Latin name – Tribulus terrestris
English name – Puncture vine
Indian name – Gokshur

Introduction

Tribulus terrestris, the Latin name for puncture vine, has gained popularity in the past decade among male athletes who attempt to build muscle by increasing testosterone production.

Plant Description

Tribulus terrestris grows naturally in North and South America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa. It is considered a noxious weed that grows along roadsides and in vacant lots. In fact, its seeds are sharp and painful to step on, and its fresh leaves are toxic to livestock, especially sheep, when consumed in large quantities. The berries and aerial parts of Tribulus are the parts most often used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments including colic, headache, nervous disorders, constipation, and sexual dysfunction.

Chemical Constituents

The Tribulus berries and aerial parts contain a number of different substances including saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, resins, tannins, sugars, sterols, and essential oil. The steroidal saponins, including protodioscin, are considered the most active components. Protodioscin is also one of the precursors of the DHEA, which is a marker for ageing. Thus Tribulus is a very useful anti-ageing herb.

BENEFITS OF TRIBULUS:

1.Tribulus may increase testosterone levels indirectly by raising blood levels of           another  hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is produced by the pituitarygland and plays a role in regulating natural testosterone production and serum levels by "turning on" natural testosterone production in humans

2.One study found Tribulus to be an effective aphrodisiac. Sexual behavior and      intracavernous pressure (ICP—blood flow into the corpus cavernosa of the  penis) were studied to understand how Tribulus stimulates sexual arousal.
Tribulus also benefits a number of other health concerns-

• reduces cholesterol levels
• reduces triglycerides
• has antioxidant properties
• reduces serum glucose levels
• helps treat hypertension

3.Tribulus is a proven Anti-aging herb to support Male Sexual function and testosterone Production.

Main Indications for use of Tribulus powder are -