Tribulus terrestris is a plant that resembles a vine and has numerous and long stems of over a meter, with multiple branches, that stretch to the ground like a carpet. It is also popularly known as "horse lice" or "stinging vine". Its flowers are yellow, and its fruits have three sharp fangs, which is where the name "baba's fangs" comes from.

This plant has been noted for its benefits since ancient times. Thus, the Greeks used it as a diuretic and tonic; the Indians used it as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic; the Bulgarians used the fangs to improve sex life and increase fertility, and the Chinese recommended it for the treatment of liver, kidney and cardiovascular diseases. It is cultivated in different parts of the world, especially in North and South America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It also grows in our country, on fields, marshes and sandy lands, especially in the south of the country.

 

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For phytotherapeutic purposes, the leaves, flowers and seeds harvested between July and September are used. They have a tonic, relaxing, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, anthelmintic, abortifacient action. The plant has many properties: anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, diuretic, aphrodisiac, urinary lithotriptic, general tonic, improves spermatogenesis, intensifies the production of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, increases mass and muscle tone, diuretic, helps burn fat, coronary dilator, hypoglycemic.


Recently, the name of this plant has returned to the actuality, it being used by athletes and champions training for strength competitions. As I said, it is highly appreciated by athletes and by people who carry out physical activities in which they want to improve, because this plant has the ability to increase physical performance, having a tonic action. Basically, there is an increase in the level of luteinizing hormone, which stimulates the production of testosterone (male hormone). Tribulus terrestris has been used since the 70s by bodybuilders, as their secret weapon. In sports competitions, this plant was the strongest herbal alternative to synthetic anabolic steroids.


The benefits consist in increasing muscle strength and speeding up muscle recovery after a long effort, because testosterone helps protein synthesis and positive nitrogen balance. A study conducted on athletes to check hormonal reactions with 750 mg/day of tribulus, revealed a 72% increase in luteinizing hormone in men. It should be noted that even women who constantly carry out physical activities can use tribulus to improve performance, especially if they are on low-calorie diets.


Centuries ago, tribulus terrestris was used in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine to traditionally treat hormonal deficiencies in men and women (increases libido), but especially to remedy infertility and male sexual dysfunction (premature ejaculation). Also, clinical studies conducted in various countries have shown that this plant is effective in treating male impotence. This fact is due to the active ingredient called protodioscin.

Tribulus terrestris also has a beneficial effect in lowering blood pressure. Thus, in traditional Chinese medicine it is considered that this plant has a protective action on the vascular system, being successfully used in coronary diseases and hypertension. A study conducted on 400 patients with heart disease showed an improvement after the administration of tribulus terrestris extracts, compared to the group "treated" with placebo products.


The Indians used the fruits of the plant for their diuretic effect (especially in case of kidney stones, painful urination and urinary incontinence), as an antiseptic and as an anti-inflammatory.


This plant is also recommended for overweight people. In the case of very fat or obese people, with a liver overloaded with sugar and fats, tribulus accelerates the flow of bile and the decomposition of fats and lowers blood sugar, cholesterol levels and reduces the number of triglycerides. In ancient times, the Chinese used this plant because it was able to calm liver pain, headaches and dizziness.


In addition, it has been observed that it detoxifies the kidneys and the urinary tract and has antioxidant properties, beneficial for the removal of free radicals that can lead to the appearance of serious diseases, such as cancer. It is also recommended for those who smoke and drink a lot of coffee, because these vices lead to thinning of the veins.


Following the research carried out on participants who consumed the plant, it was concluded that 75% of the participants increased their physical resistance, 80% increased libido and sexual performance, and 95% of women no longer reported premenstrual symptoms.