For such an invasive and widespread plant, one may wonder what the benefits of Tribulus Terrestris could possibly be, and if there are any. It grows across the United States and saps resources from native plants, as most invasive species do. The plant, which goes by many different names, is also not particularly impressive to behold with its small dark green leaves and tiny flowers. But, like so many other natural remedies, it’s what’s on the inside that matters.
About Tribulus Terrestris
As with most flora and fauna, this plant goes by many pseudonyms, including names such as:
- Goat’s Head
- Bindii
- Bullhead
- Burra Gokharu
- Caltrop or Small Caltrops
- Cat’s Head
- Devil’s Thorn, Weed, or Eyelashes
- Puncture Vine
- Tackweed
The plant has properties that have been used for centuries to alleviate a list of issues ranging from low energy and libido to reducing the effects of menopause. Because of this, researchers are currently looking into how effective this natural medicine may be against hormonal imbalances like menopause. In fact, one study concluded that Tribulus Terrestris had a 98% effectiveness rate for women suffering through menopause.
The possible benefits of Tribulus Terrestris have been known for centuries. Upon closer observation, the plant holds within its spiny fruit, leaves, flowers, and roots compounds that make it a known adaptogen. Ayurvedic medicine, which is a branch of natural medicine originating from India, coined the term ‘adaptogens.’ A plant is considered an adaptogen if it responds positively to high levels of stress within the body. Consequently, a reduction of stress after its use is an indication that a plant may have adaptogenic compounds.
Origins of Tribulus Terrestris Use and Research
Tribulus Terrestris has a long history of use in multiple cultures, and it has been used as a natural remedy in traditional Chinese, Indian, and Greek medicine. Natural treatments have been a growing point of interest for nutritionists and scientists in recent years. Researchers are constantly trying to improve medicines and find new treatments across the globe through natural and traditional medicine. The possible benefits of Tribulus Terrestris made it an obvious choice for further research. Ethnopharmacologists — researchers who study medicine from different cultures — hope to surpass or improve modern pharmaceuticals with natural medicines. After all, people across the world have been using Burra Gokharu for centuries as a diuretic, energy booster, and wellness drug.
Today, with the help of modern technology, researchers have begun to understand how the plant interacts with the body, which is especially relevant in our world. However, researchers still do not fully understand all of the potential benefits of Tribulus Terrestris. Ultimately, as more studies are conducted, researchers hope to expand the uses of Goat’s Head to multiple areas of medical care.
Potential Uses and Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris
Devil’s Weed is truly unique in the potential it has for a wide variety of uses and its positive effects. As a matter of fact, a few potential benefits of Tribulus Terrestris include:
- Normalizing testosterone
- Improving natural steroid production
- Prostate health
- Fertility
- Increased libido
- Uplifted mood
- Improved wellness
- Lowering of high blood pressure
- Reduction of anemia
- Improved blood
- Promotion of muscle growth
- And much more
Women share most of the same benefits of Tribulus Terrestris that men do. Some women, as mentioned, report a large reduction in symptoms of menopause. Additional potential advantages for women include increased ovulation and estrogen regulation. Furthermore, Bindii increases the potential for hormone regulation for both males and females, and those consuming the plant typically see increases in the hormones that affect hair, muscles size, and strength. In fact, one study concluded that Tackweed has the possibility to be just as effective as pharmaceutical hormone medicines.
The History of Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris has been used historically as a vitality medicine. Many cultures believe one of the benefits of Tribulus Terrestris to be fatigue reduction. New research points to Bullhead as positively affecting blood and blood circulation. Improved blood circulation may have been the source of their belief in its potential for combating fatigue. It seems as though specific compounds in this plant have a wide range of positive side effects correlating with mood and mental wellness. For example, insomnia is a huge point of stress for many people. After all, being unable to sleep can negatively affect one’s mental and physical health. However, steroidal saponins in Cat’s Head are believed to be immune strengthening and stress relieving. Some cases report that steroidal saponins can interact with the DNA replication of cells. This means that, in some cases, the saponins stop cancer cells that are replicating out of control.
Additionally, muscle growth is also another of the many potential benefits of Tribulus Terrestris. Researchers and bodybuilders alike debate whether or not compounds in Puncture Weed promote muscle growth. While scientists have not reached a solid consensus yet, the research continues. Some researchers report the plant directly affecting testosterone and muscle growth. Others, however, have concluded that there is no difference when supplementing with Bullhead and working out. Ultimately, its positive effects on one’s mental wellbeing and body may make it worthwhile to take, regardless of where research stands.
Lesser Known Uses and Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris
Burra Gokharu is well known for its adaptogenic properties and effects on libido. Its use typically revolves around steroid and hormone production or menopausal reduction, yet it has multiple lesser-known possible advantages. Because the plant affects mood and has a mild diuretic effect on some people, some traditional natural medicines use it as an ingredient to remedy urinary tract infections.
In addition, benefits of Tribulus Terrestris also extend to cardiovascular and heart health. Tribulosin, which is a compound specific to Tackweed, has shown great potential in protecting the heart. In fact, rats tested with tribulosin showed increased protection from reperfusion injuries and heart damage. As a result, the test animals showed improved blood flood throughout the arteries and improved cardiovascular health. Furthermore, Caltrop possibly benefits the digestive system as well. The plant effectively seems to remedy gastrointestinal distress such as constipation, excess gas, and even food poisoning. In conclusion, because there is much yet to be discovered, Bindii may hold within its specific compounds more advantages than those already known.