribulus Terrestris extract a popular herb. The extract may help reduce inflammation in the body and improve libido, bladder health, and heart health in its supplement form. Check with your healthcare provider before trying any new supplement.
If you’ve been looking for a way to reduce inflammation and promote a healthier bladder and heart naturally, this herb may help. There is no specific evidence. However, that proves that the extract can cure, treat or prevent any disease or medical condition, but its potential benefits are abundant. You should consult a doctor if you’re thinking of testing this supplement.
What is Tribulus Terrestris?
Tribulus Terrestris is a type of plant usually found in warm, tropical climates. It is a small flowering plant with hard thorns and often uneven leaves. It’s planted in the Mediterranean and found in subtropical regions such as India, China, South America, Mexico, Spain, Bulgaria and Pakistan. (x) Tribulus is part of the caltrop family, Zygophyllaceae. (x) Historically, it has improved energy and vitality and enhanced sexual function and physical performance. (x)
History of Tribulus Terrestris in Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine practices—Iraqi folk medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, etc.—have used the plant for decades as an aphrodisiac, urinary anti-infective and diuretic. It enhances the libido, fights inflammation, reduces blood sugar and cholesterol and keeps the urinary tract healthy. (x) (x) Other studies suggest that it may have antidiabetic and antioxidant properties as well.
Ancient Greeks used the plant as a diuretic and mood-enhancer. (x) Sudan used it to treat inflammatory disorders and treat areas with minor irritation to the mouth. They also treated kidney diseases. (x) In Pakistan, Tribulus Terrestris helped mitigate the concentration of uric acid in the blood plasma related to kidney diseases. (x) In Bulgaria and South Africa, the plant treated fluid retention, cardiovascular diseases and abdominal dysfunctions. They also used Tribulus Terrestris to treat impotence, increase sperm count, excessive vaginal discharge and eye troubles. (x)
What is Tribulus Terrestris Extract Used for?
So what benefits does Tribulus Terrestris have, and what can it do for you today? The answer is broad, as people use the herb for several functions in the human body. Research has suggested that it may help with libido, inflammation, bladder health, and heart health with aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. Scientific research attributes these potential positive effects to a variety of chemical constituents, including: (x)
- Flavonoids
- Flavonol glycosides
- Steroidal saponins
- Alkaloids
There is no specific evidence proving that Tribulus Terrestris can treat, cure or prevent any medical disease or condition, but it has natural properties that may help.
Dr. Jenelle Kim, founder and formulator of JBK Wellness Labs, is a supplements expert. As a Chinese medicine doctor and an author who teaches Asian medicine and philosophy, she helps patients gain insight into its properties and benefits. Some of those benefits:
- Aphrodisiac Activity for Libido
When asked about its aphrodisiac properties, Dr. Kim states it is an “adaptogenic herb,” and experts in traditional medicine often recommend it to “help improve libido in both men and women with reduced sex drives; it is [also] commonly used in supplements for its libido and virility enhancing properties.”
According to studies, the chemicals in Tribulus Terrestris release nitric oxide in your body, a molecule that acts as a relaxant and calming agent. It may have the potential to address sexual dysfunction and protection against testicular damage.
Studies suggest that it also can influence sex hormone function in animal subjects. (x) Another research study suggests that male subjects with erectile dysfunction reported significant improvement in their sexual performance after 12 weeks of taking Tribulus Terrestris extract. (x) Another study used female subjects with hypoactive sexual desire. The results concluded that after taking 7.5 mg of the extract daily for four weeks. The women seemed to experience improved sexual desire, arousal and lubrication satisfaction, including less pain. (x)
A study aimed at the effects of Tribulus Terrestris on sexual functions of menopausal 60 women showed that after 90 days, they found the supplement to increase lubrication and sensation in menopausal women. (x)
- Anti-Inflammatory Activity & Immune Health
Dr. Kim attributes these potential effects to the herb’s saponins, which may “help stimulate and improve immunity.” In particular, they may help reduce inflammation and swelling as an immune response. (x) The herb contains inflammatory cytokines that may reduce inflammatory conditions in the body, such as autoimmune disorders.
In one study, researchers injected each subject with a chloroform extract of Tribulus Terrestris into rats with carrageenan, a substance that triggers inflammation. After 200 mg/kg doses, the extract showed what the researchers considered good anti-inflammatory activity. (x)
- Diuretic & Antibacterial to Support Bladder Health
According to Dr. Kim, the herb has a “direct benefit to the organs of the urinary system.” Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine systems have used it to help with bladder and kidney infections, kidney stones, urinary retention and haematuria [bloody urine].” It may also help address “prostate problems or obstructed urinary flow.”
According to research, Iraqi herbalists have also used the plant to address urinary stones using an aqueous extract from its leaves and fruits. (x) In one study, researchers suggested it may effectively promote diuresis to pass urinary stones, supporting its traditional use. (x)
E. Coli is one of the significant factors in urinary tract infections. A study published by De Gruyter Open suggests that Tribulus Terrestris extract may increase the sensitivity of E. coli bacteria to the antibiotic gentamicin. (x)
Another scientific research study also shows that it may effectively promote diuresis—or increased urine flow—to pass urinary stones. (x) This evidence suggests that the herb may be an effective alternative to traditional treatments for UTIs.
- Antihypertensive Properties to Support Heart Health
Dr. Kim suggests that the herb may have “beneficial effects on blood pressure” that may contribute to overall heart health. She continues, “Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have… used Tribulus to benefit the heart and vasculature.”
Studies suggest that Tribulus Terrestris extract may also support heart health and may positively affect blood sugar. Specifically, it may address a symptom called ischemia or reduced blood flow. The herb has natural antihypertensive properties that may help minimize blockages in the arteries and increase blood flow properties that may help repair damaged tissue.
In a study examining the effects of Tribulus Terrestris on female patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers gave 98 subjects 1,000 mg of either the supplement or a placebo every day for three months. The study suggested that Tribulus may have significantly decreased the subjects’ blood sugar levels and reduced cholesterol levels. (x)
In another study, researchers tested its effects on rabbits who consumed high-cholesterol diets. Tribulus Terrestris may have helped reduce lipid levels in the blood, and triglycerides. The supplement helped protect the linings of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. It also may have repaired blood vessel damage from the effects of excess fats in the blood. (x)
How Do I Take Tribulus Terrestris and Recommended Dosage?
Now that you understand how this supplement may help you. You also need to know how much Tribulus Terrestris to take. Plus, it’s essential you know how to take it. The recommended dosage is 600 to 1,000 mg of Tribulus Terrestris extract powder once or twice a day or one Tribulus Terrestris extract capsule three times per day. Consult a doctor before using the supplement.
Where to Buy Tribulus Terrestris?
You can purchase Tribulus Terrestris extract in both powder and capsule form at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying Tribulus Terrestris as a dietary supplement to potentially increase libido, support heart health, improve bladder health and reduce inflammation? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Side Effects: Is Tribulus Terrestris Safe?
Overall, experts deem that Tribulus Terrestris extract is safe in recommended dosages as a dietary supplement. However, this may vary by the individual, and Tribulus Terrestris may cause some side effects. It is essential to consult a physician before adding this supplement to your diet to avoid side effects, which may include potentially:
Stomach pain and cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Warnings & Precautions
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, refrain from taking this supplement. It may not be safe, and research on animals suggests it may interfere with fetal development. There are not enough studies on human subjects to determine if it is safe, so it may be best to avoid it. (x)
Pre-Existing Health Conditions & Medication Interactions
Tribulus Terrestris may negatively affect pre-existing health conditions in the body and make them worse, including prostate conditions and diabetes. Research states it may also interact with medications including: (x)
- Diuretics
- Blood thinners
- Antidiabetics
- Antihypertensive drugs
Ensure a physician before taking the supplement to reduce the risk for unwanted interactions with medications.
The Bottom Line
Tribulus Terrestris is a small flowering plant native to warm tropical regions. Historical and traditional medicine used the plant as an aphrodisiac, urinary anti-infective, diuretic and eye health. People often use it as a supplement to potentially produce similar effects. If you’ve been looking for a way to promote wellness in these areas naturally, Tribulus Terrestris extract might be the right supplement for you.
Several scientific studies support the effectiveness when taken as a supplement. It may also help you with cardiovascular and kidney diseases, bladder infections, improve immunity, and combats inflammation.
However, no specific evidence proves that Tribulus Terrestris can cure, treat or prevent any disease or medical condition. Be sure to consult a physician before taking Tribulus Terrestris or any other supplement product to make sure it’s the right option for you. Understanding your current health condition will help you better understand if Tribulus Terrestris can benefit your overall health.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.