Tribulus Terrestris: Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage
What is Tribulus Terrestris? Tribulus terrestris is a small flowering plant native to warm tropical regions. Practitioners
of Iraqi folk medicine have used it as an aphrodisiac, urinary anti-infective and diuretic for years. And practitioners of traditional medicine use this plant to enhance libido, fight inflammation, reduce blood sugar and cholesterol and keep the urinary tract healthy (x).
Tribulus Terrestris Benefits Supports Bladder Health Tribulus terrestris extract has antibacterial properties. De Gruyter Open published a study that found Tribulus terrestris extract increased the sensitivity of Escherichia coli bacteria to the antibiotic gentamicin (x). E. coli is the leading culprit of urinary tract infections(UTIs), and this study determined that Tribulus terrestris extract would make an excellent alternative treatment for UTIs.
Also worth noting is that Iraqi herbalists have used the aqueous extract from the leaves and fruits of Tribulus terrestris as a diuretic to treat urinary stones (x). In fact, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported that it effectively promoted diuresis for the passing of urinary stones, supporting this claim (x).
Boosts Libido More consumers are looking at Tribulus terrestris to enhance their sexual health. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, many have long believed that Tribulus terrestris increases libido in both men and women because it may “influence levels or mimic [the] function of sex hormones� (x). The same study also
points out evidence that Tribulus terrestris has aphrodisiac and proerectile effects in animals.
A study published in the DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder who took 7.5 milligrams of Tribulus terrestris extract daily experienced improvement in the desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction and pain domains of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) after four weeks (x, x).
Another study, published in the journal Maturitas, found that male study participants with erectile dysfunction reported significant improvement in sexual functioning after 12 weeks of taking Tribulus terrestris (x). These findings suggest that the Tribulus terrestris supplement may be safe for men and women to take to improve libido.
Combats Inflammation Preliminary studies show that Tribulus terrestris has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling. Researchers in one study injected a chloroform extract of Tribulus terrestris into rats that had carrageenan, a substance that triggers inflammation, in their hind paws. At doses of 200 milligrams/kilogram, the chloroform extract with Tribulus terrestris showed “good anti-inflammatory activity” (x). The study concluded with a statement supporting this plant’s traditional use to treat inflammation.
Tribulus Terrestris for Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Several studies have reported its positive effects on heart health and blood sugar. One such study examined the effects Tribulus terrestris had on blood sugar levels in women with type 2 diabetes (x). Researchers gave 98 women 1,000 milligrams a day of either Tribulus terrestris or placebo for three months. Overall, researchers found that Tribulus terrestris had a significant blood-glucose-lowering effect in the women who received it. In addition, it also seemed to lower cholesterol levels in those women (x).
Studies have shown that it can reduce blood sugar levels, prevent blood vessel damage and reduce cholesterol in animals. One such study found that in rabbits fed a highcholesterol diet, Tribulus terrestris reduced serum levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. It also protected the linings of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Moreover, it even repaired any damage to those vessels from hyperlipidemia (excess fats in the blood) (x).
Cancer Some research reports that Tribulus terrestris may show efficacy as a natural treatment for certain cancers. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that aqueous Tribulus terrestris extract blocked the proliferation of and induced apoptosis (cellular self-destruction) in human liver cancer cells in vitro (x).
Other studies have found that it may combat breast and prostate cancers. One in-vitro
study found that Tribulus terrestris saponins (naturally occurring plant phytochemicals with various health benefits of their own) structurally altered breast cancer cells by shrinking them (x). In fact, a separate study found that a Tribulus terrestris steroidal saponin called terrestrosin D effectively inhibited the growth of and induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells (x).
Tribulus Terrestris Side Effects Few have reported negative side effects from taking Tribulus terrestris. However, uncommon side effects include stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and constipation. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking Tribulus terrestris supplements.
Tribulus terrestris may interact with other medications. Do not take it if you’re taking diuretics as it may increase diuresis (x). Avoid taking it if you are taking antihypertensive or antidiabetic drugs; it may lower your blood pressure even further (x). Also avoid it if you’re taking clopidogrel as it may increase your risk of blood clots (x).
Tribulus Terrestris Dosage These supplements come in capsules and powders. If you’re taking the capsule form, take two capsules twice daily with food. If you’re taking the powder form, take a twicedaily dosage of 600 to 1,000 milligrams with food. The powdered Tribulus terrestris supplement has a very strong flavor and bitter aftertaste. Try mixing it in smoothies to make it palatable. But before taking a new supplement, remember to talk to your doctor to determine what dose is right for you.
The Bottom Line People have used Tribulus terrestris for its health benefits for years. Research has
shown that it can reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol in people who are diabetic. It can also increase libido, suppress inflammation and support bladder health by acting as a diuretic, helping individuals pass urinary stones. On the whole, it can make a safe addition to your supplement routine. However, you may experience uncomfortable side effects, though they’re uncommon. It’s important to remember that before taking any new supplement, you should talk to a doctor beforehand.