Tribulus fruit is extracted from the Tribulus terrestris plant, which can be found on nearly every major continent, including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Commonly known as puncture-vine and classified as a weed, it blooms with yellow, five-petal flowers and bears a spikey fruit, which is often used to produce extracts and nutritional supplements. The alleged benefits of Tribulus fruit cover a wide range of conditions, but in most cultures it has been used primarily as an aphrodisiac.
Improved Libido
According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, author of "Natural Sex Boosters," Tribulus fruit extract has been shown to improve libido, erectile function, and sexually-related stamina. While some mistakenly believe the extract contains testosterone, according to Sahelian, the extract seems to act a catalyzing agent that influences the release of testosterone. A study conducted by the School of Exercise Science and Sport Management at Southern Cross University in New South Wales, Australia found there was no corollary between Tribulus fruit intake and testosterone production.
Angina Pain
Tribulus terrestris was found to reduce the frequency of angina pectoris attacks, according to a study conducted by B. Wang, et al, at the Research Unit of Cardivascular Disease at Jilin Medical College. The study reported that 82 percent of patients treated with Tribulus fruit showed a "total effective rate of remission." Moreover, Tribulus was shown to dilate the coronary artery and improve circulation. According to the abstract of the study, Tribulus demonstrates impressive potential for the treatment of angina pectoris.
Blood Pressure
According to extensive rat studies conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Kuwait University in Safat, Kuwait, Tribulus fruit extract may possess notable anti-hypertensive benefits, and was shown to reduce hypertension, the casual factor in high blood pressure. The study speculated that the Tribulus fruit possibly triggers a release of nitric oxide that relaxes the arterial muscles.
Cancer Fighter
Tribulus fruit extract has also been shown to possess some anti-cancer properties in research. According to a 2003 study conducted by Zhong Yao Cai, Tribulus fruit extract showed an inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells. Another Chinese study, conducted in 2005 by Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, showed renal and kidney cancers were "significantly inhibited" by dosages of Tribulus fruit extract. However, these studies are preliminary, and other research must be performed before any absolute benefit can be claimed.
References
- Bodybuilding.com; Tribulus, Why Do We Bother; Spetember, 2008
- The Herbal Resource: Tribulus Terrestris
- Dr. Ray Sahelian: Tribulus Terrestris
- MD Idea: Tribulus Terrestris and Saponins
- NCBI; Angina Pectoris Treated With Saponin of Tribulus Terrestris; B. Wnag, et al; February, 1990
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Tribulus terristris
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