Tribulus terrestris
Description
Native to the tropics and subtropics, Tribulus terrestris is a weedy vine, often called puncture vine for its sharp seeds that have been known to puncture tires. Tribulus terrestris has been used in Ayurveda for multiple purposes, as an aphrodisiac, abortifacient, diuretic, and general tonic.
Method of Action
A component of Tribulus terrestris, called protodioscine, may convert into DHEA in vivo, thereby enhancing male sexual desire and erection. However, Tribulus terrestris grown in different types of soil contain different amounts of protodioscine. (Adimoelja, 2000)
Tribulus terrestris contains lignanamides, which have been shown to prevent necrosis of hepatocytes, or liver cells. Tribulus terrestris may therefore potentially protect against liver damage. (Li JX, 1998)
One animal study has shown that saponins in Tribulus terrestris may also help to reduce smooth muscle spasms, as observed in colitis and other intestinal disturbances. (Arcasoy, 1998). Saponins in Tribulus terrestris may also contribute to the treatment of angina pectoris.
Therapeutic Approaches
Few valid studies have shown that Tribulus terrestris may be useful for health. Proponents in the athletic field claim that it enhances athletic endurance. However, one study has disproved this claim (Antonio, 2000), and others have yet to validate it.
Other proposed uses include male impotence, intestinal spasms, angina, and hepatitis. Based on animal and in vitro studies, these uses may be valid but require further research.
Other historical but unproven uses for Tribulus terrestris include athletic performance, anemia, Bright's disease, cancer, coughs, gonorrhea, headache, inflammation, vertigo, leprosy, painful urination, childbirth, and rheumatism.
Toxicity Factors
Tribulus terrestris should not be used during pregnancy due to abortifacient effects. Oral ingestion of the spine-covered fruit has also been shown to cause bilateral pneumothorax effects.
References
Adimoelja A: Phytochemicals and the breakthrough of traditional herbs in the management of sexual dysfunctions, Int J Androl 2000;23 Suppl 2:82-4
Agricultural Research Service. Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. URL: www.ars-grin.gov/duke/.
Antonio J, Uelmen J, Rodriguez R, Earnest C: The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males, Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2000 Jun;10(2):208-15
Arcasoy HB, Erenmemisoglu A, Tekol Y, Kurucu S, Kartal M: Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. saponin mixture on some smooth muscle preparations: a preliminary study, Boll Chim Farm 1998 Dec;137(11):473-5
Dudley JP. "Bilateral pneumothorax resulting from the bronchoscopic removal of a puncture vine fruit." Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1983;92(4 Pt 1):396-7.
Harrington C. Plant Dubbed 'Nature's Viagra'. Calgary, Ca: Canadian Press; 15 Nov. 1998.
Li JX, et al: Tribulusamide A and B, new hepatoprotective lignanamides from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris: indications of cytoprotective activity in murine hepatocyte culture, Planta Med 1998 Oct;64(7):628-31
Wang B, Ma L, Liu T. "406 cases of angina pectoris in coronary heart disease treated with saponin of Tribulus terrestris." Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih, 1990; 10(2):85-87, 68.
Wilkins AL, et al. "Photosensitivity in South Africa. IX. Structure elucidation of a beta-glucosidase-treated saponin from Tribulus terrestis, and the identification of saponin chemotypes of South African T. terrestis." Onderstepoort Journal Veterinary Res, 1996; 63:327-34.
Xu YX, et al: Three new saponins from Tribulus terrestris, Planta Med 2000 Aug;66(6):545-50
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