Tribulus Terrestris
(Puncture Vine)

By the way, the lack of evidence of effectiveness does not mean that it does not work. It means that there are no quality research studies done to prove whether it works or not.

Table of Contents

Evidence of Benefits (Leaf Rating System)

	Increasing Testosterone Blood Levels Results from animal and human studies are mixed. Some studies show that it increases blood testosterone levels and others do not. For example, one of the more recent study published by Fiziol in 2009 showed that taking 1 capsule 3 times daily for 20 days resulted in increased blood testosterone levels for the first 10 days. Afterwards, the levels did not increase any further.
	Erectile Dysfunction (ED) / Impotence Animal studies by K. Gauthaman (January 2008) showed that Tribulus terrestris increases testosterone levels, thus increasing sex drive in primates, rabbits and rats. The conclusion was that the herb "may be useful in mild to moderate cases of ED." However, V.K. Neychev (October 2005) conducted a study in young men and the results showed that, "Tribulus terrestris steroid saponins possess neither direct nor indirect androgen-increasing properties." Hence there are conflicting results. Most studies done in animals clearly show an increase in testosterone and other sex hormones along with an aphrodisiac benefit but the studies in human showed no such benefits. See our list of natural remedies that are used to treat ED.
	Aphrodisiac / Low Libido / Increase Sex Drive Animal studies by K. Gauthaman (January 2008) concluded that Tribulis terrestris increases testosterone levels, thus increasing sex drive in primates, rabbits and rats. As well, P.G. Adaikan (January 2000) suggested that, "The enhanced relaxant effect observed is probably due to increase in the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium and nerve endings, which may account for its claims as an aphrodisiac." We were unable to locate any clinical research studies to show if Tribulus terrestris would be useful in increasing libido in humans. For other natural remedies that are used to increase sex drive, click here.
	Increase Sperm Production Rats given this herb producted more sperms. The testosterone level was not affected. Experts believe that this herb was able stimulate sperm production through another mechanism other than by increasing testosterone levels.
	Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain) Tribulus terrestris seems to enhance blood flow to the coronary arteries and this will help patients suffering from angina as reported by B. Wang (February 1990).
	Diabetes / Diabetes Prevention A. Amin et al. (November 2006) showed that Tribulus terrestris had an protective effect on rats with diabetes. Several other researchers independently demonstrated that Tribulus terrestris significantly lowered blood glucose in rats.
	Breast Cancer Studies done in a lab setting on breast cancer cell tissues showed that T. terrestris causes the cells to shrink and the nucleus to contract.
	Enhancing Athletic Performance - Most likely not effective Multiple research studies in human shows that Tribulus terrestris does not enhance athletic performance. The best designed study by S. Rogerson et al. (May 2007) concluded that, "T. terrestris did not produce the large gains in strength or lean muscle mass that many manufacturers claim can be experienced within 5-28 days." and, "... it is also reassuring that taking T. terrestris does not put an athlete at risk of testing positive based on the World Anti-Doping Agency's [requirements]..." Other research studies showed the same negative results. As well G.A. Brown et al. (September 2000) showed that combining herbal extracts (such as those that includes Tribulus terrestris) designed to increase testosterone levels did "not result in increased serum testosterone concentrations, reduce the estrogenic effect of androstenedione, and does not augment the adaptations to resistance training." Neychev et al. (October 2005) discovered that, "Testosterone, androstenedione and luteinizing hormone levels in the serum were measured 24 h before supplementation (clear probe), and at 24, 72, 240, 408 and 576 h from the beginning of the supplementation. There was no significant difference between ... [the] supplemented groups and controls in the serum testosterone ."

Facts about Tribulus Terrestris

A. Adimoelja (2000) commented that, "Protodioscin is a phytochemical agent derived from Tribulus terrestris L plant, which has been clinically proven to improve sexual desire and enhance erection via the conversion of protodioscine to DHEA..."

Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses

• anemia
• aphrodisiac / low libido / increase sex drive
• appetite stimulant
• cancer
• chest pain (angina pectoris)
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• colic pain
• coughs and sore throat
• diabetes
• digestive aid
• diuretic (to promote water loss)
• eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• enhancing athletic performance
• erectile dysfunction / impotence
• flatulence
• headache
• hepatitis
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
• increase muscle mass
• infertility
• inflammation (generalized)
• kidney stones
• laxative
• psoriasis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• urinary problems / painful urination
• vertigo

Side Effects, Toxicity and Warnings

Pregnancy & Lactation - One research study in animals indicates that Tribulis terrestris might affect the developing fetus. Avoid using. There is no information on the safety of using Tribulus terrestris when breastfeeding. Avoid using.

Common Drug & Health Condition Interactions

Diabetic Medication / Diabetes - theoretical

Several research studies showed that the herb lowers blood sugar level in rats.

Prostate Cancer - theoretical

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) - theoretical

Dosage & How to Take It