This article provides general nutrition information only and is not medical advice.

Overview

Tribulus is a plant that produces fruit covered with spines. Rumor has it that tribulus is also known as puncture vine because its sharp spines can flatten bicycle tires. People use the fruit, leaf, and root as medicine.

People use tribulus for conditions such as chest pain, eczema, enlarged prostate, sexual imbalances, infertility, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Plant

Primary Functions:

Chest Pain, eczema, enlarged prostate

Also Known As:

Baijili, Bindii, Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris, Caltrop

How Does It Work?

Tribulus has chemicals that might increase levels of some hormones. However, it doesn't appear to increase male hormones (testosterone) in humans.

Uses

• Sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity.Research shows that taking tribulus can improve the sexual experience in women who have sexual dysfunction or low sexual desire. Taking tribulus seems to improve sexual desire, arousal, sensation, ability to reach orgasm, lubrication, and sexual comfort. Early research also shows that taking tribulus can improve sexual satisfaction in men with male vitality.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

• For sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity: 250 mg tribulus powdered extract three times daily taken after meals for 3 months has been used for women. Also, tribulus extract 7.5 mg daily for 4 weeks has been used for women. 500 mg three times daily for 3 months has been used for men.

Tribulus Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of Tribulus?

Tribulus is used for kidney problems, including kidney stones, painful urination, a kidney imbalance called Bright's condition, and as a “water pill” (diuretic) to increase urination; for skin imbalances, including eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and scabies; for male sexual problems, including male vitality 

Can I take Tribulus everyday?

Tribulus is very dose-specific, so you need to get the timing and amount correct before seeing the results you want. The range that appears to work for most people is between 2.3 and 4.6 milligrams of protodioscin per pound of body weight every day.

What are the side effects of Tribulus?

Side effects are usually mild and uncommon but might include stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, excitation, difficulty sleeping, or heavy menstrual bleeding. In rare cases, reports of kidney damage have been linked to taking tribulus.

Is Tribulus a steroid?

[Steroid saponins of Tribulus terrestris L. have a stimulant effect on the sexual function].

Does Tribulus help male vitality?

Summary: Research has found that Tribulus terrestris may improve libido in women and men with reduced sex drives. Studies on the herb as a nutritional support for male vitality have shown mixed results, with higher doses appearing to be more beneficial.

What are 5 foods that boost testosterone?

How this works.

• Eating for higher T. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that affects more than just sex drive.
• Tuna is rich in vitamin D, which has been linked to a longer life and testosterone production.
• Low-fat milk with vitamin D.
• Egg yolks.
• Fortified cereals.

How long should I take Tribulus terrestris?

BY MOUTH: For sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity: 250 mg tribulus powdered extract three times daily taken after meals for 3 months has been used for women. Also, tribulus extract 7.5 mg daily for 4 weeks has been used for women. 500 mg three times daily for 3 months has been used for men.

Is Tribulus worth taking?

And although it doesn't increase testosterone, Tribulus terrestris may improve libido in men and women. However, it won't improve body composition or exercise performance. While most research shows that this supplement is safe and causes only minor side effects, there have been isolated reports of toxicity.

Is Tribulus good for kidneys?

Conclusions: Oral administration of Tribulus terrestris extract for 2 weeks can decrease kidney functional disturbance, oxidative stress, and cellular damages following reperfusion injury in rats.

Does testosterone increase size?

Testosterone is responsible for increased muscle mass. Leaner body mass helps control weight and increases energy. For men with low testosterone, studies show that nutritional support can decrease fat mass and increase muscle size and strength. Some men reported a change in lean body mass but no increase in strength.

Does Tribulus raise testosterone?

In humans, there is some evidence that it may improve blood sugar control and lipid balance levels in people with type 2 diabetes. And although it doesn't increase testosterone, Tribulus terrestris may improve libido in men and women. However, it won't improve body composition or exercise performance.

Does Tribulus increase DHT?

Abstract. Hormonal effects of Tribulus terrestris (TT) were evaluated in primates, rabbit and rat to identify its usefulness in the management of male vitality (ED). In primates, the increases in T (52%), DHT (31%) and DHEAS (29%) at 7.5mg/kg were statistically significant.

Does Tribulus affect sperm count?

6. Try tribulusterrestris. Tribulusterrestris, also known as puncture vine, is a medicinal herb frequently used to enhance male fertility. One study in men with low sperm counts showed that taking 6 grams of tribulus root twice daily for 2 months improved erectile function and libido ( 31 ).

Does Tribulus raise estrogen?

In animal studies, Tribulus increased sex hormones (e.g., testosterone) and improved nitric oxide synthesis; however, these results have not been observed in some human studies. Explanation: differences in extract and plant parts and the fact that studies included healthy males with normal testosterone.

Where does Tribulus terrestris grow?

Tribulus terrestris is an annual plant in the caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae) widely distributed around the world. It is adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive. It is native to warm temperate and tropical regions in southern Eurasia, Africa, North America, and Australia.

When should I take Tribulus terrestris bodybuilding?

I recommend taking Tribulus on an empty stomach with water only or a zero- or very-low-calorie drink. On training days, consume one dose when you wake up in the morning, and another prior to training. On non-training days, consume the second dose mid-day.

How much Tribulus should a woman take?

For sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity: 250 mg tribulus powdered extract three times daily taken after meals for 3 months has been used for women. Also, tribulus extract 7.5 mg daily for 4 weeks has been used for women. 500 mg three times daily for 3 months has been used for men.

What part of Tribulus terrestris is used?

Tribulus terrestris is a fruit-producing Mediterranean plant that's covered with spines. It is also called puncture vine. People use the fruit, leaf, or root of the tribulus plant as medicine.

Does Tribulus build muscle?

Tribulus terrestris is an herbal nutritional supplement that is promoted to produce large gains in strength and lean muscle mass in 5-28 days (15, 18). terrestris may increase the urinary testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio, which may place athletes at risk of a positive drug test.

What is Bulgarian Tribulus?

Bulgarian Tribulus is a natural supplement derived from the Tribulus terrestris. It helps boost testosterone, support greater muscle growth, and increase strength and stamina.

Is Tribulus terrestris safe?

And although it doesn't increase testosterone, Tribulus terrestris may improve libido in men and women. However, it won't improve body composition or exercise performance. While most research shows that this supplement is safe and causes only minor side effects, there have been isolated reports of toxicity.

Clinical Studies

• ^ a b c Comparison of Murraya koenigii- and Tribulus terrestris-based oral formulation versus tamsulosin in the nutritional support of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men aged >50 years: a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial.
• ^ a b Iacono F, et al. Observational study: daily nutritional support with a new compound "Tradamixina" plus serenoa repens for two months improved the lower urinary tract concerns. BMC Surg. (2012)
• ^ a b Iacono F, et al. Sexual asthenia: Tradamixina versus Tadalafil 5 mg daily. BMC Surg. (2012)
• ^ a b Sharma J, et al. The nutritional support of jaundice with medicinal plants in indigenous communities of the Sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. J Ethnopharmacol. (2012)
• ^ a b Xu YJ, et al. Two new furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris. J Asian Nat Prod Res. (2010)
• ^ A comparative phylogenetic analysis of medicinal plant Tribulus terrestris in Northwest India revealed by RAPD and ISSR markers.
• ^ Mutheeswaran S, et al. Documentation and quantitative analysis of the local knowledge on medicinal plants among traditional Siddha healers in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, India. J Ethnopharmacol. (2011)
• ^ a b Deole YS, et al. Evaluation of anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity of Rasayana Ghana Tablet (A compound Ayurvedic formulation) in albino mice. Ayu. (2011)
• ^ a b Kevalia J, Patel B. Identification of fruits of Tribulus terrestris Linn. and Pedalium murex Linn.: A pharmacognostical approach. Ayu. (2011)
• ^ a b Olas B, et al. Evaluation of polyphenolic fraction isolated from aerial parts of Tribulus pterocarpus on biological properties of blood platelets in vitro. Platelets. (2012)
• ^ Flavonoid glycosides of Tribulus pentandrus and T. Terrestris.
• ^ Temraz A, et al. Steroidal saponins from the aerial parts of Tribulus alatus Del. Phytochemistry. (2006)
• ^ a b El-Tantawy WH, Temraz A, El-Gindi OD. Free serum testosterone level in male rats treated with Tribulus alatus extracts. Int Braz J Urol. (2007)
• ^ a b c d e f g h i Dinchev D, et al. Distribution of steroidal saponins in Tribulus terrestris from different geographical regions. Phytochemistry. (2008)
• ^ AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR THE EXTRACTION AND QUANTITATION OF DIOSGENIN IN TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS L.
• ^ a b c Zhang S, Li H, Yang SJ. Tribulosin suppresses apoptosis via PKC epsilon and ERK1/2 signaling pathway during hypoxia/reoxygenation in neonatal rat ventricular cardiac myocytes. J Asian Nat Prod Res. (2011)
• ^ a b Sun W, Li H, Yang SJ. A triterpene saponin from Tribulus terrestris attenuates apoptosis in cardiocyte via activating PKC signalling transduction pathway. J Asian Nat Prod Res. (2008)
• ^ a b Conrad J, et al. A novel furostanol saponin from Tribulus terrestris of Bulgarian origin. Fitoterapia. (2004)
• ^ Su L, et al. Steroidal saponins from Tribulus terrestris. Steroids. (2009)
• ^ Hammoda HM, et al. Chemical constituents from Tribulus terrestris and screening of their antioxidant activity. Phytochemistry. (2013)
• ^ a b c Aggarwal A, et al. A novel antilithiatic protein from Tribulus terrestris having cytoprotective potency. Protein Pept Lett. (2012)
• ^ a b c d Gacche RN, Dhole NA. Profile of aldose reductase inhibition, anti-cataract and free radical scavenging activity of selected medicinal plants: an attempt to standardize the botanicals for amelioration of diabetes complications. Food Chem Toxicol. (2011)
• ^ Chen G, et al. New steroidal glycosides from Tribulus terrestris L. J Asian Nat Prod Res. (2012)
• ^ Coates TJ, Lo B. Counseling patients seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus. An approach for medical practice. West J Med. (1990)
• ^ Wang J, Zu X, Jiang Y. Five furostanol saponins from fruits of Tribulus terrestris and their cytotoxic activities. Nat Prod Res. (2009)
• ^ Xu T, et al. Two new furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris L. Fitoterapia. (2009)
• ^ Liu T, et al. Two new steroidal saponins from Tribulus terrestris L. J Asian Nat Prod Res. (2010)
• ^ a b Liu T, et al. New pregnane and steroidal glycosides from Tribulus terrestris L. J Asian Nat Prod Res. (2010)
• ^ a b Li JX, et al. Tribulusamide A and B, new hepatoprotective lignanamides from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris: indications of cytoprotective activity in murine hepatocyte culture. Planta Med. (1998)
• ^ a b c Byun E, et al. Tribuli fructus constituents protect against tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Arch Pharm Res. (2010)
• ^ Zhang X, et al. A new feruloyl amide derivative from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris. Nat Prod Res. (2012)
• ^ Kostova I, et al. Two new sulfated furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris. Z Naturforsch C. (2002)
• ^ a b Jarald EE, et al. Effect of Unex on ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats. Indian J Pharmacol. (2011)
• ^ a b c d e f g h Gandhi S, Srinivasan BP, Akarte AS. Potential nephrotoxic effects produced by steroidal saponins from hydro alcoholic extract of Tribulus terrestris in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Toxicol Mech Methods. (2013)
• ^ Orhan I, et al. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of some Turkish medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. (2004)
• ^ a b c d Gauthaman K, Ganesan AP, Prasad RN. Sexual effects of puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat model. J Altern Complement Med. (2003)
• ^ a b c Wang Z, et al. Effect of tribulus terrestris saponins on behavior and neuroendocrine in chronic mild stress low mood rats. J Tradit Chin Med. (2013)
• ^ a b Heidari MR, et al. The analgesic effect of Tribulus terrestris extract and comparison of gastric ulcerogenicity of the extract with indomethacine in animal experiments. Ann N Y Acad Sci. (2007)
• ^ Ranjithkumar R, et al. Standardized Aqueous Tribulus terristris (Nerunjil) Extract Attenuates Hyperalgesia in Experimentally Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Model: Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators. Phytother Res. (2012)
• ^ Mazaro-Costa R, et al. Medicinal plants as alternative nutritional supports for female sexual dysfunction: utopian vision or possible nutritional support in climacteric women. J Sex Med. (2010)
• ^ Wang SS, et al. Mechanisms of gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris via activating PKCepsilon against myocardial apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. Yao Xue Xue Bao. (2009)
• ^ a b Zhang S, Li H, Yang SJ. Tribulosin protects rat hearts from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Acta Pharmacol Sin. (2010)
• ^ Dong S, et al. Post-conditioning protects cardiomyocytes from apoptosis via PKC(epsilon)-interacting with calcium-sensing receptors to inhibit endo(sarco)plasmic reticulum-mitochondria crosstalk. Mol Cell Biochem. (2010)
• ^ Zhang J, et al. ERK-MAPK signaling opposes rho-kinase to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis in heart ischemic preconditioning. Mol Med. (2010)
• ^ a b c d e f Murthy AR, Dubey SD, Tripathi K. Anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A clinical study. Anc Sci Life. (2000)
• ^ Somanadhan B, et al. An ethnopharmacological survey for potential angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors from Indian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. (1999)
• ^ Sharifi AM, Darabi R, Akbarloo N. Study of antihypertensive mechanism of Tribulus terrestris in 2K1C hypertensive rats: role of tissue ACE activity. Life Sci. (2003)
• ^ Sajid TM, Rashid S, Saeed SA. Inhibition of adrenaline-induced aggregation of human platelets by Pakistani medicinal plants. Pak J Pharm Sci. (1991)
• ^ Ponnusamy S, et al. Evaluation of traditional Indian antidiabetic medicinal plants for human pancreatic amylase inhibitory effect in vitro. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2011)
• ^ a b c Zhang SJ, Qu WJ, Zhong SY. Inhibitory effects of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on alpha-glucosidase in small intestines of rats. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. (2006)
• ^ a b Amin A, et al. The protective effect of Tribulus terrestris in diabetes. Ann N Y Acad Sci. (2006)
• ^ Antonio J, et al. The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. (2000)
• ^ a b Rogerson S, et al. The effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league players. J Strength Cond Res. (2007)
• ^ Hong CH, et al. Evaluation of natural products on inhibition of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cultured mouse macrophage cells. J Ethnopharmacol. (2002)
• ^ a b Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG. Effect of Tribulus terrestris on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase activity and androgen receptors in rat brain. J Ethnopharmacol. (2005)
• ^ Vincent SR, Kimura H. Histochemical mapping of nitric oxide synthase in the rat brain. Neuroscience. (1992)
• ^ a b Martino-Andrade AJ, et al. Effects of Tribulus terrestris on endocrine sensitive organs in male and female Wistar rats. J Ethnopharmacol. (2010)