Tribulus

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Tribulus
- Puncture Vine
- Goat's Head
- Bindii
- Caltrop
- Devil's Thorn
- Gokshura (Ayurvedic)
- Bai Ji Li (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Latin Name: Tribulus terrestris

Category: Herb

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Reproductive and sexual health tonic - Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years
• Urinary tract support and kidney stone prevention - Ayurveda considers it a rejuvenative remedy for the urinary system
• Liver calming and regulation - Traditional Chinese Medicine uses the fruits in formulas to calm and regulate the liver
• Lactation support and menstrual regulation - TCM tradition
• Skin conditions including hives and intense itching - TCM application

Modern Uses

• Female Sexual Dysfunction - May help boost libido in women with low sexual desire | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: Women who took 750 mg per day showed significant improvement in desire, arousal, and orgasm, with less pain during intercourse

• Source citations: Amazing Wellness Magazine 2017; Clinical studies on female sexual function

• Male Sexual Health & Erectile Dysfunction - Traditional testosterone-supporting herb | Research quality: Preliminary/Mixed

• Key findings: Studies suggest effectiveness for erectile dysfunction, possibly by increasing nitric oxide rather than testosterone directly. However, a study with rugby players found no increase in testosterone. Research is inconsistent.

• Source citations: Moyad - The Supplement Handbook; Amazing Wellness 2017; Gauthaman, K. 2001

• Urinary Tract Health - Supports healthy urinary function and may help dissolve kidney/bladder stones | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Traditional use supported by herbalist recommendations; diuretic properties without being drying to kidney membranes; protects kidney tissue and prevents stones

• Source citations: Easley & Horne - The Modern Herbal Dispensatory; Slattery - Southwest Medicinal Plants; David Winston recommendations

• Cardiovascular Support - May support heart health and blood pressure | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Clinical study of 406 cases showed 82.3% remission rate in angina pectoris; dilates coronary arteries and improves coronary circulation; may help moderate high blood pressure and reduce triglycerides/LDL

• Source citations: Wang, B. et al. 1990; Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs 2002; Slattery - Southwest Medicinal Plants

• Hormonal Balance - May improve androgen/estrogen profiles in both males and females | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Experienced as enhanced fertility, increased sex drive, better energy, enhanced cognitive function, or reduction in menopausal symptoms; may increase luteinizing hormone (LH) production
• Source citations: Amazing Wellness 2017; Better Nutrition 2016; Slattery - Southwest Medicinal Plants

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Protodioscin - The chief steroidal saponin; thought to be responsible for effects on luteinizing hormone and testosterone metabolism
- Steroidal saponins (furostanol and spirostanol types) - Plant compounds with hormone-modulating properties
- Alkaloids - Various plant alkaloids with physiological activity
- Flavonoids - Antioxidant compounds contributing to overall benefits

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Capsule/powder
- Amount: 500-1,000 mg per day
- Frequency: Once or twice daily with food

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Capsule
- Amount: 1,500-5,000 mg per day (divided doses)
- Purpose: Sexual health support, hormonal balance
- Duration: 6-12 weeks; cycle recommended (8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off)

Tincture Dosage:
- Dried seed (1:5, 60% alcohol)
- Amount: 1-2 ml (0.2-0.4 tsp.) 3 times daily

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: Up to 5,000 mg (5 grams) in divided doses based on traditional use
- Warning threshold: Start low and increase gradually; discontinue if stomach upset occurs

Bioavailability Notes:
- Fat-soluble saponins may absorb better when taken with food containing fats
- Standardized extracts (typically 40-45% saponins) provide more consistent dosing than raw herb

How to Take It

Timing:
- Best taken with meals to improve absorption and reduce potential stomach upset
- Can be taken morning and evening for divided doses
- Some practitioners recommend cycling (8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off) for hormonal effects

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Nettle Root - Both support prostate health and hormonal balance | Combined effect for benign prostatic hyperplasia
2. Maca - Complementary libido and energy support | Enhanced sexual health effects
3. Ashwagandha - Both are adaptogens that support vitality | Combined hormonal and stress support
4. Fenugreek - May work together to support testosterone metabolism | Combined male health formula
5. L-Arginine - Supports nitric oxide production | Enhanced blood flow and erectile function

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Other testosterone-boosting supplements - May cause additive hormonal effects | Monitor for signs of excess

Drug Interactions:
1. Diabetes medications - Tribulus may lower blood sugar | May enhance hypoglycemic effects | Severity: Moderate
2. Blood pressure medications - Tribulus has hypotensive properties | May enhance blood pressure lowering | Severity: Moderate
3. Diuretics - Additive diuretic effects | May increase fluid/electrolyte loss | Severity: Mild to Moderate
4. Lithium - Diuretic effect may affect lithium levels | Potential for lithium toxicity | Severity: Moderate
5. Heart medications - Due to cardiovascular effects | Consult healthcare provider | Severity: Moderate

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions documented

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Pregnancy - Avoid use; traditional emmenagogue use suggests potential effects on uterus
- Breastfeeding - Insufficient safety data
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids) - May have hormonal effects
- Scheduled surgery - Discontinue 2 weeks before due to potential blood sugar and blood pressure effects
- Prostate cancer - Hormonal effects may be contraindicated

Side Effects:
- Common: Stomach upset (approximately 1 in 10 users), mild gastrointestinal discomfort
- Rare: Sleep disturbances, restlessness
- Note: Toxic to sheep (causes photodermatitis and locomotor disorders); no such effects documented in humans at normal doses

Long-Term Use:
- Generally considered safe for cycles of 6-12 weeks
- Cycling recommended (8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off) for hormonal applications
- Long-term continuous use data is limited
- Herbalist David Winston recommends it for long-term kidney health

Special Precautions:
- Surgery: Discontinue 2 weeks before scheduled surgery
- Diabetes: Monitor blood sugar closely
- Hypertension: Monitor blood pressure
- Not recommended for children

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary:
- Sexual health and libido support (men and women)
- Urinary tract health and kidney support
- Athletic performance and vitality
- Hormonal balance support

Secondary:
- Cardiovascular support
- Blood pressure support
- Kidney stone prevention
- Menopausal symptom support

Sources

Local Library:
- Easley, Thomas - The Modern Herbal Dispensatory
- Moyad, Mark - The Supplement Handbook
- Duke, James A. - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs
- Bone, Kerry - A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs
- DK - Herbal Remedies 2007
- Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2002
- Slattery, John - Southwest Medicinal Plants
- Medicinal & Edible Plants Field Guide
- Amazing Wellness Magazine 2017
- Better Nutrition Magazine 2016

General Knowledge:
- Traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine texts
- Clinical studies on Tribulus terrestris (Wang, B. et al. 1990; Gauthaman, K. 2001; Dimitrov M. et al. 1987)