What is Tribulus terrestris?

Commonly known as caltrop or bindii, this Mediterranean plant’s leaves, fruits and roots are used in making medicines. Because it is covered in spines, this plant is also called puncture vine. It has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for ages as a treatment for different medical conditions.

Benefits of Tribulus terrestris as Testosterone Booster

Tribulus is known to boost the production of testosterone and this accounts for many benefits of tribulus such as:

• Increased libido
• Conversion of fats into energy
• Development of muscle mass
• Increased muscle strength
• Promotion of muscle growth
• Increases physical endurance
• Combats fatigue
• Increased muscular resistance against exertion

How Does It Work?

Tribulus works by regulating the different hormones of the body, especially the sex hormones. According to research, tribulus does not always increase testosterone; rather it regulates its production according to the needs of the body. Tribulus indirectly increases the testosterone levels by increasing another hormone called the Luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the natural levels of testosterone by increasing its production. Low testosterone will be met with increased production rates, often as high as 30% extra than the base rate.

Other Benefits

Tribulus has many benefits such as:

• Improving blood circulation
• Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
• Fights mild depression
• Effective against nervousness
• May be an effective treatment for cholesterol and diabetes
• Utilizes the blood LDL in producing energy
• Improves mood
• Maintains proper functioning of the nervous system
• Strengthens the immune system
• Reduces risk of coronary disease
• Promotes weight loss and prevents excessive weight gain
• Fights against fatigue
• Protects the kidneys and liver

Clinical Studies

In a clinical study involving 67 women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), researchers investigated the effectiveness of Tribulus terrestris in increasing libido and treating this condition. The study utilized the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to measure various factors related to sexual desire.

Over the course of four weeks, participants were administered Tribulus terrestris supplements as part of the treatment protocol. The study aimed to assess any changes in libido and sexual function among the participants after the intervention period.

Results from the study indicated a significant improvement in libido among women with HSDD who received Tribulus terrestris supplementation. The FSFI scores revealed positive changes in various aspects of sexual function, suggesting a beneficial effect of Tribulus terrestris on enhancing sexual desire.

This study provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic role of Tribulus terrestris in addressing hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. However, further research with larger sample sizes and longer durations is warranted to confirm these findings and establish the efficacy of Tribulus terrestris as a treatment option for HSDD.

Source: Clinical Study on Tribulus terrestris for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Dosage

When taking Tribulus, it’s usually safe to stick to the recommended dose of 1200 milligrams per day. This amount is considered safe for most people.

It’s really important not to take more than this amount in a day because it could lead to health problems. Taking too much of Tribulus might cause side effects or other complications.

Also, it’s a good idea to take breaks from using Tribulus. For example, you could take a break for a week every two weeks. This helps your body stay balanced and reduces the risk of any health issues.

Side Effects

The side effects of Tribulus are generally mild, but some people may experience:

Stomach discomfort: Tribulus can sometimes cause stomach upset, including nausea, cramping, or diarrhea.

Insomnia: Some individuals may have difficulty sleeping after taking Tribulus.

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, allergic reactions such as itching, rash, or difficulty breathing may occur.

A word of caution

For some medical conditions, it’s best to avoid using tribulus:

• Pregnant or nursing women should steer clear of tribulus supplements as they can cause problems in the development of the fetus.
  
• Men with prostate problems should also be cautious as tribulus can boost testosterone levels, potentially worsening conditions like prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and increasing prostate weight.
  
• Diabetic patients need to be careful as tribulus can lower blood sugar levels, necessitating adjustments to medication doses.
  
• If you have surgery scheduled, stop taking tribulus at least two weeks before the procedure. This is because it may interfere with blood sugar levels before and after surgery.

Conclusion

Because there hasn’t been enough research, it’s not clear if Tribulus really helps improve athletic performance. However, Tribulus has been used since ancient times as a remedy for various illnesses, to boost energy, fight tiredness, build muscles, and enhance libido. Studies show that Tribulus may help increase libido in women with low sexual desire. But remember, taking more of the supplement doesn’t mean it works better and could actually lead to serious health problems. Always talk to your doctor before using Tribulus to build muscle, boost libido, or treat any health issues.