Primary Key Points
Improves Sexual Function: Tribulus Terrestris enhances libido and sexual function in both men and women by boosting testosterone and other sex hormones.
Blood Sugar Control: Tribulus may improve blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion and glucose uptake, making it beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.
Heart Health: Tribulus helps improve coronary circulation, reduce angina symptoms, and protect the myocardium.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Tribulus terrestris reduces inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is beneficial for arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
Physical Performance Enhancement: Tribulus boosts physical performance and muscle mass thanks to saponins that mimic the effects of testosterone.
Menopausal Symptom Relief: Tribulus improves symptoms related to menopause, including libido and vaginal dryness.
What Is Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is a small adaptogenic plant recognized by its yellow flowers. Being a sun-loving tropical perennial plant, it grows primarily in Saharan Africa and the subtropical and desert regions worldwide, including India, China, Mexico, and Bulgaria. [1] [2]
The plant is rich in active compounds, including phytosterols (plant sterols), alkaloids (Tribulusterin), and steroids. In addition, the plant contains natural antioxidants and flavonoids, which contribute to cardiovascular health.
But that's not all. Tribulus Terrestris consists of many active ingredients, including saponins and amines.
Finally, Tribulus contains protodioscin (Saponosides), one of the most active ingredients of Tribulus. It is to this singular composition that the plant owes its international fame. [3]
The science behind its effectiveness
According to researchers, the active compounds found in Tribulus work through several mechanisms. The steroidal saponin protodioscin, for instance, is believed to be responsible for the plant's libido-enhancing effects. It acts as an aphrodisiac, increasing sexual activity and blood flow to the sexual organs by boosting nitric oxide. [4]
Other active compounds in Tribulus, such as tribulosin and tribulusamides, are being investigated for their effects on inflammation and the survival of healthy cells exposed to stress. The concentration of these compounds may vary in different formulations. [5]
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Tribulus Terrestris’ Benefits
1- Improves Sexual Function
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), also known as sexual dysfunction, is a condition that reduces a person's interest in sexual activity. It can lead to distress and relationship issues and affects up to 30% of women and 15% of men.
Supplements, along with lifestyle and psychological interventions, are sometimes considered by doctors as an option to help treat HSDD. Tribulus is a potential supplement option for both sexes.
The chemical and pharmacological analysis of Tribulus Terrestris revealed the importance of this herb in improving sexual function. The saponins it contains, especially protodioscin, diosgenin, and dioscin, imitate certain hormones in the body and can influence the production of sex hormones.
These saponins act on the luteinizing hormone secreted in the brain, which stimulates testosterone production in the testicles in men and regulates the secretion of progesterone and estrogen in women. [6]
In this way, Tribulus acts on various sexual disorders, including erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is a sexual disorder characterized by the inability to maintain a sufficiently rigid erection.
In a study carried out on 180 men aged between 18 and 65 and suffering from erectile disorders, the administration of Tribulus Terrestris improved sexual function in addition to having an aphrodisiac action. [7]
On the other hand, a study has shown that Tribulus improves sperm parameters by increasing sperm motility, number, and speed of sperm motility. Tribulus Terrestris, therefore, also has an action against male infertility. [8]
2 - Improves Blood Sugar Control
Tribulus Terrestris may improve blood sugar control by increasing insulin secretion. Insulin helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells to be used for energy or stored for later use. Studies have shown that Tribulus Terrestris may stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, helping to lower blood sugar levels. [9]
Another mechanism by which Tribulus Terrestris may improve blood sugar control is by increasing glucose uptake in the body's cells. Tribulus Terrestris may activate certain cellular signaling pathways involved in glucose uptake.
One study found that taking a Tribulus Terrestris supplement each day significantly reduced blood sugar levels in women with type 2 diabetes compared to a placebo after three months. [10]
3 - Boosts Heart Health
Studies showed that saponins of Tribulus Terrestris can play a role in dilating coronary arteries and improving coronary circulation.
Tribulus is also helpful in reducing symptoms of angina or chest pain. A study found that Tribulus could relieve cases of angina with a total efficacy rate of 82.3%. It achieved these results by dilating coronary arteries and improving cardiac circulation. The researchers also found that Tribulus did not harm the liver or kidneys and had no side effects. [11]
Tribulus also protects the myocardium. [12] Studies have demonstrated this cardioprotective effect against myocardial ischemia by protecting myocardial cells and reducing their mortality rate induced by oxidative stress.
Also, the antihypertensive properties of Tribulus Terrestris extracts have been demonstrated in hypertensive subjects. [13]
4- Shows Anti-inflammatory Effect
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a range of health problems, such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
Tribulus Terrestris contains several bioactive compounds, such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), which play a key role in the inflammatory response. [14]
Several studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Tribulus Terrestris. One study showed that an extract of Tribulus Terrestris inhibited the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in human immune cells. [15]
Moreover, research has shown that Tribulus Terrestris has antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of inflammation, and antioxidants can help reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and other reactive oxygen species. [16]
5- Improves Physical Performance
Gitonin is a certain saponin that is found in Tribulus Terrestris. It has a chemical structure similar to testosterone and mimics the effects of testosterone on the human body. [17]
As testosterone affects muscle growth and improves performance, Tribulus extracts may have a positive effect on gaining muscle mass and improving physical performance.
6- Reduces symptoms related to Menopause
Tribulus Terrestris is used as a treatment for menopausal symptoms in women, including libido.
A study on 60 postmenopausal women with sexual disorders showed that after 90-day treatment, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of Tribulus in improving desire, arousal, sexual interest, and vaginal lubrication. [18]
Safety And Side Effects
Tribulus Terrestris has no toxic effects. However, this plant is not recommended for pregnant women and children.
Some potential side effects are relatively minor and may include weakness or shakiness, an upset stomach, and difficulty sleeping.
Conclusion
Tribulus terrestris is a plant with great medicinal potential. It has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicines for thousands of years.
Tribulus offers various benefits, such as promoting heart health, enhancing sexual function, managing blood sugar levels, exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, enhancing physical performance, and alleviating symptoms associated with menopause.
FAQ
How does Tribulus Terrestris improve sexual function?
Tribulus Terrestris contains saponins like protodioscin, which stimulate the production of testosterone in men and regulate estrogen and progesterone in women, improving libido and addressing sexual dysfunction.
Can Tribulus help manage blood sugar levels?
Yes, Tribulus Terrestris can help improve blood sugar control by increasing insulin secretion and glucose uptake, making it a potential supplement for managing type 2 diabetes.
What are the cardiovascular benefits of Tribulus?
Tribulus Terrestris improves coronary circulation, reduces symptoms of angina, and has antihypertensive properties that protect heart health.
Does Tribulus have anti-inflammatory properties?
Yes, Tribulus Terrestris has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can benefit individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Is Tribulus safe to use?
Tribulus Terrestris is generally safe but not recommended for pregnant women and children. Some minor side effects include weakness, upset stomach, and difficulty sleeping.
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References
[1]Phytopharmacological overview of Tribulus terrestris - PMC (nih.gov)
[5](PDF) Effect of Tribulus terrestris against Inflammatory Bowel Disease (researchgate.net)
[6]Physiology, Luteinizing Hormone - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
[8]Tribulus terrestris Extract Improves Human Sperm Parameters In Vitro - PubMed (nih.gov)
[17]Selected herbals and human exercise performance - PubMed (nih.gov)