Does Earth Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) Lower Blood Pressure?
Tribulus terrestris - also known as Earth Tribulus or Earth star - has increasingly conquered the shelves of dietary supplements in recent years.
Another advertised effect of Earth Tribulus is an increase in libido and assistance with erectile dysfunction. All these effects are attributed to a testosterone-boosting effect of the plant. This has been demonstrated in laboratory tests on rats but cannot be transferred to humans, as various studies have proven.
However, the Earth star is indeed capable of improving both libido and erectile dysfunction. Studies on animals have indicated possible endothelial and nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms that could underlie this.
Tribulus terrestris also improves urine output, which can lower blood pressure. In this way, diuretics, commonly known as water pills, also work, which are often prescribed by doctors for existing hypertension.
It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and is said to positively influence blood lipid levels. Both could benefit vascular health and thus minimize the risk of hypertension.
An Indian study with 75 participants, divided into three groups, showed a reduction in blood pressure after four weeks of taking Tribulus terrestris. The participants were administered the substance as an aqueous solution from the whole plant or as a gelatin capsule from the plant's fruits. The third group served as the control group - they received placebos. Already after the first week, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the two groups receiving Earth Tribulus significantly decreased compared to the control group. The effect was observed over the entire four weeks. Those who took the extract of the whole plant were even able to achieve a slightly better reduction in blood pressure than those who received extracts from the fruits.
In summary, it can be said that Earth Tribulus is said to help with a considerable list of ailments. Much has been researched, but the majority of studies were conducted on animals or in vitro. To what extent their results can be transferred to humans cannot be determined with certainty. Regarding the effect on blood pressure, there are promising indications of a blood pressure-lowering effect of Tribulus terrestris. As always, any self-experimentation should be discussed with the treating physician, and existing medication should never be changed or discontinued unilaterally.
Sources
By Sabine Croci.
This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (04/2024).
Information on the website and within the app cannot replace a consultation with a doctor, but can certainly complement it.
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