Complete Ingredient Guide: Tribulus terrestris – Benefits, Studies, and Sources
Introduction to Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is one of the most popular ingredients on the market today. Originally native to the Mediterranean region, it was widely distributed in the 20th century. Over time, this plant made its home in numerous places around the world.
It is marketed to have a variety of health benefits, including reduced blood sugar and cholesterol, regulated hormone levels, and increased drive and libido.
In this article we’ll be going over the primary benefits of Tribulus terrestris that both men and women experience. We’ll include summaries of studies that have been conducted with this ingredient, as well as the various sources you can find it in.
Tribulus terrestris Effects on Sexual Health
Tribulus terrestris has a multitude of positive effects on sexual health. Specifically, researchers noted significant improvements in libido and function in both men and women that supplement with Tribulus terrestris.
Libido in Men
Clinical Study Of Tribulus terrestris Linn. In Oligozoospermia: A Double Blind Study
Across 60 days, men with low sperm count took 6g of Tribulus root daily. They reported an improvement in erections, frequency of sexual activity, as well as reduced fatigue. A 16.3% increase in testosterone was also noted.
172 patients were split into a placebo group, and a group that took 750mg of Tribulus terrestris extract, split into three equal doses, over 12 weeks. The subjects that took the Tribulus experienced a higher score on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. The researchers found significant improvements in intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction.
Libido in Women
45 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to either 750mg per day, divided into three equal doses, or placebo for 120 days. The group prescribed Tribulus reported fewer sexual problems on the Sexual Quotient Female Version questionnaire.
Clinical Assessment Of Tribulus terrestris Extract In The Treatment Of Female Sexual Dysfunction
144 women with sexual dysfunction took 750mg per day of Tribulus, divided in three equal doses, for 90 days. Using the Female Sexual Function Index to measure results, the subjects experienced an improvement in desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and total score.
67 women reporting a loss of libido took 10.5 grams per day of Tribulus terrestris extract, divided into two equal doses. On the Female Sexual Function Index, sexual desire was significantly improved.
64 premenopausal women reporting diminished libido took either 750mg per day of a Tribulus extract (in three equal doses), or a placebo, for 120 days. On the Female Sexual Function Index, the significant difference was a small increase in sexual satisfaction. Desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain were improved, not significantly different.
Tribulus terrestris Effects on Heart Health
Tribulus terrestris has been shown to have potential positive effects on the heart. Overall, supplementing with Tribulus terrestris may result in lower blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and reduced blood sugar/glucose levels.
Blood Pressure
Anti-hypertensive Effect Of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A Clinical Study
75 subjects with hypertension were given 3 grams of Tribulus terrestris per day. Within one week, they experienced a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate when compared to the placebo group.
180 men with erectile dysfunction took 1.5 grams per day of Tribulus terrestris, divided into 3 equal doses, over 12 weeks. While it was effective for improving their sexual function, there were no significant differences in cholesterol or blood pressure.
Blood Sugar/Glucose
98 women with type 2 diabetes 1 gram per day of a Tribulus terrestris extract over 3 months. Significant improvements were seen for fasting blood glucose, 2-hour post-meal glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL-C.
Tribulus terrestris Effects on Athletic Performance
Overall, Tribulus terrestris does not appear to have a significant impact on athletic performance whether in regard to strength output or body composition.
15 subjects consumed 3.21mg per kg of bodyweight of Tribulus terrestris (45% saponins) daily for 8 weeks. No significant differences in exercise performance were found.
22 subjects consumed 450mg of Tribulus terrestris daily over 5 weeks. Throughout the study, the subjects performed structured heavy resistance training. Muscular strength and body composition were improved in both the Tribulus group and the placebo group, but no significant differences between the two groups were noted.
Tribulus terrestris Recommended Dosage
The main chemical compound responsible for the benefits of Tribulus terrestris are called saponins. Essentially, the higher the saponin percentage, the higher the concentration. Typically, Tribulus supplements contain 45-60% saponins.
A variety of doses have been studied for the different applications of Tribulus terrestris. On average, here’s what was found to be effective for each use:
- For Libido in Men: Take at least 400mg per day for sexual health benefits such as including erection quality, drive, reduced fatigue, and overall satisfaction.
- For Libido in Women: Take at least 750mg per day for sexual health benefits such as drive, arousal, and satisfaction.
- For Heart Health: Consume 1 gram of Tribulus terrestris extract per day to experience a decrease in blood sugar, or up to 3 grams for a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate.
Where To Get Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is sold in supplements that have isolated the ingredient into an extract. This extract can be taken in the form of a softgel or capsule. You can find these supplements in your local supplements store, or online.
Alternatively, Tribulus terrestris is often used along with other ingredients to provide additional related benefits. UNALTERED Athletics has formulated two products with Tribulus terrestris at the scientifically studied doses for maximum effectiveness.
UNALTERED Tribulus
UNALTERED Tribulus is an all-natural testosterone boosting supplement for men formulated to boost lean muscle growth, ramp up testosterone production, improve libido, and increase power output and strength.
A full serving contains 450mg of Tribulus terrestris at a concentration of 60% saponins. In addition, it contains Vitamin D, Zinc, Korean Red Ginseng, Ashwagandha, and Boron Citrate.
Learn more about UNALTERED Tribulus here.
UNALTERED Hormone Balance
UNALTERED Hormone Balance is an all-natural supplement for women formulated to help reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalances. This includes mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, stress, weight gain, and lack of sex drive.
A full serving contains 750mg of Tribulus terrestris extract, at a concentration of 45% saponins. In addition, it contains KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Chasteberry extract, and Black cohosh root extract.
Learn more about UNALTERED Hormone Balance here.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. Please consult with a doctor before making any changes to your dietary and supplementary regime.
