Traditional medical practitioners in China, India and Greece used tribulus terrestris for centuries to treat health problems. The herb, known as puncture vine for its thorny nature, earned a reputation in the Western hemisphere as an endurance strengthener when Bulgarian Olympic champions attributed their success to the herb. Today, the herb confers benefits in the treatment of a variety of health problems.
Hormones
Tribulus increases levels of testosterone, which improves fertility and sexual performance in men. In a 2008 study published in "Pharmaceutical Biology," researchers studied the effects of the tribulus compound furostenol glycoside in male castrated rats. Serum testosterone levels increased following 14 days of treatment, and researchers concluded the tribulus compound behaved as an aphrodisiac.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Tribulus lowers blood pressure, according to a 2003 study published in "Life Sciences." Researchers measured the activity of tribulus on levels of ACE, an enzyme that helps constrict blood vessels and promote fluid retention, which raises blood pressure. The study concluded that consuming tribulus decreases ACE activity, which lowers blood pressure in rats.
Anti-Fungal Treatment
Tribulus kills fungal infections, according to a 2006 study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." Scientists applied tribulus to Candida albicans, a common fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections and reported that the herb eradicated the fungi's cell membranes.
Colic
In folk medical tradition, tribulus has been used to treat colic discomfort. The herb's compounds are known to cause a marked decrease in peristalsis in sheep and rabbit intestines. Tribulus may prevent and treat smooth muscle spasms, including the symptoms accompanying infantile colic, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Tribulus
- "Life Sciences"; Study of Antihypertensive Mechanism of Tribulus terrestris in 2k1c Hypertensive Rats: Role of Tissue ACE Activity; A.M. Sharifi et al.; October 2003
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Antifungal Activities and Action Mechanisms of Compounds from Tribulus terrestris L.; J.D. Zhang et al.; January 2006
- "Pharmaceutical Biology"; Study of Furostenol Glycoside Fraction of Tribulus terresteris on Male Sexual Function in Rats; R.M. Tyagi et al.; 2008
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