Tribulus Terrestris is an herb found naturally in many parts of the world. It is popularly called as the "puncture Vine" because of its fruit bears two hard, sharp spikes, which can even puncture bicycle tires. In India and China, for centuries, it has been an important constituent of many medicinal preparations, prescribed for number of ailments. The most popular use of this herb is as a sexual enhancer in humans, both men and women. It became popular in North America in mid-1990 as a performance booster for sports persons.

Basic facts about Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris belongs to Zygophyllaceae of plant kingdom. It has got many names owing to its origin. In Sanskrit, it is called as Gokshura for Ayurvedic purposes. It grows as an obnoxious weed naturally in almost all the continents Americas, Australia, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It needs warm temperate and tropical climate to grow.

Whole plant can be used but generally its fruit is used for various preparations. Its taste is astringent and sweet while its potency is cold. The medicinal quality of Tribulus is due to active compound called steroidal Saponins. Out of these saponins, which are obtained from its leaf, furostanol glycosides and spirostanol glycosides are the most important.

Reasons for popularity of Tribulus Terrestris

This wonder herb is used from ancient times in India and China for treatment of various ailments. It was prescribed for some disorders of liver, kidney, urinary, and cardiovascular disorders. In other parts of the world too, its use as a medicine was quite known. Like in Europe, it was important constituent of folk medicine, while Greeks used it for range of problems such as headache, nervous disorders, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. The most popular use of this herb is for enhancing reproductive function.

Useful for Erectile Dysfunction

Infertility, erectile dysfunction and low libido are the conditions where Tribulus is used popularly. Some initial researches have shown that it enhances the sexual drive and increases intracavernous pressure and hence increase in testosterone. Besides that sportsmen use it for improving their sports performance. Also the people doing bodybuilding seriously prefer to use it as it helps in increasing muscle tissue.

Array of other benefits from Tribulus Terrestris

There have been studies in China about tribulus and it is found that there are many medicinal properties in this wonder herb. It has anti-microbial, anti-tumor qualities. It helps to reduce the chances of angina pectoris, a condition of heart. Besides being an antioxidant, it is great at lowering the blood levels of cholesterol and controlling blood sugar.

Tribulus Terrestris as Anti-Aging Agent

Apart from other benefits, Tribulus terrestris has shown effective results as anti-aging agent. Testosterone, a hormone that is important for our aging process, can be restored back to our youthful levels. It helps in warding off many ostensible signs of aging. As one gets old, his testosterone levels also gets reduced with time which results in many physiological troubles related to aging such as decreased sexual drive, loss of muscle, increased body fat and many more.

Although it is a very safe and amazing herb but it is always safe to take its regular and prescribed dosage with consultation of a an expert.