Tribulus terrestris
Trouble of The Earth
Tribulus terrestris, a Latin name that roughly translates to “trouble of the earth,” describes this plant’s invasive nature and spiky seed pods that can puncture skin, clothing and even stick in animal fur. (1) The plant is popular in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of impotence, venereal diseases, and sexual dysfunction. (2) Ancient Chinese medicine and folk traditions hold that the plant may support vision, gut health, bloating, liver health, sexual desirability, male reproductive health, and the brain. In recent years, the Tribulus terrestris has become popular among athletes who claim it has testosterone boosting properties that support athletic performance and sexual health.
Modern research has identified a range of plant compounds in Tribulus terrestris that may be attributed to some of these claims. However, studies investigating their effect on the body are not conclusive. In fact, researchers disagree with many of the claims made about Tribulus terrestris, especially among athletes. While it is difficult to evaluate each person’s reaction to the plant and the resulting potential benefits, ongoing evaluations and studies continue to offer new insights into Tribulus terrestris.
What is Tribulus terrestris
The botanical name Tribulus terrestris is not well known, as the plant holds many more common names given by the local cultures where it grows. (3)
Tribulus terrestris Names
- Bhakhdi
- Bindii
- Bullhead
- Calthrop
- Cat’s head
- Chotagokhru
- Devil’s thorn, eyelashes, or weed
- Goat’s head
- Gokshura
- Mexican or Texas sandbur
- Puncture plant or vine
- Tackweed
Tribulus terrestris grows around the world, adapts well to dry climates, and can be found at elevations up to 11,000 feet. It is a creeping shrub in the family Zygophyllaceae. Tribulus terrestris is known as a taproot plant, with a dominant root that sprouts secondary rootlets, much like a carrot. The central stem is hairy and can grow more than 6 feet tall and produces dense branches and seedlings, known as cotyledons, which is a type of leaf that grows inside of a seed. (4) When the leaf matures, the seed opens to a full formed lance-like leaf.
The flowers bloom from early summer to the start of fall and are visible by the five petals, five sepals, and ten yellow stamens. The fruit of the plant, which is better described as a nutlet or bur, sprouts shortly after each flower bloom. Each fruit develops five parts that are about a quarter-inch in size and are described as having a shape similar to that of a bull or goat head. The spikes of the nut, which are the spine, can puncture strong material, leaving a hole slightly bigger than a push pin. Due to the hard, protective shell around the inner seeds of the fruit, it can survive for longer periods of time and will only begin to grow when enough moisture is present.
Because the seedlings can damage the paws of animals, catch humans on the soles of their feet, or hurt larger animals that try to eat them, Tribulus terrestris is not commonly seen in gardens. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nine states have labeled the plant as a noxious weed. The plant is most often found growing in stockyards, along the road, or other neglected areas. (5) The plant grows in a range of soil types and climates and spreads easily, which makes it difficult to control.
Tribulus terrestris Potential Health Benefits
Research indicates that the potential medicinal benefits of Tribulus terrestris are the result of several plant compounds that may provide a range of positive effects in the body. (6) When analyzing Tribulus terrestris extract, researchers identified alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, quinine, and phenolic compounds. Each of these compounds is known to support biological functions in tissue, enzymes, the brain, and other bodily systems.
Testosterone
Tribulus terrestris has been said to increase testosterone levels, thereby improving sexual health, libido, or athletic performance. Several studies looked at these claims and found mixed results. This is said to be, in part, due to testing that includes the use of animals, no human counterparts, insufficient data to reach a conclusion, data only showing marginal improvements, or the results demonstrating that there is no clear link between Tribulus terrestris and the broad claims made about its use.
The following studies present a snapshot of a total number of available studies; however, individual reactions to pharmaceuticals, herbs, and therapies may differ. If using Tribulus terrestris, tracking changes to personal health and consulting a healthcare provider may help to determine its effectiveness.
Male Sexual Health and Libido
A study examining the effect of Tribulus terrestris extract on aging males with partial androgen deficiency (PADAM), a condition that affects hormone levels in the body and can cause erectile dysfunction, showed mixed results. In an evaluation of 30 male patients, Tribulus terrestris did not show a statistically significant difference before and after treatment, nor did it help to improve erectile function when assessed by the Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. (7)
Another study involving corpus cavernosum, the organ tissue that makes up the bulk of the penis and clitoris, found that Tribulus terrestris had a relaxing effect on the organ tissue, which may aid in arousal. (8)(9) Additionally, the study also evaluated the effects of the plant when taken orally and noted improvements to the secretion of hormones in the bodies of rats. Researchers suggest that a similar study in humans might yield the same results, but that is not clear at the moment.
In another animal study, researchers evaluated a series of data points to determine that the combination of the plants Eurycoma longifolia, Tribulus terrestris, and Leuzea carthamoides helped to support semen volume, motility, and viability of spermatozoa. (10) Libido was stated as having “increased by 20% in comparison with the beginning of the experiment.” The study did not address the effect of these plants in humans.
Female Sexual Health and Libido
According to one study, Tribulus terrestris may also support women with conditions that affects arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction. (11) The study involved 60 women total, with 30 being in a placebo group. Each woman in the Tribulus terrestris group received 7.5 mg of the plant and was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). According to the study, the Tribulus terrestris group had experienced significant improvement in their total FSFI over the placebo group.
Athletic Performance
A study reviewing the performance enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris, specifically as it relates to claims about increasing testosterone levels, found that the plant did not change testosterone levels in the body. (12) Instead, researchers suggest that any observed physiological response to supplementation is the result of how the plant increases nitric oxide release, which supports oxygen and blood flow to skeletal muscle. It is suggested that this increase in oxygen and blood may help with endurance and muscle fatigue.
An anti-doping study found that while Tribulus terrestris alone is unlikely to show up on a anti-doping test, some supplements containing the plant may contain added compounds that would show up and could result in disqualification. (13) The study also notes that no current data supports the claim that there are potential performance benefits of the plant. A placebo effect is more likely, resulting in a feeling of motivation but little measurable difference in athletic outcome.
Another study also found that the plant did not affect strength and lean muscle mass during a 28 day test with a daily 450 mg dose of the plant. (14) In this study, researchers note that the urinary testosterone/ epitestosterone (T/E) ratio did not change and would therefore not place the athlete at risk for meeting the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (T/E) ratio limits of 4:1.
Cardiovascular System
In an animal study looking at the antioxidant effects of Tribulus terrestris on heart tissue, researchers found positive results. (14) In the study, researchers induced myocardial infarction on heart tissue (a condition that results in loss of blood flow and cell death) both with a Tribulus terrestris extract and without. With the extract, heart tissue was protected, showing that the plant does provide an antioxidant effect. No human counterpart study was performed.
Diuretic
Tribulus terrestris may also provide bladder and urethra support. In a study that gave 5mg/kg to individuals with kidney stones, researchers found that the plant increased the production of urine and the concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride. (15) These results show that the plant may help to release some compounds in the kidneys, but it is not clear how this affects different severities of kidney stones.
Immune System
Compounds in the fruits, leaves, and roots of Tribulus terrestris were found to disrupt the survivability of bacteria and fungus, including 11 species of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms. (16) A 0.15 mg/ml of fruit extract demonstrated the strongest antifungal activity against Candida albicans, a potentially pathogenic yeast in some immunocompromised individuals. (17)
Tribulus terrestris Dosage, Warnings, and Interactions
There is no established safe dosage of Tribulus terrestris. Supplements can contain dosage amounts ranging from under 100 mg to over 1,000 mg. Tribulus terrestris can also be found in herbal blends that do not disclose the precise ratio of each plant. Supplements may contain whole parts of the root, leaves, stem, or fruit, and extracts from each of the plant parts.
Tribulus terrestris is considered safe and well tolerated by most individuals. There is insufficient data about side effects and possible drug interactions. Do not use Tribulus terrestris in combination with hormone therapy or if undergoing treatment for cancer without first consulting a doctor. When using the plant, if changes to health occur immediately contact a primary care physician.
Tribulus terrestris Supplements
Tribulus terrestris is available in capsules, tinctures, tablets, and herbal blends. For best results consult with a primary care physician before starting any supplement regimen, and follow the manufacturer dosing guidelines and warnings.
When shopping for supplements, always shop brands that you can trust. NHC.com has a wide variety of brands that are known to follow Good Manufacturing Practices, use third party testing for quality and purity, and include ingredients made or grown in the USA.
Sources
- https://www.mdidea.com/products/herbextract/tribulus/data01.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931200/
- http://eol.org/pages/581147/names/common_names
- https://www.britannica.com/science/cotyledon-plant-anatomy
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=trte
- http://article.sapub.org/pdf/10.5923.j.ijmb.20120203.01.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25849625
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3604572/
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/corpus%20cavernosum
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21092065
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045980/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24559105
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120469/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17530942
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566909/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12639749
- https://www.thecandidadiet.com/what-is-candida-albicans