Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)

Tribulus is a plant that produces fruit covered with spines. Rumor has it that tribulus is also known as puncture vine because the spines are so sharp they can flatten bicycle tires. People use the fruit, leaf, and root as medicine for wide-ranging complaints.

Tribulus is used for kidney problems, including kidney stones, painful urination, a kidney disorder called Bright's disease, and as a “water pill” (diuretic) to increase urination; for skin disorders, including eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and scabies; for male sexual problems, including erectile dysfunction (ED), involuntary release of semen without orgasm (spermatorrhea), and to increase sexual desire; for heart and circulatory system problems, including chest pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and “tired blood” (anemia); for problems with digestion, including colic, intestinal gas (flatulence), constipation, and to expel intestinal parasitic worms; for pain and swelling (inflammation) of the tissue lining the mouth (stomatitis) and sore throat; and for cancer, especially nose tumors.

Women use tribulus to tone muscles before childbirth, to cause an abortion, and to stimulate milk flow.

Some people use tribulus for gonorrhea, liver disease (hepatitis), inflammation, joint pain (rheumatism), leprosy, coughs, headache, dizziness (vertigo), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and enhancing athletic performance. It is also used for stimulating appetite and as an astringent, tonic, and mood enhancer.

How does it work?

Tribulus has chemicals that might increase some hormones in animals. However, it doesn't appear to increase male hormones (testosterone) in humans.

Enhancing exercise performance.
Chest pain (angina).
Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Erectile dysfunction (ED).
“Tired blood” (anemia).
Coughs.
Intestinal gas (flatulence).

The appropriate dose of tribulus depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for tribulus. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Tribulus supplements are SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for a short period of time. They have been used safely in research studies lasting up to 8 weeks. The long-term safety of Tribulus is unknown.
Eat the spine-covered fruit of Tribulus is LIKELY UNSAFE.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking Tribulus during pregnancy is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Animal research suggests that Tribulus might harm fetal development. Not enough is known about the safety of using Tribulus during breast-feeding. It's best not to use Tribulus if you are pregnant or nursing.

Prostate problems or prostate cancer: There is a concern that Tribulus might make prostate conditions such as benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) or prostate cancer worse. Developing research suggests that Tribulus can increase prostate weight.

Diabetes. Tribulus might decrease blood sugar levels. Dose of diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.

Surgery: Tribulus might affect blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using Tribulus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.