Contents : 30 gelatin capsules

• Directions for use: 1 – 2 capsules once a day. Swallow the capsule and drink plenty of water 30 minutes before a meal, do not exceed the dose.
• Storage conditions:  Store in a dry, dark place out of reach of children.
• NOTES: Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Not for use by pregnant or lactating women or children under 12 years of age.
• The product cannot be used as a substitute for a properly varied diet.

Tribulus Terrestris – Use and Indications

Tribulus terrestris has been used for centuries in folk medicine as a remedy for all sexual dysfunctions. It was also known in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It was used to improve the function of the circulatory system and the urinary system. Hindu medicine, due to the diuretic effect of tribulus, used this herb as a remedy for urinary tract diseases, as well as for rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica and digestive problems. In turn, in Chinese medicine, tribulus was used as a remedy for headaches and dizziness, menstrual disorders or breast pain. The raw material is still used today as a means of supporting the work of the kidneys, liver and heart. It is also indicated as an aid in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes. Studies have been conducted that confirmed that supplementation with tribulus has an effect on reducing cholesterol levels and eliminating the risk of atherosclerosis. Due to its adaptogenic properties, this plant is also used by physically active people. The use of Tribulus terrestris for the production of dietary supplements for athletes was initiated in Bulgaria in the early 1970s. This plant was an alternative to anabolic agents, although this has not been fully confirmed in scientific research. Tribulus terrestris is also indicated for body shaping, because it helps burn fat tissue. According to the World Health Organization’s monograph, the best documented indication of Tribulus terrestris fruit is its use in the treatment of headaches, mastitis and cough. Despite this, in pharmacies you can most often buy preparations with Tribulus terrestris, which are recommended for erectile dysfunction in men or sexual frigidity in women.

Tribulus Terrestris – Appearance, Origin, Morphology

Tribulus terrestris (Latin: Tribulus terrestris L.) belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae. This plant originates from the Mediterranean regions. It can also be found in the United States, Mexico, Africa, and even Australia. In the Balkans, India, and China, the raw material has been known for centuries by the local community as an aphrodisiac. In Poland, this species is rarely found. Tribulus terrestris grows primarily in coastal sands, near rivers and streams, although it often grows in steppes or other dry areas. The plant is characterized by a creeping stem, which is very long and grows up to 60 centimeters. The leaves are bipinnate and hairy. Tribulus blooms with yellow flowers. They are made of five petals. The plant blooms from June to October. The fruit is a schizocarp with schizocarps, which are covered with thorns. The raw materials used are the fruit, the leaf, and less frequently the root.

Tribulus Terrestris – action, properties, composition

Tribulus terrestris owes its medicinal properties to the presence of steroid saponins (chlorogenin, diosgenin, gitogenin, ruscogenin, tigogenin). These substances are structurally similar to human steroid hormones. They therefore affect the level of endogenous testosterone in humans. An increase in the concentration of this hormone increases libido, improves the reactivity of erectile function in men and spermatogenesis processes. Additionally, increased testosterone production affects the growth of muscle mass and improves physical performance. The mechanism of action consists in the intensification of the protein synthesis process in the body and the improvement of metabolism towards burning fat tissue. Among the identified active substances, alkaloids and flavonoids can also be distinguished, such as: kaempferol, quercetin or rutin. Tribulus terrestris contains indole derivatives and phenolic compounds, which, together with steroid saponins, participate in the inhibition of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. This enzyme is involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for, among other things, prostate hyperplasia. The raw material is also credited with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and immune-stimulating effects. It is believed that Tribulus terrestris also has antidiabetic effects. The mechanism involves inhibiting the activity of enzymes such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. This reduces postprandial glycemia in the patient. It also lowers cholesterol levels. However, further research is recommended to confirm the above-described properties of the raw material. The herb also contains: lignamides, fats, proteins, sugars, minerals (iron, potassium, calcium) and vitamin C.

Tribulus Terrestris – Interactions with Drugs and Herbs

Due to the properties of Tribulus terrestris, this raw material should not be taken with antihypertensive drugs (especially angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) and those used in the treatment of diabetes. This may lead to an excessive decrease in the patient’s blood pressure and blood sugar level.

Tribulus Terrestris – side effects, overdose

Most studies indicate that Tribulus terrestris is well tolerated by patients. However, there are reports indicating that excessive doses of saponins and alkaloids contained in the raw material may cause gastrointestinal disorders and have cardiotoxic, nephrotoxic, hemolytic, and hepatotoxic effects. Cases of patients who developed acute renal tubular necrosis and cholestasis as a result of consuming excessive doses have been described. After discontinuing the preparation, biochemical parameters returned to normal. In addition, people taking dietary supplements containing Tribulus should avoid exposure to the sun. A phototoxic reaction may occur. Due to the lack of data on the safety of use, Tribulus is not recommended for children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women. Due to the fact that Tribulus may cause gastrointestinal disorders, it should be used with caution by people suffering from gastritis, ulcers, and other diseases of the digestive system.