What is Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is a flowering plant in the family Zygophyllaceae, native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World in southern Europe, southern Asia, throughout Africa, and in northern Australia. It can thrive even in desert climates and poor soil.Like many weedy species , this plant has many common names. Puncture Vine, Caltrop, Yellow Vine, and Goathead are the most widely used; others include automobile-weed, bindy eye, bindii, bullhead, burnut, burra gokhroo, calthrops, cat's head, common dubbeltjie, devil's thorn, devil's weed.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Noxious summer annual, with prostrate stems up to 2.4 m long. Plants produce many stout-spined burrs that can injure people and animals and puncture bicycle tires. Foliage is toxic to livestock, especially sheep, when consumed in quantity. Fruits are used medicinally in India. Introduced from the Mediterranean region. Once one of California’s most troublesome weeds, puncturevine is currently controlled by the stem weevil (Microlarinus lypriformis) and seed weevil (M. lareynii), introduced from Italy as biocontrol agents in 1961.
Just how well does Tribulus terrestris really work?
The herb Tribulus terrestris (also known as puncture vine) has enjoyed a rise in popularity over the past few years.Reported to be the "secret weapon" employed by Bulgarian strength athletes, Tribulus terrestris is supposed to increase muscle growth, improve your libido and "lift" male performance in the bedroom. There are also reports that Tribulus terrestris can treat colic pains, lower blood pressure, and reduce your cholesterol levels.
Why Do People Use Tribulus?
Tribulus is most often used for infertility, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. In the last decade, it has become popular to improve sports performance. Tribulus has been marketed these conditions because research performed in Bulgaria and Russia indicates that tribulus increases levels of the hormones testosterone (by increasing luteinizing hormone), dhea, and estrogen. The design of these research studies, however, has been questioned.
CONTROL:
Biological control agents (seed and stem boring agents) provide fair to good control of Puncturevine in Oregon, but control levels are uncertain in Idaho. Herbicides are available for control of this weed.
What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?
The Tribulus Terrestris plant has a long history of uses.People from around the world have used the Tribulus Terrestris plant to promote overall health, support healthy libido function already in normal range and increase muscle tone.Because of the plants reputed benefits, athletes have used Tribulus.
Dosage
Since it is not an essential ingredient no RDA has been established for human consumption.
Economic Importance:
Detrimental - Puncturevine is a serious weed in pastures, roadsides, waste places, and cultivated fields. The spines of the 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. Generally puncturevine is not grazed, but if it is, it is also toxic.Beneficial. Beneficial No beneficial uses have been reported.
