Tribulus Terrestris, also known as Puncture Vine, Caltrop, Yellow Vine and Goathead is a flowering plant belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family. It is a prostrate, annual herb native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World in Southern Europe, Southern Asia, throughout Africa and in Northern Australia. It grows upto 90 cm in length and can flourish in desert climate and poor soil. It has small, yellowish flowers and its fruit is typically five angled and bears spines.
This taproot herbaceous perennial plant also grows as a summer annual in colder climates. Its Latin name, ‘Tribulus’ literally means the Caltrop or a spiky weapon. It was widely used in ancient Chinese medicines as well as the ancient Indian art of healing called Ayurveda. It forms a major constituent of Ayurvedic tonics and is known by its Sanskrit name, ‘Gokshura’ in India.
Tribulus terrestris is known to enhance sex drive and its aphrodisiac properties came to light in Eastern Europe in the 1970s. The active components in Tribulus are called steroidal saponins which are of two types— furostanol glycosides and spirostanol glycosides. These saponins are found in the leaf of the plant.
Benefits of Tribulus terrestris:
There are a number of benefits of the herb. However, it is commonly used to treat disorders related to fertility, low libido and erectile dysfunction.
The tonic properties of Tribulus are known to increase the levels of testosterone in the body by increasing gonadotropin releasing hormone which stimulates the production of LH and follicle stimulating hormones.
It is commonly used as a non-irritant diuretic antiseptic in the treatment of dysurea, urinary stone and other urinary problems.
It is also used in a number of herbal medicines to treat headaches, eye problems such as conjunctivitis, blurred vision and itching.
It is extremely useful in the treatment of nervousness, high blood pressure and rib pain.
It is known to provide relief in prostrate problems. Tribulus contains Sterols like betasitosterols and stigma that are known to protect the prostrate from swelling and also protect it from cancer when combined with X steroidal saponins.
Tribulus terrestris is most commonly used in the treatment of impotence and spermaturia or pre mature ejaculation. It increases the level of the luteinizing hormone in the body and boosts the synthesis of testicular male sex hormone.
It is also used in the treatment of gout.
Its hormone balancing effects make it an excellent herb for women during pre menstrual syndrome (PMS).
Testosterone helps build muscle mass and is great for bodybuilding enthusiasts.
Tribulus boosts the libido and has a positive effect on the bone marrow activity for red blood cell production.
It is also known to augment the immune system.
Dosage:
The recommended dosage for Tribulus is between 85 to 250 mg three times daily with meals. But this could vary depending on the purpose for which you are taking the medicine. You must consult a doctor before taking it.
Side Effects:
Tribulus terrestris is said to be toxic in nature and can cause chronic, progressive, irreversible disorder affecting the dopamine circuits of the brain. This can result in impaired muscle function and weakness in the hindquarters, eventually leading to death. It is not recommended for children and pregnant women. Also, make a note of any ailments you might be suffering from such as diabetes, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, asthma, cancer, and kidney infection etc. before taking the medication to get best results. Taking the wrong medication can have a hazardous affect on your health.
Before taking any medication, it is necessary for you to consult a registered medical practitioner or certified expert in order to determine if the drug is likely to benefit you in the long run or not. It can have a potentially harmful effect on the body if taken without medical supervision. Tribulus terrestris is known to enhance athletic performance, is a sex drive booster and helps build muscle mass. But like all other supplements, it must be combined with proper exercise, diet and rest in order to get the desired results.
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