Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris, or puncture vine, is used for its ability to stimulate libido and treat infertility in both men and women, and modern research seems to back up this belief. Studies have shown that tribulus indirectly stimulates testosterone production, and may help boost both sexual and athletic performance.

Tribulus terrestris when used in conjunction with DHEA and weight lifting may enhance muscle growth. Tribulus is thought to stimulate Luteinizing Hormone (LH) production. LH acts as a “messenger” that signals the body to commence Testosterone production from its precursors.

Some studies have shown that daily intake of 750 mg of Tribulus results in an increase in free Testosterone levels of 30% in males within five days.

A recent rodent study examined tribulus as a sex booster. Sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure (ICP), a measure of blood flow into the corpus cavernosa of the penis, were studied in both normal and castrated rats to further understand the role of tribulus as an aphrodisiac. Adult rats were divided into groups of 8 each that included distilled water treated (normal and castrated), testosterone treated (normal and castrated) and tribulus treated (castrated). Compared to the castrated control, treatment of castrated rats (with either testosterone or tribulus extract) showed increase in prostate weight and ICP. There was also moderate improvement in sexual behavior as evidenced by an increase in mounting frequency.