Tribulus Terrestris Whole Herb Extract
Also known as: Puncture vine, Goat's head, Bindii, Tribulus terrestris
Overview
*Tribulus terrestris* is a plant in the Zygophyllaceae family, commonly utilized in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It is found in warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World. The aerial parts and fruits are used to create extracts, often marketed as supplements for enhancing sexual function, improving fertility, and possibly increasing testosterone levels and athletic performance. Although anecdotal evidence supports its benefits, the existing research is limited by small sample sizes and methodological issues, leading to very low certainty regarding its efficacy for these claims. Additionally, the safety profile appears acceptable for short-term use, but insufficient data exists about long-term effects.
Benefits
Research indicates *Tribulus terrestris* may enhance sexual function in women, especially premenopausal individuals, as it has shown significant improvements in sexual function scores (FSFI) after 1 to 3 months of treatment, despite the low certainty of the evidence. In some studies, there were notable increases in serum testosterone levels, although these findings are inconsistent. Additionally, in physically active adults, moderate beneficial effects on lipid profiles and hematological biomarkers have been noted, but no significant impact on immune responses or renal biomarkers has been established. Overall, benefits are noted primarily in sexual health among premenopausal women, but the overall quality of evidence remains weak.
How it works
The precise mechanisms of action for *Tribulus terrestris* are not fully elucidated. It is hypothesized to enhance nitric oxide release, potentially influencing physiological responses and blood flow, independent of direct testosterone modulation. Although there is speculation regarding its effects on the endocrine system, particularly hormone levels, conclusive evidence is still lacking. The herb also exhibits diuretic properties, although specific molecular targets and bioavailability details have not been adequately studied.
Side effects
*Tribulus terrestris* is generally considered safe for short-term use; most studies do not report serious adverse events. Common side effects (greater than 5%) are not noted in systematic reviews, while uncommon effects (1-5%) include a single report of abdominal cramps, although attribution to either treatment or placebo remains unclear. Rare side effects (less than 1%) have not been reported. Limited data exists regarding significant drug interactions, and no specific contraindications are well-documented. Caution should be exercised for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses, as efficacy and safety have not been sufficiently researched in these groups.
Dosage
Recommended dosages for *Tribulus terrestris* are not well-defined, with studies utilizing varied protocols and dosages. No established minimum effective dose exists. While the optimal dosing range remains unspecified, there has not been consensus on maximum safe doses. There are no specific timing considerations for administration, and extracts from aerial parts and fruits are commonly utilized, though the optimal form is undetermined. Further research is necessary to clarify these points, particularly regarding absorption factors that have not been adequately evaluated.
FAQs
Is *Tribulus terrestris* effective for enhancing testosterone levels?
The evidence supporting *Tribulus terrestris* for increasing testosterone in humans is weak; robust studies fail to substantiate this claim.
What are the main benefits of *Tribulus terrestris*?
Reported benefits include improved sexual function in women and slight improvements in lipid profiles; however, the quality of evidence is low.
Are there any safety concerns with using *Tribulus terrestris*?
Short-term use appears safe with few side effects reported, but long-term safety remains uncertain.
What dosages of *Tribulus terrestris* are recommended?
There is no consensus on effective dosages, as studies vary widely; thus, further research is needed to establish clear guidelines.
Can *Tribulus terrestris* help with female sexual dysfunction?
*Tribulus terrestris* may improve sexual function scores in premenopausal women, although evidence quality is very low.
Research Sources
- https://www.scielo.br/j/rbgo/a/j9q637hwJbhZDWPb8syg83w/ – This systematic review included 5 RCTs evaluating *Tribulus terrestris* for female sexual dysfunction, noting significant improvements in sexual function scores and testosterone levels, albeit with very low evidence certainty.
- https://journalrbgo.org/article/tribulus-terrestris-for-female-sexual-dysfunction-a-systematic-review/ – The review found limited positive outcomes in female sexual health and reviews the methodological challenges impacting the certainty of results.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35954909/ – This systematic review assessed various studies on *Tribulus terrestris*, highlighting noted improvements in lipid profiles among active males but no significant impact on muscle damage markers.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24559105/ – The paper discussed various studies on testosterone levels affected by *Tribulus terrestris*, concluding a lack of conclusive evidence for human testosterone enhancement.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1155/2023/7118431 – *Tribulus terrestris* was explored for its effects on testosterone through multiple studies, revealing variability and methodological limitations that hindered clarity in outcomes.