Tribulus terrestris: Pharmacology

Tribulus terrestris is a plant that belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family of plants. Traditional uses for the plant include improving vitality, sexual function and physical performance in men. The active principles in Tribulus terrestris extract are thought to be flavonoids and saponins that may be concentrated in the roots of the plant. Of these, the saponins are thought to be responsible for the improved sexual function and improved physical performance as they may alter hormone levels in men. There are 58 kinds of spirostane saponin and 50 kinds of furostane saponins present in Tribulus terrestris. Many flavonoids have been identified from Tribulus terrestris including quercetin and kaempferol and their derivatives. A number of alkaloids are also present in Tribulus terrestris but these seem to be concentrated in the stems, leaves and fruits of the plants. Tribulus terrestris also contains a number of organic acids including vanillic acid, 2-methyl benzoic acid, ferulic acid and succinic acid, is high in the amino acid threonine, and contains a number of polyphenolic substances including coumarin.  

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Zhu, W., Du, Y., Meng, H., Dong, Y. and Li, L. 2017. A review of traditional pharmacological uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris. Chemistry Central Journal. 11(1): 1-16

About Robert Barrington

Robert Barrington is a writer, nutritionist, lecturer and philosopher.
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