Overview
Tribulus has chemicals that might increase levels of some hormones. But it doesn't appear to increase male hormones (testosterone) in humans. Tribulus is also known as puncture vine because its sharp spines can flatten bicycle tires.
People use tribulus for sexual disorders, infertility, chest pain, enlarged prostate, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
Possibly Ineffective for
- Athletic performance. Taking tribulus by mouth, alone or with other herbs and supplements, doesn't seem to enhance body composition or exercise performance in athletes.
Side Effects
Eating the spine-covered fruit of tribulus is likely unsafe. There have been reports of serious lung problems due to eating the fruit.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Breast-feeding. There isn't enough reliable information to know if tribulus is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Tribulus might affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure. This might interfere with blood sugar and blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using tribulus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions ?
Lithium interacts with TRIBULUS
Tribulus might have an effect like a "water pill" or diuretic. Taking tribulus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with TRIBULUS
Tribulus might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Tribulus along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with TRIBULUS
Tribulus might lower blood pressure. Taking Tribulus along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
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Sun, B., Qu, W., and Bai, Z. [The inhibitory effect of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on Bcap-37 breast cancer cell line in vitro]. Zhong.Yao Cai. 2003;26(2):104-106. View abstract.
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Tabakova, P., Dimitrov, M., Ognyanov, K., and et al. Clinical study of Tribestan in females with endocrine sterility. Documentation for Registration (unpublished) 1999.
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Talemi MNPE, Ardakani SMP, Roozbeh B. Tribulus terrestris may decrease muscle damage markers following a high-intensity resistance exercise: a pilot study. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2020:1-7. Online ahead of print. View abstract.
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Neychev, V. K. and Mitev, V. I. The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005; Oct 3;101(1-3):319-23 View abstract.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
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