DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)

March 22, 2017

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Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2013 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Related Terms

  • Abrojos, al-Gutub, bullhead, calthrops, caltrop, cat's-head, common dubbletjie, devil's-thorn, devil's-weed, espigon, goathead, gokhru, Gokshura, Mexican sandbur, nature's Viagra®, puncture vine, puncture weed, qutiba, Texas sandbur, tribule terrestre, Tribulus terrestris, Trilovin®.

Background

  • Tribulus terrestris has a long history of use for a variety of conditions. It has been suggested that it was used in ancient Greece and India as a physical rejuvenation tonic. In China, it is used as a component of therapy for conditions affecting the liver, kidney, cardiovascular system and immune systems. It has also been used in Eastern European folk medicine for increased muscle strength and sexual potency. Despite its history of use, there is limited human data available in order to evaluate its clinical effectiveness.

  • Tribulus has been studied as a non-steroidal alternative to treatment of infertility. Although the results of the few studies done with the combination product Tribestan® are promising, more studies are needed in order to further evaluate its clinical effectiveness. Preliminary research with tribulus also suggests that it may be useful in treating coronary heart disease, but additional study is needed.

Scientific Evidence

Uses

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Grade*

Coronary artery disease

Preliminary research suggests that tribulus may be beneficial to patients with coronary heart disease. Additional study is needed to further evaluate its clinical effectiveness.

C

Exercise performance enhancement

Preliminary studies indicated that tribulus may enhance body composition or exercise performance in resistance trained males. More information is needed before a firm recommendation can be made.

C

Infertility (female)

Although the results of one study investigating the effects of Tribulus terrestris are encouraging, larger studies of better design are needed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Tribestan® in treatment of female infertility.

C

Infertility (male)

Although Tribestan® seems to increase sperm count and viability and increase libido, its effectiveness in the treatment of male infertility remains inconclusive, due to a lack of well-designed clinical trials.

C

*Key to grades:A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

  • Abortifacient (induces abortion), anemia, angina pectoris (chest pain), anthelmintic (expels worms), aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, astringent, atopic dermatitis, body tone improvement, breast milk stimulant, Bright's disease, cancer, childbirth, chronic fatigue syndrome, colic, cough, digestion, diuretic, dysuria (painful urination), flatulence (gas), gonorrhea (STD), headache, hepatitis, high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), immune enhancement, inflammation, kidney stones, leprosy, menopausal symptoms, mood stimulant, neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion), pain relief, premenstrual syndrome (symptoms), psoriasis (chronic skin disease), rheumatism (painful disorder of the joints, muscles or connective tissues), scabies, sore throat, spermatorrhea (excessive ejaculation), stomatitis (mouth sores), tonic, tumors (nasal), vertigo.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older):

  • There is no proven safe or effective dose for tribulus; 85-250 milligrams of 40% furostanol saponins extract in three divided doses with meals has been used. For exercise performance enhancement, 3.21 milligrams per kilogram of tribulus for eight weeks has been used.

Children (younger than 18 years):

  • There is no proven safe or effective dose for tribulus in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

  • Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Tribulus terrestris or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

  • Tribulus terrestris appears to be generally safe with a few adverse events of insomnia and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) occurring. Use cautiously in patients with menstrual disorders. One case of pneumothorax (air between the lungs and the lining of the chest cavity) upon digestion of the fruit has been reported. In another case report, the patient developed a polyp in the lobar bronchus of the right interior lobe due to the presence a tribulus fruit spine. In a case report, gynecomastia (excessive development of male breasts) was observed in a weight-trainer taking an herbal supplement containing tribulus.

  • Most adverse effects reported, such as exceptionally strong libido, general excitation, and insomnia have been from use of the combination product Tribestan®. However, these adverse effects cannot be solely attributed to tribulus, due to the other ingredients in this product.

  • Although not well studied in humans, a saponin from tribulus may reduce levels of glucose and total cholesterol. Use cautiously in patients with diabetes (high blood sugar) or using hypoglycemic (blood sugar altering) medication, as tribulus may decrease blood sugar levels.

  • Although not well studied in humans, tribulus may increase prostate weight. Use cautiously in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) or prostate cancer.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

  • Tribulus is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Traditionally, tribulus has been used as an abortifacient (induces abortion).

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

  • Tribulus may add to calcium channel blocker or beta-blocker effects due to its negative chronotropic activity in cardiac muscle.

  • Tribulus may exacerbate digoxin effects. Caution is advised.

  • Tribulus may exhibit diuretic effects (increases urine flow). Caution is advised when used with other drugs that have diuretic effects.

  • Tribulus may lower blood glucose levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

  • Tribulus has been found to have blood pressure lowering effects, and may affect patients taking drugs that also alter blood pressure.

  • Based on preliminary study and studies of combination products containing tribulus, tribulus may increase levels of steroid hormones.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

  • Tribulus may exacerbate the effects of cardiac glycoside herbs.

  • Tribulus may exhibit diuretic effects (increase urine flow). Caution is advised when used with other herbs that have diuretic effects.

  • Tribulus may lower blood glucose levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

  • Tribulus has been found to have blood pressure lowering effects, and may affect patients taking herbs that also alter blood pressure.

  • Based on preliminary study and studies of combination products containing tribulus, tribulus may increase levels of steroid hormones.

Author Information

  • This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

  1. Bedir E, Khan IA, Walker LA. Biologically active steroidal glycosides from Tribulus terrestris. Pharmazie 2002;57(7):491-493. View Abstract

  2. Brown GA, Vukovich MD, Martini ER, et al. Effects of androstenedione-herbal supplementation on serum sex hormone concentrations in 30- to 59-year-old men. Int J Vitam.Nutr.Res 2001;71(5):293-301. View Abstract

  3. Conrad J, Dinchev D, Klaiber I, et al. A novel furostanol saponin from Tribulus terrestris of Bulgarian origin. Fitoterapia 2004;75(2):117-122. View Abstract

  4. De Combarieu E, Fuzzati N, Lovati M, et al. Furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris. Fitoterapia 2003;74(6):583-591. View Abstract

  5. Deepak M, Dipankar G, Prashanth D, et al. Tribulosin and beta-sitosterol-D-glucoside, the anthelmintic principles of Tribulus terrestris. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(8):753-756. View Abstract

  6. Deng Y, Yang L, An SL. [Effect of Tribulus terrestris L decoction of different concentrations on tyrosinase activity and the proliferation of melanocytes]. Di Yi.Jun.Yi.Da.Xue.Xue.Bao. 2002;22(11):1017-1019. View Abstract

  7. Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG, Prasad RN. Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats. Life Sci 8-9-2002;71(12):1385-1396. View Abstract

  8. Huang JW, Tan CH, Jiang SH, et al. Terrestrinins A and B, two new steroid saponins from Tribulus terrestris. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2003;5(4):285-290. View Abstract

  9. Jameel JK, Kneeshaw PJ, Rao VS, et al. Gynaecomastia and the plant product "Tribulis terrestris". Breast 2004;13(5):428-430. View Abstract

  10. Joshi VS, Parekh BB, Joshi MJ, et al. Inhibition of the growth of urinary calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate crystals with aqueous extracts of Tribulus terrestris and Bergenia ligulata. Urol.Res 2005;33(2):80-86. View Abstract

  11. Kohut ML, Thompson JR, Campbell J, et al. Ingestion of a dietary supplement containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione has minimal effect on immune function in middle-aged men. J Am Coll Nutr. 2003;22(5):363-371. View Abstract

  12. Li M, Qu W, Wang Y, Wan H, et al. [Hypoglycemic effect of saponin from Tribulus terrestris]. Zhong.Yao Cai. 2002;25(6):420-422. View Abstract

  13. Neychev VK, Mitev VI. The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005; Oct 3;101(1-3):319-23 View Abstract

  14. Sun B, Qu WJ, Zhang XL, et al. [Investigation on inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on hepatoma cell line BEL-7402]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2004;29(7):681-684. View Abstract

  15. Sun B, Qu W, Bai Z. [The inhibitory effect of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on Bcap-37 breast cancer cell line in vitro]. Zhong.Yao Cai. 2003;26(2):104-106. View Abstract

Copyright © 2013 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Updated:  

March 22, 2017