The Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus terrestris has been used medicinally in Indian Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine for a long time.

Nowadays, it's usually taken in order to boost testosterone levels, increase sex drive, reduce inflammation, and help regulate blood sugar.

But does this specific ingredient really do everything it's believed to? This article will examine some of the evidence that has come from experiments studying Tribulus. By the end of it, you’ll know exactly what you should expect from a Tribulus supplement and how to find a good one.

What is Tribulus Terrestris?

Tribulus Terrestris is a small, leafy Mediterranean plant that grows in many parts of the world including the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The plant is covered with spines, which is why it’s also called puncture vine. Other names of the plant include caltrop, goat’s head, and Gokshura.

While the Tribulus plant can be directly consumed (and it has been in ancient times), today it’s usually consumed through supplements. The most important claim of most of these supplements is increased testosterone levels. Let’s see whether science agrees with them.

Tribulus boosts sexual drive and function

Tribulus has indeed been shown to boost sexual drive and function, which is a good reason to take a Tribulus supplement.

Studies in both men and women have shown positive results when it comes to Tribulus and libido. For example, in a two-month-long study in men, daily consumption of 750-1500 milligrams of Tribulus boosted their sex drive by 79%.

The only exception here is men with erectile dysfunction, where studies have shown mixed results.

If you think you may have erectile dysfunction, it’s better to consult a doctor, who can prescribe you a medication with proven effectiveness for the condition (unlike Tribulus).

Tribulus is good for your cholesterol and sugar levels

Proven health benefits of Tribulus in humans are reduced cholesterol and sugar levels.

For example, in a study looking at 98 diabetic women, researchers found reduced sugar and cholesterol levels after participants took 1000 mg of Tribulus daily for three months.

However, you should know that doctors currently don’t recommend Tribulus for reducing sugar and cholesterol. More research is needed for the long-term efficacy and safety of Tribulus in this regard.

Tribulus can strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation

Animal studies have demonstrated that Tribulus has anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to boost the immune system, which can be especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many other health benefits of Tribulus have also been shown in animal studies. These include:

• Reduced pain
• Anti-cancer effects
• Diuretic effect, which means it may make you urinate more, leading to fluid loss from the body. This may be beneficial for heart or liver failure patients.

But since none of these effects have been demonstrated in humans, it’s best to have a discussion with your doctor before taking a Tribulus supplement for these effects.

Tribulus may reduce muscle damage during exercise

In a study with 18 non-athlete males, Tribulus supplementation demonstrated a reduction in muscle damage enzymes like LDH and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) following exercise compared to the control group.

In another study, Tribulus proved helpful in overtraining rats.

Both these studies show that Tribulus supplements may help you exercise longer by reducing muscle damage that can happen during intense exercise.

However, you should be aware that some studies have failed to demonstrate Tribulus’ beneficial effect on exercise.

For example, in a study with male rugby players, researchers found no improvement in strength after players took Tribulus for five weeks daily.

Nonetheless, since Tribulus’ potential for improving exercise has been demonstrated, you may want to try out a supplement and see how it effects your gym routine.

Unfortunately, Tribulus’ effects on exercise have not been studied in women yet.

Tribulus can raise testosterone levels

Rat studies have shown that Tribulus boosts testosterone levels.

However, this claim has not been supported by human studies yet.

For example, in a review that looked at 12 scientific studies, researchers found that Tribulus supplements do not raise testosterone levels. The studies reviewed had the following characteristics:

• Included both men and women
• Participant ages ranged from 14 to 60 years
• Study durations ranged from 2 to 90 days
• Participants included were both healthy individuals and those experiencing sexual dysfunction

If you feel you might have low testosterone levels, you should know that doctors can treat it using hormone replacement therapy.

Discussing a Tribulus supplement with a doctor is also a good idea. Since its testosterone-boosting effects have been demonstrated in rats, there’s nothing wrong in giving it a shot.

Are Tribulus supplements safe?

Yes, Tribulus supplements are generally considered safe in most people.

Side effects are rare and mild, and include stomach upset, irregular periods, and insomnia. One potential concern is kidney damage, which has been observed in rat studies. If you suffer from a kidney disease, it’s best to consult a doctor before starting Tribulus.

You should stay away from Tribulus if you’re pregnant because it may disrupt fetal development.

Also, Tribulus has been shown to interact with blood pressure and heart medications. These include:

• Digoxin
• Beta-blockers
• Diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• Nitrates
• Calcium channel blockers

If you suffer from angina, hypertension, or heart failure, it’s very likely that you’re taking one of these drugs. In this case, it’s best to stay away from Tribulus.

Finally, since Tribulus can reduce sugar levels, it can lead to dangerous hypoglycemia if combined with diabetes drugs. Make sure to consult a doctor before starting Tribulus if you take diabetes drugs.