Tribulus Terrestris in Hindi is also known as Gokshur or Gokharu, is a plant native to certain Mediterranean, subtropical, and desert climate regions around the world, such as India, China, southern USA, Mexico, Spain, and Bulgaria. For centuries, it has been utilized in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its potential health benefits and a variety of chemical constituents like flavonoids, flavonol glycosides, steroidal saponins, and alkaloids. It is known for a wide range of properties, including diuretic, aphrodisiac, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, absorption enhancing, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti‑inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, anticancer, and antibacterial activities, among several others. [1] This article is an attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of Tribulus Terrestris Q, including the Tribulus Terrestris uses, benefits, dosage, potential side effects, and more.
What are the properties and traditional uses of Tribulus Terrestris?
Tribulus Terrestris is a herbaceous plant with spiky fruits that contain small, sharp seeds. The medical Tribulus Terrestris uses can be traced back to ancient times when it was employed as a traditional remedy for various health conditions. Various parts of this herb contain several kinds of chemical constituents with great medicinal value, such as alkaloids, steroidal saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, and flavonol. The chemical structure of Tribulus Terrestris is as follows:
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine systems, Tribulus Terrestris has been known for its various properties and actions:
- Rasa or taste based on activity: Madhura (sweet)
- Vipaka or taste after digestion based on activity: Madhura (sweet)
- Guna or properties: Guru (heavy to digest), Snigdha (unctuous)
- Veerya or potency: Sheeta (cooling)
- Karma or pharmacological actions: Brumhana (nourishing), Vatanut (pacifies Vata‑dosha), Vrusya (aphrodisiac), Ashmarihara (removes urinary stone), Vastishodhana (cures bladder ailments) [1]
Traditional Tribulus Terrestris uses include folk medicines that work as:
- Tonic
- Aphrodisiac
- Palliative
- antispasmodic
- Astringent
- hypolipidemic
- Stomachic
- Antihypertensive
- Diuretic
- Lithotriptic
- Urinary disinfectant
Tribulus Terrestris Benefits
The Tribulus Terrestris benefits are myriad, some of which include:
Tribulus Terrestris benefits for male sexual health:
It helps increase serum testosterone levels, manages erectile dysfunction, acts as a sexual enhancer, and helps in converting testosterone into the dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates an increase in the sex drive, thus having positive effects on the overall sexual health
1. Cardiovascular Health
Research suggests that Tribulus Terrestris uses include its ability to help regulate blood pressure and support heart health. It may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to cardiovascular well-being and help with diseases such as coronary disease, myocardial infarction, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and others.
2. Diuretic activity
The presence of large quantities of nitrates and essential oil in the fruits and seeds of the plant makes it a diuretic and an anti‑hypertensive agent and adds to the Tribulus Terrestris benefits
3. Anti-diabetic properties
The Tribulus Terrestris benefits also include its ability to help reduce the levels of serum glucose, triglyceride, and serum cholesterol
4. Immunomodulatory effect
Among the other Tribulus Terrestris benefits is its property of having an immunomodulatory effect and is believed to help maintain hormonal balance, which can increase specific immune responses, thus having a positive impact on overall health and well-being. [1]
5. Helps relieve rheumatic pain
The plant has analgesic properties that make it useful as a traditional medicine to help relieve rheumatic pain. [2]
6. Helps athletes in boosting their performance
Tribulus Terrestris benefits include enhancing sports performance in many by aiding in recovery after physical loads, mitigating fatigue, meeting the athletes’ specific nutritional needs, maintaining good health, and improving and maximizing their athletic performance. It is also known for reducing inflammation by attenuating muscle damage and oxidative damage. [3]
7. Other Tribulus Terrestris benefits
The herb helps with urinary disorders, inhibits the formation of kidney stones, aids in premenstrual as well as menopausal syndromes, prevents prostate from swelling, treats herpes and viral infections such as influenza and the common cold. The leaves help increase the menstrual flow and cure gonorrhea, fruits aid in urinary complaints, painful micturition, and impotence, and the roots are said to be stomachic, appetizer, and diuretic. [2]
Dosage and Administration of Tribulus Terrestris
The appropriate dosage of Tribulus Terrestris Q may vary depending on various factors such as the individual’s age, health condition, and desired outcome. As a dietary supplement, it is usually recommended that one should experiment with 750 to 1,250 mg per day, dividing it among meals. In clinical settings, the effective doses are 750 to 1500 mg per day. [2]
What are the potential side effects and precautions associated with Tribulus Terrestris?
Tribulus Terrestris Q is generally considered safe for most individuals when consumed in recommended dosages. However, some people may experience mild side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, such as stomach pain or gastric reflux. It is advisable to discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur. [3]
FAQs about Tribulus Terrestris
1. What is Tribulus Terrestris Q used for?
Tribulus Terrestris Q is a medication, which is used for the treatment and prevention of conditions such as regulating the production of male hormones, the speed of recovery after physical stress and work, restoring strength, improving muscle mass, and helping with complaints of erectile dysfunction, among others.
2. Is it true that Gokhshur or Tribulus Terrestris in Hindi helps increase stamina?
Tribulus Terrestris is a well-known aphrodisiac that helps decrease mental stress and anxiety and promotes the hormones for increasing libido. It also helps increase masculinity and stamina in men.
3. Can Tribulus Terrestris be taken without exercise?
Tribulus Terrestris can be taken by bodybuilders when they are in the active workout phase and are in need of building muscle mass as opposed to when they are in their rest phase.
Conclusion
Gokhshura, Tribulus Terrestris in Hindi, is a herbaceous plant with a long history in traditional medicine that holds potential health benefits primarily related to sexual health, exercise performance, cardiovascular well-being, and hormonal balance. By understanding its uses, potential benefits, dosage, and possible side effects, individuals can make informed decisions regarding the incorporation of Tribulus Terrestris into their health and wellness routine.
Disclaimer: This article is written from a health and wellness perspective only and is not a piece of medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
