Tribulus Terrestris. Erectile dysfunction affects almost 50 percent of men ages 40-70 in the United States and is considered an important health problem by the National Institutes of Health.
Herbal remedies seem to be a popular alternative for men and women seeking to improve their sex life. However, as the efficiency of herbal products in treating sexual problems remains in doubt, an increased amount of clinical studies on herbal use, efficacy, dose, adverse effects, and contraindications have been observed.
Tribulus Terrestris restores erection and sexual vitality
On the market, a number of natural supplements claim to restore erection and sexual vitality.
However, not all of them work and not all have been clinically approved.
Few herbs such as arginine, Tribulus terrestris, Yohimbine, Ginseng, Maca, and Ginkgo biloba carry a clinical degree of evidence that they may be helpful for erectile dysfunction and for improving the sex life.
Tribulus terrestris (Gokshura) is an annual plant that has been commonly used in folk medicine as a diuretic and against colic pains.
Tribulus terrestris (Gokshura) benefits
- Energy and stamina
- Sexual performance
- Urinary genital support
- Treat kidney stones
Some studies suggest that Gokshura is a great herb for the prostate gland, which reduces urinary discomforts and prostate problems and works as a stonic for the lower abdominal organs. A reason why this herb is believed to improve sexual performance is due to its aphrodisiac properties and one important compound, protodioscin found in the herb. This compound has the power to improve sexual desire and most importantly to enhance erection. This was also confirmed in a clinical study where due to the presence of protodioscin in the extract, tribulus terrestirs indeed increases some of the sex hormones, thus it may be useful in mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction. Tribulus alatus extract appears to possess aphrodisiac activity due to its androgen increasing property.
Additional research study on Tribulus Terrestris
There are also claims that Tribulus Terrestris is an herbal nutritional supplement that is promoted to produce large gains in strength and lean muscle mass in a short period of time. In a study on strength, free mass, and the urinary ratio during 5 weeks of preseason training in an elite rugby league players (22 male rugby league players) it was revealed that tribulus terrestris did not produce the large gains in strength or lean muscle mass that many manufacturers claim can be experienced. Furthermore, Tribulus terrestris did not alter the urinary ratio, which means it would not place an athlete at risk of testing positive based on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s urinary ratio limit of 4 to 1.
