A weed throughout much of the U.S. and Europe, Tribulus terrestris favors poor soils in open lots and along roadsides. The effect of its spiny seeds on bicycle tires has earned it the alternate name puncture vine. Despite this annoying growth habit, this plant may have health benefits for the heart and hormone-producing endocrine system.
Easing Pain from Coronary Artery Disease
Treating chest pain related to coronary heart disease, or CHD, appears to be one of this herb's most promising benefits. Saponins in this herb widen the coronary artery, improving circulation and relieving pain. Over 82 percent of study participants suffering from CHD gained some pain relief through treatment with Tribulus terrestris saponins, found a 1990 study from China's Jilin Medical College. Researchers also discovered the herb produced no adverse reactions even when taken long term.
Treating Sexual Dysfunction
Supplements manufacturers promote Tribulus terrestris for its alleged ability to improve fertility and treat sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Some, possibly poorly designed, studies show the herb boosts levels of natural steroidal hormones like testosterone and estrogen, but other studies fail to confirm this, say experts from New York University. The herb does, however, appear to be an effective aphrodisiac, a study published in the August 2002 issue of "Life Sciences" found. This may be because it increases androgen levels.
Improving Athletic Performance
Tribulus terrestris became popular in the West after the 1988 Summer Olympics when Bulgaria's gold medal weightlifting team attributed their success to this herb. Research results are inconsistent, though, and one study found the herb was ineffective for improving performance, note NYU experts. In a 2009 study, however, athletes who took puncture vine for 20 days experienced an increase in creatine kinase and testosterone levels, and a decrease in creatinine, urea, cholesterol and bilirubin concentrations for the first 10 days, researchers from Vilnius Pedagogical University in Lithuania found.
References
- "Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi"; 406 Cases of Angina Pectoris in Coronary Heart Disease Treated with Saponin of Tribulus Terrestris; Wang B, et al.; February 1990
- New York University: Tribulus terrestris
- "Life Sciences"; Aphrodisiac Properties of Tribulus Terrestris Extract (Protodioscin) in Normal and Castrated Rats; Gauthaman K, et al.; August 2002
- New Mexico State University: Goathead Gold Mine: Noxious Weed Valued by Some as Useful Medicinal Herb
- "Fiziolohichnyi Zhurnal"; The Influence of the Tribulus Terrestris Extract on the Parameters of the Functional Preparedness and Athletes' Organism Homeostasis; Milasius K, et al.; 2009
