Summary of Research on Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris (TT), a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, is recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties. Commonly used in Indian and Chinese medicine, TT is abundant in medicinally significant compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and alkaloids. The plant exhibits a range of health benefits, including diuretic, aphrodisiac, and anti-inflammatory effects. Research validates its biological activities and pharmacological benefits, supporting traditional uses and suggesting potential economic advantages.

TT is traditionally utilized to boost energy, vitality, sexual function, and physical performance, particularly among men. It is marketed as a dietary supplement, often for libido enhancement and athletic performance. Despite its popularity, the consistency of TT's active ingredient concentrations varies, leading to mixed results in pharmacological studies.

The review emphasizes the necessity for standardized extraction methods and the standardization of TT extracts to reconcile discrepancies in composition. This is crucial for its safe and informed medicinal application.

TT has shown promise in placebo-controlled clinical trials for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and is also effective in raising testosterone levels and enhancing sexual function in males with late-onset hypogonadism. Additionally, TT has been found to improve symptoms of Oligozoospermia and enhance sexual desire in postmenopausal women.

However, TT's exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood. While traditionally thought to enhance androgen levels, recent evidence suggests its effects may involve endothelial and nitric oxide-dependent processes. Further research is needed to fully elucidate TT's biological mechanisms and its safe and effective use in sexual health and performance enhancement.

In summary, Tribulus Terrestris has been historically recognized for its therapeutic potential, particularly in sexual health. While contemporary studies have validated some of these uses, the need for standardization and further investigation remains to ensure efficacy and safety.

References:

1. Phytopharmacological overview of Tribulus terrestris
2. A review of traditional pharmacological uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris
3. A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties of Tribulus terrestris L
4. Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review
5. Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with late-onset hypogonadism: A placebo-controlled study
6. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
7. Clinical study of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in Oligozoospermia: A double blind study
8. Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
9. Assessment of the Effects of Tribulus Terrestris on Sexual Function of Menopausal Women
10. Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction
11. A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect
12. Anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A clinical study
13. Efficacy of Khār-i-khasak ( Tribulus terrestris Linn.) in prehypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
14. Efficacy of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris on the Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile of Women With Diabetes Mellitus: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
15. Clinical efficacy of Gokshura-Punarnava Basti in the management of microalbuminuria in diabetes mellitus
16. Evaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in sexually sluggish male albino rats
17. Investigation on the toxic potential of Tribulus terrestris in vitro
18. Effects and Mechanism of Action of a Tribulus terrestris Extract on Penile Erection
19. Proerectile pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the rabbit corpus cavernosum
20. In vivo and in vitro animal investigation of the effect of a mixture of herbal extracts from Tribulus terrestris and Cornus officinalis on penile erection
21. N‑trans‑ρ‑caffeoyl tyramine isolated from Tribulus terrestris exerts anti‑inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated RAW 264.7 cells