Does puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris) lower blood pressure?
Tribulus terrestris - puncture vine, also called Erdsternchen - has in recent years increasingly appeared on the shelves of dietary supplements.
It is also promoted as boosting libido and helping with erectile dysfunction. All these effects are attributed to a testosterone-increasing effect of the plant. This was shown in lab experiments on rats, but cannot be transferred to humans, as several studies have demonstrated.
The plant does, however, appear to be able to improve both libido and erectile dysfunction. Animal studies have suggested possible endothelial- and nitric-oxidedependent mechanisms that might underlie this.
Tribulus terrestris also increases urine production, which can lower the blood pressure. This is the same way diuretics, commonly known as diuretics (water pills), work; these are often prescribed by doctors for existing high blood pressure.
It also has anti-inflammatory effects and may improve blood lipid levels. Both could benefit the health of blood vessels and thus reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.
An Indian study with 75 participants divided into three groups showed a reduction in blood pressure after four weeks of taking Tribulus terrestris. Participants were given the substance as an aqueous solution from the whole plant or as gelatin capsules made from the plant's fruits. The third group was the control groupthey received placebos. Already after the first week, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the two groups that received puncture vine were noticeably lower than in the control group. The effect was observed throughout the full four weeks. People who took the whole-plant extract even achieved a slightly better blood pressure reduction than those who took extracts from the fruits.
In summary, puncture vine is claimed to help with a long list of complaints. Much has been researched, but the majority of studies were done in animals or in test tubes. How well those results translate to humans cannot be determined with certainty. Regarding blood pressure, there are promising indications that Tribulus terrestris may lower it. As always, any self-experiment should be discussed with your treating doctor, and existing medication should never be changed or stopped on your own.
Sources
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 04/2024).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care, and has led BloodPressureDB's specialist editorial team since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides solid, practical and reliably reviewed information.
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