| Also known as puncture vine, Tribulus terrestris decorates the meadows and valleys with its five-petal lemon-yellow flowers ranging from four to 10mm in diameter. Native to the Mediterranean region, Tribulus is an annual plant from Zygophyllaceae, i.e., caltrop family consisting of 285 species in 22 genera. Stems of this flowering plant are densely haired and branch from the crown while leaves are pinnately arranged. For reference, pinnation is defined as the arrangement of leaves in a feather-like manner. |
| Versatility is one of the biggest strengths of Tribulus terrestris as it can grow in almost any type of soil. That said, the plant thrives in dry, loose, and sandy soils. It can also grow in deserts and sand. Besides the Mediterranean region, the lemon-yellow plant is also found in southern Asia, New Zealand and Australia, Africa, and some areas of the United States and Central and South America. |
| After the beautiful yellow flowers bloom, Tribulus develops a fruit which transforms into five burs. Each bur is hard and consists of two to four sharp spines. Their sharpness is the reason why Tribulus is often nicknamed "devil's thorn". Within each bur, seeds are neatly arranged. |
| For a long time, Tribulus terrestris has been used in Chinese and Indian systems of medicine, which used roots and fruit to tackle various ailments. Nowadays, the plant is present in a wide range of dietary supplements, particularly those for testosterone boost.* Both traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda use Tribulus terrestris to enhance athletic performance and also boost libido.* Besides testosterone, the flowering plant is also linked with an improved balance of other hormones, such as estrogen.* |
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| Tribulus terrestris is dubbed as beneficial for many health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, erectile dysfunction, and kidney stones.* However, the most popular uses of the plant are those for hormone regulation, sexual dysfunction management, but it can also function as a diuretic.* |
| The regular use of Tribulus terrestris may help users build muscle mass and strength, primarily due to its influence on testosterone levels.* The plant could also help manage diabetes.* |
| The potential of Tribulus terrestris to aid the management of different health-related problems is attributed to saponins and flavonoids, i.e., the active compounds.* The most important active compound in Tribulus is steroidal saponin protodioscin, but other substances include tannins, alkaloids, phytosterols, amino acids, and organic acids. Tribulus plants sourced from Macedonia region are considered to be one of the best, due to their balance of saponins and other nutrients. It is the steroidal saponin protodioscin that exhibits the libido-boosting effects for which Tribulus terrestris is widely known and admired.* This particular active compound acts as an aphrodisiac, and it also improves sexual activity and boosts nitric oxide levels to promote blood flow to the genital area.* |
| Supplements with Tribulus terrestris are well-tolerated and the plant is considered safe for use. The wide spectrum of potential benefits of Tribulus terrestris requires further research. |
References:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/tam.4.3.163.169
https://www.verywellfit.com/tribulus-benefits-uses-tips-and-more-89589
https://selfhacked.com/blog/tribulus-terrestris/
