Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris, otherwise known as puncture vine, is a small leafy plant that grows in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle east.

Although traditional herbal medicine uses the roots, leaves and fruit of the Tribulus Terrestris for various health purposes, its main function is as a plant that supports fertility, as an aphrodisiac plant (a plant that enhances libido),  and to improve male function. 

Traditional Indian medicine (specifically Ayurveda), uses the puncture vine to improve fertility and male function, to treat uterine problems in women, and to treat urinary tract issues, kidney stones, gout and more.

In recent years, in part due to research studies conducted in Bulgaria on the effectiveness of Tribulus Terrestris, this plant has become popular as treatment to support fertility problems, to enhance libido. to relieve menopause symptoms in women, to improve a person’s sense of vitality, and to help deal with stressful situations.

What are the active components of Tribulus Terrestris?

Tribulus Terrestris contains a group of active components called ‘steroidal saponins’. Within these components, ‘Protodioscine’ was identified as the main ingredient to which the main benefits of the plant are attributed.

What are the main effects of the Tribulus Terrestris?

• Improve libido

Research indicates that the main component ‘Protodioscine’ is converted to the hormone DHEA in the body, which affects the libido in men and women.

• Increase male function

Research has shown that Tribulus Terrestris promotes the production of nitrite-oxide within the body. Nitrite-oxide, a naturally occurring molecule causes the dilation of even the smallest blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow and positively affecting male function.

[Click here [1] to review  the studies on Tribulus Terrestris and its effect on male function]

• Effect on Testosterone values

While research evidence regarding the effect of Tribulus Terrestris on Testosterone levels shows an increase in animal research models, clinical studies in humans indicate different, and sometimes contradictory, results.

There are studies that indicate an increase in Testosterone levels in the blood among males suffering from infertility, athletic athletes, and among older men who previously suffered from issues with male function and low Testosterone in the blood.

1. Taking a supplement based on Tribulus Terrestris along with other natural components for two months contributed to an improvement in libido and an increase in low Testosterone levels among older men.
2. A clinical pilot study found that taking 750 mg of Tribulus Terrestris extract for 3 months resulted in an increase in Testosterone blood values and an improvement in male function among men diagnosed with an Androgen deficiency (male sex hormone).

Yet, more studies are needed to determine the exact effect of Tribulus Terrestis on male Testosterone levels.

• Enhance marital desire and satisfaction

Tribulus Terrestis has been shown to increase libido, thereby enhancing marital desire and satisfaction.

1. In a clinical study, men with low libido took 750–1500mg of Tribulus Terrestris extract for a period of 2 months and experienced an 80% increase in libido.
2. Women with very low libido experienced a Terrestris extract for a period of 90 days.
3. Studies have shown that taking 750 mg of Tribulus Terrestris extract improved the intensity of satisfaction among 90% of women.
4. Placebo-controlled clinical studies reported that taking 1500mg of Tribulus Terrestris extract per day improved male function and enhanced marital satisfaction and desire.
5. A placebo-controlled clinical study reported that taking 6 grams of Tribulus Terrestris root twice a day for 2 months improved male function and significantly increased libido.

• Improve sperm quality

1. A clinical study of men with fertility problems determined that taking 750 mg of Tribulus Terrestris extract daily for a period of 3 months resulted in a significant decrease in body fat percentage, an increase in muscle mass, and an increase in Dihydrotestosterone hormone indicators. A further analysis of the semen samples showed a significant increase in the sperm concentration, movement and liquefaction time. Researchers noted that Protodiosin, the active component of Tribulus Terrestris, enhances the conversion of the Testosterone hormone to Dihydrotestosterone, which affects multiple male functions. The results of the study indicates the benefits of using Tribulus Terrestris extract among men with abnormal sperm counts and among men undergoing fertility treatment.

• Increase fertility indices in women

1. A clinical pilot study examined the effect of taking 250 mg of Tribulus Terrestris extract daily for 5 days – during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The results of the study showed a significant increase in the concentration of the FSH hormone and the Estrogen hormone in the blood.
2. A comprehensive medical review of studies on Tribulus Terrestris extract determined that Tribulus Terrestris extract contributed to the regulation of ovulation and of the menstrual cycle in women with fertility challenges.
3. A clinical study reported that Tribulus Terrestris extract contributed to an increase in FSH and Estradiol, a derivative of Estrogen.
4. Taking Tribulus Terrestris extract from the 5th to the 14th day of the menstrual cycle for a period of two-to-three months regulated ovulation among women. Within this study, 61% of the participants experienced normal ovulation and 6% of the 36 participants became pregnant as a result of regular ovulation.
   Note:  a subgroup of the participants took Tribulus Terrestris extract along with Epimestrol (a drug that stimulates ovulation). Of these, 39% became pregnant.

The results of this study showed an improvement in fertility when the drug was taken at that same time as Tribulus Terrestris extract, as compared to taking the drug without Tribulus Terrestris extract.

• Improve menopause symptoms

1. A clinical pilot study in Bulgaria tested the effect of Tribulus Terrestris extract on menopausal symptoms. 49 out of the 50 participants reported the disappearance of almost all menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, low mood, low libido, difficulty sleeping, hyperarousal, and a feeling of chest heaviness.  Researchers noted that taking Tribulus Terrestris extract shows an effect similar to (and possibly better than) taking Estrogen-Testosterone based treatment (ie Ambosex) for menopausal symptoms, albeit without the side effects of the drug.

• Regulate blood sugar and cholesterol

1. A placebo-controlled pilot clinical study determined that taking 500mg of Tribulus Terrestris extract twice a day for 3 months results in a regulating effect on blood sugar levels and a balancing effect on LDL cholesterol indices.
2. A clinical study observed that taking 3 grams of Tribulus Terrestris fruit extract daily for 3 months resulted in a decrease of 10% in total cholesterol levels.

Tribulus Terrestris: Safety:

Tribulus Terrestris extract is considered a safe plant to take, in acceptable doses.

Tribulus Terrestris may interact with certain medications: 

• Diuretic drugs – Tribulus Terrestris has a mild diuretic activity and may enhance the results of the drug.
• Medication to lower blood pressure – Tribulus Terrestris may contribute to a decrease in blood pressure. This may strengthen the effect of your blood pressure medication (ie an uncontrolled drop in blood pressure)
• Diabetes – Tribulus Terrestris may lower sugar levels and thereby intensify the sugar lowering effect of your medication (ie hypoglycemia).
• . Tribulus Terrestris is not recommended for those taking anticoagulants (as it may increase coagulation indices).

Always consult with your health practitioner before starting any dietary supplement regimen.

Tribulus Terrestris is NOT recommended in the following situations:

• Hormonal cancer in men and women
• Pregnancy – there is not enough research on its safety during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding – although Tribulus Terrestris has traditionally been used to increase milk production, there is not enough research to determine its safety while breastfeeding.

Disclaimer: Medicinal plants are not drugs. The purpose of this article is to provide a  general overview of approaches in complementary medicine and the information provided does not constitute a qualified medical recommendation. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Always contact your health practitioner before starting any nutritional supplement programs.

[1] Samani NB et al, J Evid Based Comp Alt Med 2016; (21(4):91-7

[1] Murthy AR, Dubey SD, Tripathi K. Anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris Linn.) – A clinical study. Anc Sci Life. 2000;19(3-4):139-145.