Tribulus Terrestris is a plant in the caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae), which is found almost all around the world.
An aggressive and hardy invasive species, Tribulus Terrestris, is widely known as a noxious weed because of its small woody fruit, having long, sharp, and strong spines.
It is adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive. It is found and adapted to warm temperate and tropical regions in southern Eurasia, North America, Africa, and Australia.
It has been a major constituent in traditional Chinese medicines, used over centuries, even in Egyptian histories of herbs and use by Amazon tribes. It is thereby a multi-functional pre-historic herb that is helping humanity cure diseases through catharsis since time immemorial.
Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris extract
- Helps with Chest Pain
Tribulus Terrestris is considered to cure chest pains. It generally helps in an endocrine way as it boosts hormones that relieve pain and divert one’s mind, thus making sure pain syndromes temporarily go away.
Regular consumption of Tribulus Terrestris is known to have a lot of health benefits in day to day lifestyle.
- Improves Sensuality
Tribulus is considered to be a very powerful sexual tonic. For both males and females, the consumption of Tribulus helps in better sexual pleasures and enhances sensuality.
It is highly recommended for people lacking sexual desires or going through a sexual block.
It helps to elevate the luteinizing hormone, which increases the secretion of testosterone in male bodies, whereas it drastically improves sexual performance in female bodies.
It is, although majorly known as the male herb since it is the best ayurvedic catharsis one might avail for sexual wellness and performance.
It not only improves sexual desire but also boosts arousal and, ultimately, makes people more and more satisfied. It also takes care of the sexual health and wellbeing of an individual.
- Bodybuilding Supplement
Protodioscin is a special steroidal saponin, which is the major component in improving body muscles. It makes this herb one of the most favorite and popular among the body-builders and fitness freaks alike.
Nitric oxide is released by this saponin, which increases the blood supply in muscles, which is by the way rich in oxygen, thus making sure nutrients like protein are evenly distributed, absorbed, and utilized by the body.
The pituitary gland is also stimulated; therefore, it acts both on physical and on hormonal levels for helping as a bodybuilding supplement.
- Menopausal Symptoms
Menopausal syndromes are something every cisgender female has to go through during the late forties and early fifties.
The use of this historic ayurvedic herb not only treats the lack of sexual desires during menopause, but also cures or reduces hot flushes, depression, and brings back emotional stability.
- Male Infertility
Studies suggest that regular consumption of Tribulus boosts sperm count, sperm movement, and even the volume of ejaculation. Taking substitutes, extracts, or by mouth medicines for a month starts showing results. It also improves libido and enhances erection. Thus, by all means possible, it boosts male fertility.
- Premature Ejaculation
Tribulus acts as the male herb for the betterment of the male sex. Common problems like Premature Ejaculation are drastically cured, and sex is improved if Tribulus Terrestris is consumed regularly.
It boosts the secretion of luteinizing hormone, and thereby the secretion of testosterone and helps in arousal. Nitric oxide is also released, which is one of the critical factors in an erection.
The muscles of the penis are smoothened and relaxed, thereby uninterrupted blood flow takes place and thus results in the stimulation of the secretion of the sex hormones.
- Erectile Dysfunction
Tribulus Terrestris is an excellent drug to cure erectile dysfunction. It boosts sexual performance and is well-known as the herbal Viagra. It increases sperm secretion and increases arousal.
It also makes the sperm nimble and thus acts as a remedy for erectile dysfunction forever. It also evidently cures premature ejaculation, another very recurring problem males face during sexual intercourse.
Usage of Tribulus Terrestris extracts
Researchers recommend the use of Tribulus Terrestris in different dosages for different uses.
For its blood sugar lowering effect, it is best to consume about 1,000 mg per day, but for libido-enhancing power, about 250-1,500 mg per day should be enough.
In addition, dosages should also be based on total body weight. Studies show that for maximum effect, the doses should be 4.5-9 mg per pound or 10-20 mg per kg. You can also find many different supplements available in the market too.
Side Effects
- Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
Since much research has not been done on the implication of this herb on pregnant women and their lactation, it is wise not to consume it during pregnancy.
Since prevention is better than cure and we commoners don’t understand biology as deeply as medical practitioners do. Opinions of doctors must be taken in case someone wants to consume this herb during childbearing.
- Diabetes
Herbs like these often make the hormone-secreting glands proactive, and something like that might result in any form of diabetes. Continuous consumption of Tribulus has often resulted in a low level of glucose in the blood.
Thus, even if you have diabetes, the dosage of your medicines should be matched and balanced with this herb, by a professional doctor or dietician.
- Surgery
As we have already established that Tribulus affects blood sugar levels, we should also keep in mind that it directly affects any surgical procedure.
For any surgery to take place, the blood sugar levels, the hormones, the hemoglobin, etc. need to be in a perfect range and consuming Tribulus can affect that majorly.
- Stomach Upset
Minor stomach cramps, disorders and reflux is common with daily consumption of this herb. Although in rare cases, some major kidney damaging effects have been discovered, although they are not confirmed, and studies are till date being continued in this matter.
Conclusion
Today, Tribulus Terrestris is widely used as dietary supplements and pills. It has a significant role in sexual health medications and bodybuilding supplements. Sadly enough, this herb is poisonous for sheep and can cause severe cases of tribulosis.
According to phytochemistry researches, the herb varies quite significantly when collected from all over the world, along with its medicinal values and strength of the effect.
Due to its funny shape and unbelievable course of action, it has gained quite some names over the last millennium, which includes, goat’s-head, bhakti, bindii, puncture vine, cat’s-head, bullhead, devil’s eyelashes, Burra gokharu, caltrop, small caltrops, devil’s-thorn, devil’s-weed, and tack weed.