What is Tribulus?
Other Names: Puncture vine
Tribulus terrestris is a herb that has been used in the traditional medicine of China and India for centuries.In the mid-1990s, tribulus terrestris became known in North America after Eastern European Olympic athletes said that taking tribulus helped their performance.The active compounds in tribulus are called steroidal saponins. Two types, called furostanol glycosides and spirostanol glycosides, appear to be involved with the effects of tribulus. These saponins are found primarily in the leaf.
Tribulus terrestris mechanism of action:
Tribulus terrestris may work by relaxing smooth muscles and increasing blood flow into the corpus cavernosa. The relaxant effect observed is probably due to the increase in the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium and nerve endings. Since tribulus relaxes smooth muscles, this may account for its benefits in abdominal colic. The role of tribulus terrestris herb on testosterone production or release needs to be evaluated further before any statements can be made with confidence.
Tribulus Terrestris Side Effects:
High doses of Tribulus terrestris may lead to overstimulation and insomnia. Always start with a portion of a capsuse if you are very sensitive to herbal supplements.
Control methods:
Mechanical: Tillage following germination and emergence is effective. However, tillage may bury seed that remain viable in the soil for several years. Hand-pulling is feasible for small infestations and is easiest when soils are moist and the vines are long enough to grasp. Mowing is ineffective due to the prostrate growth habit of the plant.
Biological:
There are two species of weevils which are being used to control puncturevine. The stem boring weevil, Microlarinus lareynii and the fruit boring weevil Microlarinus lypriformis. The insect larvae attack the seeds and stems and have given good puncturevine control. Both insects are available in California for release.
Chemical:
Chlorosulfuron, 2,4-D, imazapyr, MCPA, paraquat, glyphosate, and dicamba are effective on puncturevine. Consult the label for proper rate and timing.
Action on the overall body
The mechanism of the herb is not fully understood but according to one theory, Tribulus terrestris may work by relaxing the smooth muscles and increasing blood flow into the corpus cavernosa for its erectile dysfunction and libido enhancing property. The relaxant effect observed is probably due to the increase in the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium and other nerve endings. Since Tribulus relaxes smooth muscles, this could be the reason why it gets us benefits in abdominal colic.
Uses :
The roots and fruits are sweet, coling, emollient, appetizer, alternate, laxative, cardiotonic, styptic, lithontriptic and tonic. They are useful in strangury, dysuria, vitiated conditions of vat and pitta, renal and vesical calculi, anorexia, dyspepsia, helminthiasis, cough, asthama. The seeds are astringent, strengthening and are useful in epistaxis, hemorrhages and ulcerative stomatitis. The ash of the whole plant is good for external application in rheumarthritis.
TRIBULUS 625
Tribulus Terrestris is an herb that has been extracted for its saponin and alkaloids isolated and utilized to heighten libido. It has been used as an effective anabolic product in athletic training and development. In males, tribulus terrestris increases libido, improves strength or erection and spermatogenesis, and may increase testosterone. In women, it likewise increases libido, improves ovulation effect, decreases the vasomotor symptoms accompanying menopause, reduces apathy and aggressiveness.
