Long before it appeared in neon-colored plastic tubs, Tribulus terrestris was a cornerstone of traditional medicine. In Ayurveda, it is known as Gokshura , revered as a rejuvenating tonic (rasayana) for the genitourinary system. It was traditionally prescribed to support urinary tract health, enhance libido, and improve general vitality.
The biological activity of TT extract is attributed to its complex mixture of compounds: tribulus terrestris powder extract
| Parameter | Finding | |-----------|---------| | Acute toxicity | Very low; LD50 in animals >5000 mg/kg. | | Short-term (≤12 weeks) | Mild GI distress (nausea, cramping) in ~5% of users. No hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity in healthy adults. | | Long-term (>6 months) | No published RCT data. Case reports: one possible gynecomastia (reversible); one case of mania in bipolar patient (due to alkaloids). | | Drug interactions | Theoretical: additive effect with antihypertensives (NO pathway) and PDE5 inhibitors. | | Contraindications | Pregnancy (uterotonic effects in animal models); prostate cancer (theoretical androgen receptor agonism – unproven but caution advised). | Long before it appeared in neon-colored plastic tubs,