Zygophyllaceae
Tribulus
Tribulus terrestris
✓ Generally Safe
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa, India
Also known as: Puncture Vine, Goathead, Caltrop, Gokshura
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
FruitLeafRoot
Therapeutic Uses
Male sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, low libido — clinical evidence modest), infertility (male), urinary tract disorders, kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cardiovascular support.
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, androgen modulator, aphrodisiac, diuretic, urinary tonic, anti-inflammatory
Active Constituents
Steroidal saponins (protodioscin, furostanol glycosides), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), alkaloids (harman, harmol), phytosterols
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried fruit per 250ml, simmer 15 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Standardized extract (40–45% saponins): 250–750mg daily. Bulgarian and Indian varieties differ significantly in saponin content — source matters. Take with food. Effects on testosterone are modest and context-dependent. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Caution with antidiabetic drugs, antihypertensives, digoxin. Avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers.
Side Effects: GI upset, nausea. Rare: prostate enlargement aggravation. Animal studies show kidney toxicity at very high doses. Hepatotoxicity reported in some cases.