COMMON NAME : Gokshura
OTHER NAME : Land caltrops, puncture vine, Chhota gokhru.
BOTANICAL NAME : Tribulus terrestris Linn.
PLANT FAMILY : Zygophyllaceae
PART USED : Dried Fruit Powder.
Details :
Phytoconstituents :
The plant contains saponins, diosgenin, gitogenin, chlorogenin, ruscogenin, and 25 D-spirosta-3.5-diene. Kaempferol, kaempferol-3-glucoside, kaemperol-3-rutinoside and new flavonoid tribuloside.
Health Benefits :
Tribulus Terrestris is native to sub-Himalayan forests of India, Burma, and several other countries. A short crooked tree with persistent fruit in the cold season, it is common in all forests, frequently found in villages and worshipped by the Hindus during Dasara festival.
With a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurvedic practice, it was widely used to treat sexual disorders in both men and women and as a remedy for erectile dysfunction in men.
Tribulus Terrestris Benefits
Male Sexual Health
A powerful sexual tonic, Tribulus tops the charts of herbal Viagra. Studies have shown that this herb elevates the luteinising hormone (LH), increasing the levels of free testosterone in healthy males. This in turn will increase sexual desire and libido, improve the quality of sperm whilst making it more nimble, in some cases it will help to remedy erectile dysfunction and it has been proven to be helpful in cases of premature ejaculation. One of the main compounds of this herb is a phytochemical known as “protodioscin”, with one study showing it helps to boost nitric oxide production. Nitric Oxide is an essential element of an erection, enabling the smooth muscles of the penis to relax, allowing uninterrupted blood to flow to this area. Tribulus will stimulate the production of sex hormones without affecting other bodily systems.
Female Sexual Health
Tribulus Terrestris is most commonly seen as a male herb; however research has found that it dramatically improves sexual performance and sensitivity for most women. This Ayurvedic herb has been indicated for use in sexual health for many years.
Tribulus has been found to alleviate symptoms of the menopause, such as hot flushes, depression and emotional instability. Regular use of this herb during the menopause can treat the loss of sexual interest at this time. One study found that it improved sexual desire in 49 out of 50 women, another study reported that women who supplemented with Tribulus experienced greater sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction than those who took the placebo. This potent herb may stimulate androgen receptors in the brain, helping the body respond positively to hormones such as testosterone. Although testosterone is associated with men’s health, free testosterone production in women also has a positive effect on libido.
Bodybuilding/Athletic Performance
As a bodybuilding or training supplement, Tribulus is hard to beat. It contains one steroidal saponin in particular – protodioscin – which is thought to be the active nutrient responsible for this herbs popularity amongst athletes.
Specifically, protodioscin promotes the release of nitric oxide which in turn increases the flow of oxygen rich blood to muscles, and enables better use of nutrients such as protein. At the same time protodioscin stimulates the pituitary gland resulting in it producing LH, thus promoting higher testosterone levels.
As well as contributing to a boost in testosterone levels, Tribulus Terrestris can also help to increase stamina during a workout as well as aiding post workout muscle recovery.
When taking tribulus as a powder take 1 or 2 teaspoons a day in a little milk or juice.
When taking Tribulus Terrestris as a Tincture-
Suggested Dosage:
Up to 5-10ml daily Spread over the day
or as directed by an herbal practitioner.
