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Tribulus Side Effects

No tribulus side effects in humans have yet been reported in the medical literature regarding the human use of tribulus terrestris. However, little is known about the long-term use of tribulus consumption in humans. As with most herbs, it is best to take breaks from use in order to minimize potential tribulus side effects. When sheep consume tribulus terrestris as 80% of their diet, liver damage and other changes occur. In my personal experience, and feedback from patients, I have noticed and heard the following tribulus terrestris side effects: more energy, feeling warmer, slightly faster heart beat, restlessness. These tribulus terrestris side effects are dose dependent. I personally do not notice the tribulus side effects on dosages less than 300 mg, but these side effects are more common above 500 mg.

Tribulus Terrestris - heart and immune support

Tribulus terrestris has been studied in China and found to reduce the frequency of angina pectoris. Laboratory studies have found tribulus to have anti-microbial and anti-tumor potential. I have not seen any good evidence that tribulus enhances athletic performance. Tribulus terrestris may also lower blood levels of cholesterol, and, in addition, tribulus may have antioxidant properties. Tribulus lowers blood pressure in rats with hypertension and has a blood sugar lowering effect. Once study in laboratory cells found saponins from tribulus terrestris inhibited the growth of a certain type of liver cancer cell line.

Tribulus terrestris, by itself, does not appear to improve athletic performance (see below)

Where is Tribulus found?

Tribulus terrestris grows naturally in many parts of the world including the Americas, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Tribulus is considered a noxious weed found abundantly on roadsides and vacant lots whose seeds are sharp and painful to step on. The foliage of tribulus terrestris is toxic to livestock, especially sheep, when consumed in large quantities. The fruits/berries of tribulus are the parts most often used in traditional medicine. The composition of different substances within tribulus is likely to vary depending on which part of the world it grows.

Tribulus Terrestris Research Update

[Experimental study of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on renal carcinoma cell line]

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Aug;30(16):1271-4.

To investigate the effect of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on the renal carcinoma cell (786-0) in vitro, and inhibitory mechanisms. METHOD: Effects of SIT on the cytotoxicity, morphological changes of apoptosis, cell cycle and expression of Bcl-2 protein in the 786-0 were tested respectively by MTT method, Wright and acridine orange stain assay, as well as flow cytometry (FCM). RESULT: After the 786-0 was treated by STY, it was shown that: 1) A significant cytotoxic effect was observed by MTT assay; 2) Apoptosis-induced was viewed by Wright and acridine orange stain assay; 3) The distribution of 786-0 on S phase was increased; 4.) The expression of Bcl-2 protein and cyclin D1 was decreased. CONCLUSION: Saponins from tribulus terrestris can significantly inhibit the growth of 786-0 in vitro, partially, by apoptosis.

Antifungal activities and action mechanisms of compounds from Tribulus terrestris L.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Sep 14;

Antifungal activity of natural products is being studied widely. Saponins are known to be antifungal and antibacterial. The in vitro antifungal activities of the eight saponins against five yeasts, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Cryptococcus neoformans were studied using microbroth dilution assay. In vivo activity of tribulus terrestris in a Candida albicans vaginal infection model was studied in particular. The results showed that tribulus terrestris was very effective against several pathogenic candidal species and Cryptococcus neoformans in vitro. It is noteworthy that tribulus terrestris saponins were very active against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Phase contrast microscopy showed that tribulus terrestris inhibited hyphal formation, an important virulence factor of Candida albicans, and transmission electron microscopy showed that tribulus terrestris destroyed the cell membrane of Candida albicans. In conclusion, tribulus terrestris has significant in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity, weakening the virulence of Candida albicans and killing fungi through destroying the cell membrane.

Effect of Tribulus terrestris on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase activity and androgen receptors in rat brain.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 4;96(1-2):127-32.

Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) have been used as an aphrodisiac both in the Indian and Chinese traditional systems of medicine. Administration of Tribulus terrestris extract increased sexual behaviour and intracavernous pressure both in normal and castrated rats and these effects were probably due to the androgen increasing property of tribulus. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of tribulus on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity and androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity in rat brain. Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups of twelve each. Group I was treated with distilled water and Group II was treated with tribulus terrestris at the dose of 5mg/kg body weight orally, once daily for 8 weeks. Following treatment transcardiac perfusion was done with Ringer lactate, 4% paraformaldehyde and 30% sucrose. The brain tissue was removed and sections of the paraventricular (PVN) area of hypothalamus were taken for NADPH-d and AR immunostaining. There was an increase in both NADPH-d (67%) and AR immunoreactivity (58%) in tribulus terrestris treated group and these results were statistically significant compared to the control. Chronic treatment of tribulus terrestris in rats increases the NADPH-d positive neurons and AR immunoreactivity in the PVN region. Androgens are known to increase both AR and NADPH-d positive neurons either directly or by its conversion to oestrogen. The mechanism for the observed increase in AR and NADPH-d positive neurons in the present study is probably due to the androgen increasing property of tribulus terrestris. The findings from the present study add further support to the aphrodisiac claims of tribulus terrestris.

Investigation on inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on hepatoma cell line BEL-7402

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Jul;29(7):681-4.

To investigate the inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on liver cancer cell line BEL-7402. CONCLUSION: saponins from tribulus terrestris exert its cytotoxic effect on BEL-7402 cells by inducing apoptosis.

A novel furostanol saponin from Tribulus terrestris of Bulgarian origin.

Fitoterapia. 2004 Mar;75(2):117-22.

The phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Tribulus terrestris of Bulgarian origin has resulted in the isolation of the novel furostanol saponin 1, named tribol, together with the known spirostanol saponins 2 and 3 and sitosterol glucoside.

Terrestrinins A and B, two new steroid saponins from Tribulus terrestris.

J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2003 Dec;5(4):285-90.

Two new steroid saponins, named terrestrinins A (1) and B (2), along with six known compounds were isolated from the Chinese medicine herb Tribulus terrestris.

Study of antihypertensive mechanism of Tribulus terestris in 2K1C hypertensive rats: role of tissue ACE activity.

Life Sci. 2003 Oct 24;73(23):2963-71.

Tribulus terrestris is a natural herb used for treating many diseases including hypertension. According to previous reports, aqueous extract of tribulus fruits may have some antihypertensive effect with an unknown mechanism. The present study investigated the antihypertensive mechanism of tribulus in 2K1C hypertensive rats by measurement of circulatory and local ACE activity in aorta, heart, kidney and lung. Four groups of rats were selected; control, sham, operated or hypertensive and tribulus treated hypertensive group. Hypertension was induced using silver clip on renal artery by surgery. Four weeks after surgery, a single daily dose of 10 mg/kg of lyophilized aqueous extract of tribulus fruit were given orally to rats for four weeks. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly increased in 2K1C rats compared to control rats. The SBP of tribulus fed hypertensive rats was significantly decreased compared to hypertensive rats. The ACE activity in all tissues of 2K1C rats including: aorta, heart, kidney, lung as well as serum were significantly increased compared to normal rats. The ACE activity in all tissues of tribulus fed hypertensive rats was significantly lower than that of hypertensive rats, which was more pronounced in kidney. These results indicated that there is a negative correlation between consumption of tribulus terrestris and ACE activity in serum and different tissues in 2K1C rats.

Effect of saponin from Tribulus terrestris on hyperlipidemia

Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 May;26(5):341-4.

The preventive and therapeutic effects of saponin from Tribulus terrestris on diet-induced hyperlipidemia in mice have been studied. It showed that in preventive experiment the tribulus terrestris saponin could significantly low the levels of serum total cholesterol and triglyceride.

The inhibitory effect of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on Bcap-37 breast cancer cell line in vitro

Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 Feb;26(2):104-6.

The inhibitory effect of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on Bcap37 breast cancer cell line were determined by cell growth curve, MTT assay, protein content assay and morphological observation. The results showed that saponins from tribulus terrestris had potent inhibitory effect on Bcap-37 cell line in a concentration-dependent manner. Bcap-37 cell exhibited morphological alteration, namely, cells got round and shrunk, nuclei contracted after treating with tribulus terrestris.

Experimental Tribulus terrestris poisoning in sheep: clinical, laboratory and pathological findings.

Vet Res Commun. 2003 Jan;27(1):53-62.

Eleven native sheep, 1-2 years old, of both sexes were randomly divided into two groups, 6 sheep being allocated to the experimental group and 5 serving as controls. The sheep in the experimental group were fed 80% Tribulus terrestris and 20% alfalfa hay and wheat straw, while the control sheep were given a mixture of 40% alfalfa hay and 60% wheat straw. Clinical signs of hepatogenous photosensitivity were observed from day 11, including reddening and crust formation on the muzzle, nose, ears and eyelids, depression, weight loss, icterus, conjunctivitis, and yellow discoloration of the urine. Laboratory findings on weekly samples indicated significant differences in white blood cell count, total plasma protein and fibrinogen, total and direct bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations. There were no significant differences in the packed cell volume, in the neutrophil, lymphocyte or eosinophil counts, or in the serum calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium or chloride concentrations. At necropsy of the animals consuming tribulus terrestris, there were various degrees of generalized icterus and the livers were swollen and discolored by bile pigment. Histopathological examination revealed varying amounts of crystalloid material in the bile ducts and renal tubules, hepatocellular degeneration, biliary fibrosis and proliferation, renal tubular necrosis and focal necrosis of cardiac muscle.

Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats.

Life Sci. 2002 Aug 9;71(12):1385-96.

Tribulus terrestris has long been used in the traditional Chinese and Indian systems of medicine for the treatment of various ailments and is popularly claimed to improve sexual functions in man. Sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure (ICP) were studied in both normal and castrated rats to further understand the role of Tribulus terrestris containing protodioscin (PTN) as an aphrodisiac. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups of 8 each that included distilled water treated (normal and castrated), testosterone treated (normal and castrated, 10 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously, bi-weekly) and Tribulus terrestris treated (castrated, 5 mg/kg body weight, orally once daily). Decreases in body weight, prostate weight and ICP were observed among the castrated groups of rats compared to the intact group. There was an overall reduction in the sexual behavior parameters in the castrated groups of rats as reflected by decrease in mount and intromission frequencies (MF and IF) and increase in mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies (ML, IL, EL) as well as post-ejaculatory interval (PEI). Compared to the castrated control, treatment of castrated rats (with either testosterone or Tribulus terrestris extract) showed increase in prostate weight and ICP that were statistically significant. There was also a mild to moderate improvement of the sexual behavior parameters as evidenced by increase in MF and IF; decrease in ML, IL and PEI. It is concluded that Tribulus terrestris extract appears to possess aphrodisiac activity probably due to androgen increasing property of Tribulus terrestris (observed in our earlier study on primates).

Hypoglycemic effect of saponin from Tribulus terrestris

Zhong Yao Cai. 2002 Jun;25(6):420-2.

To study the hypoglycemic effect of saponins from Tribulus terrestris. The level of serum glucose could be significantly reduced by saponin from Tribulus terrestris, which was the rate of 26% and 40% in normal mice and diabetic mice in respectively. The level of serum triglyceride could be reduced 23%. The tribulus saponin could also decrease the content of serum cholesterol. Serum SOD activity of the mice was increased by the saponin. CONCLUSION: Saponin from Tribulus terrestris could significantly reduce the level of serum glucose.

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. xtract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the herbal preparation Tribulus terrestris (tribulus) on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males. Fifteen subjects were randomly assigned to a placebo or tribulus (3.21 mg per kg body weight daily) group. Body weight, body composition, maximal strength, dietary intake, and mood states were determined before and after an 8-week exercise (periodized resistance training) and supplementation period. There were no changes in body weight, percentage fat, total body water, dietary intake, or mood states in either group. Muscle endurance (determined by the maximal number of repetitions at 100-200% of body weight) increased for the bench and leg press exercises in the placebo group (p <.05; bench press +/-28.4%, leg press +/-28.6%), while the tribulus terrestris group experienced an increase in leg press strength only . Supplementation with tribulus does not enhance body composition or exercise performance in resistance-trained males.

Sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure (ICP) were studied in both normal and castrated rats to further understand the role of tribulus containing protodioscin (PTN) as an aphrodisiac. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups of 8 each that included distilled water treated (normal and castrated), testosterone treated (normal and castrated, 10 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously, bi-weekly) and tribulus treated (castrated, 5 mg/kg body weight, orally once daily). Decreases in body weight, prostate weight and ICP were observed among the castrated groups of rats compared to the intact group. There was an overall reduction in the sexual behaviour parameters in the castrated groups of rats as reflected by decrease in mount and intromission frequencies (MF and IF) and increase in mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies (ML, IL, EL) as well as post-ejaculatory interval (PEI). Compared to the castrated control, treatment of castrated rats (with either testosterone or tribulus extract) showed increase in prostate weight and ICP that were statistically significant. There was also a mild to moderate improvement of the sexual behaviour parameters as evidenced by increase in MF and IF; decrease in ML, IL and PEI. These results were statistically significant. It is concluded that tribulus extract appears to possess aphrodisiac activity.

Tribulus Terrestris Emails

Q. With regard to the ingredients in Passion Rx, doesn't raising testosterone levels in males, specifically Tribulus terrestris, increase prostate cancer risk?

A. First, there is yet no evidence that regular tribulus use continues to stimulate testosterone production or release. And even if it did, we do not recommend daily use of Passion Rx, mostly 2 days on, 2 days off. And, the amounts of tribulus in Passion Rx are small, only 55 mg per capsule. We are not concerned about this association.

Q. I want you to know that taking tribulus terrestis for two and a half months my total testosterone level went from 162 to 328 and my testosterone free went from 4.2 to 9.5, my Dr. said keep using it. I have

no more menopause hot flashes and sweats. Thank you very much for your product. I will be ordering some more soon.

A. Thank you very much for the feedback. Please keep us updated. We would be interested in more feedback from women who use tribulus to know whether this herb has an influence on menopausal hot flashes.

Q. If tribulus terrestris is stopped after using for one month, is there any type of side effect?

A. We are not aware of any side effects or problems if tribulus is stopped after one month of us.

Q. Does tribulus increase testosterone levels?

A. I have come across many websites that report tribulus increases testosterone levels but I have not come any clear research that supports this. Perhaps tribulus does raise levels of testosterone but at this point I'm not sure. And even if it does, I don't know whether it would do so consistently if tribulus is taken for prolonged periods.

Q. Can tribulus be combined with other herbs such as yohimbe, maca, or horny goat weed?

A. I can only speak from my personal and professional experience. Thus far I have combined tribulus with several herbs and have not found any significant side effects.

Q. Does tribulus give more energy?

A. Tribulus has some energy boosting abilities, as do ginseng, cordyceps, maca, and tongkat ali.

Q. Can tribulus be taken regularly for many months?

A. As with most herbs, I recommend taking breaks from use. In the case of tribulus you could take it for 1 or 2 weeks on, 1 or 2 weeks off.

Q. How long after I start taking tribulus terrestris should I expect results?

A. Everyone is different, but on average most people would notice the benefits from tribulus on the third or fourth day of use. It also depends on dosage. If you tribulus dosage is low, it may take a couple of days more.

Q. How many different types of Tribulus extracts are available?

A. The ones I have seen are the following: Tribulus terrestris powder, Tribulus 40% extract. They may be other tribulus extracts but I'm not up to date on them yet.

Q. Does tribulus really work?

A. Yes, tribulus terrestris does help with healthy erectile function, but for some people it may take a few days.

Q. Any reason to be concerned in using Tribulus terrrestris having ( BPH ) benigh prostate enlargement?

A. We have not seen any research regarding a connection between tribulus terrestris and prostate enlargement, but as with most supplements, we advise taking breaks from use and this minimize any potential problems.

Q. Is tribulus terrestris a legal supplement to use by professional football players?

A. As far as we know, tribulus terrestris is legal to use in all professional sports.

Q. I was searching for for Passion Rx in google and came across a website that was selling Orexis and was comparing Orexis to Passion Rx. The website was saying good things about Orexis but criticizing Passion Rx. It was obvious to me that this company was trying to promote Orexis at the expense of Passion Rx. Can you tell me more about Orexis, is there an Orexis review that you have that I can read? Can you tell me about Orexis side effects?

A. We generally prefer not to comment on other products. Our research staff has not tried Orexis so we don't have an Orexis review. We don't know why the people who sell Orexis feel the need to promote their product by putting down other products. It does not speak well for their integrity and overall trustworthiness. If Orexis really did work and was effective, why do they need to put down another product. They would do just fine marketing their own product for its own merits.

The ingredients in Orexis include tribulus terrestris, horny goat weed, catuaba, and several additional sex herbs. On the surface it appears that Orexis probably works based on the ingredients it has. But, since our research team does not make it a priority to review Orexis or other sexual enhancement products, we don't know if the combination of tribulus terrestris with the other herbs is effective in the case of this particular product, or whether Orexis has side effects or what the appropriate Orexis dose would be. We also don't know the quality of the raw material found in Orexis. If the people who sell Orexis have any honesty and integrity, they would not deem it necessary to criticize a competitor's product.

More Details about the Tribulus Terrestris Plant

Tribulus terrestris, also known as Puncturevine, is a prostrate annual herb that grows from a simple taproot. The tribulus plant produces numerous stems, up to several feet long, that are much branched and arise from the crown to produce a dense mat. The tribulus terrestris fruit is a woody burr with sharp, rigid spines (strong enough to puncture bicycle tires or penetrate shoe soles). Tribulus is Latin for "three-pointed, a caltrop," the shape of which is suggested by the three-pronged tribulus fruit, and referring to the caltrop, a military weapon, an iron ball with projecting spikes

Tribulus terrestris is a serious weed in pastures, roadsides, waste places, and cultivated fields. The spines of the tribulus fruit can cause damage to the feet of animals and are a nuisance to children. If growing in orchards or vineyards, it is a problem to the fruit pickers. If grazing animals happen to eat a bur, it may cause injury to the mouth, stomach, and intestines.

Tribulus Terrestris is found throughout the United States, except along the northern tier from Montana to New England. It is also found in Asia, South Africa, the Mediterranean region, South America, and Australia. Tribulus terrestris was introduced into the United States with livestock imported from the Mediterranean region. It has become widespread since then.

Tribulus History

It is believed that in ancient Greece and India, Tribulus Terrestris was used as a rejuvenation tonic. In China, tribulus terrestris is used in a number of conditions affecting the liver and kidney as well as the cardiovascular and immune systems. The role of Tribulus Terrestris in Easter European folk medicine for muscle strength and sexual potency led to two decades of formal (though secret) government-sponsored studies. A noted outcome of this research was the success of the Bulgarian weight lifting team which stunned the world in Olympic competition. Whether tribulus was responsible is difficult to know for certain. The development of a formula for Tribulus Terrestris, along with the rise of a market economy in Eastern Europe, has rapidly expanded the use of tribulus over the last decade. Tribulus Terrestris is now sold as a standardized pharmaceutical preparation for muscle strength and sexual potency throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Forms Available

Tribulus Fruit Extract 20% saponins, 40% Tribulus Saponins

Also available are Tribulus 20% Protodioscin and Tribulus 40% Protodioscin

Various misspellings of tribulus terrestris include terrestis, tribulous, terrestrus, terristrus, tribulas

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