Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) is an annual/biennial herb growing to 0.6m. It has a long history of traditional medical use in China, India and Greece. It was recommended as a treatment for female infertility, impotence and low libido in both men and women, and also used to aid rejuvenation after long illness. The seed of Tribulus is abortifacient, alterative, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, pectoral and tonic. It stimulates blood circulation. A decoction is used in treating impotency in males, nocturnal emissions, gonorrhoea and incontinence of urine. It has also proved effective in treating painful urination, gout and kidney diseases. In some studies Tribulus has shown anticancer activity. The flowers are used in the treatment of leprosy. The stems are used in the treatment of scabious skin diseases and psoriasis. The dried and concocted fruits are used in the treatment of congestion, gas, headache, liver, ophthalmia and stomatitis.
According to the researches conducted, it was found that Tribulus increases levels of various hormones in the steroid family, including testosterone, DHEA and estrogen, and for this reason improves sports performance , fertility in men and women, sexual function (again in men and women ), and symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes). Tribulus contains steroidal saponins that stimulate the testosterone receptors directly, without changing testosterone levels. Tribulus is most often used for infertility, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. In the last decade, it has become popular to improve sports performance.
References:
Plants for a Future Database. http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Tribulus+terrestris
Health Library. http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21872
