Tribulus Terrestris

🌿 Industries That Use Tribulus terrestris (Caltrops)

Tribulus terrestris is a low-growing, spiny plant native to dry regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. All parts—especially fruits and seeds—are used in herbal medicine, sports nutrition, and ethnopharmaceutical applications.

1. Pharmaceutical & Traditional Medicine Industry

Tribulus has a rich presence in Ayurvedic, Unani, Persian, and Chinese systems as a tonic herb, particularly for the urogenital and endocrine systems.

Common Applications:

• Aphrodisiac and libido enhancer (for both men and women)

• Diuretic and urinary tract support (helps with gravel and inflammation)

• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic (used in joint and muscle conditions)

• Hormonal balance (supports testosterone and estrogenic functions)

✅ Used as: Powdered capsules, decoctions, liquid extracts, and herbal tablets

2. Sports Nutrition & Fitness Supplements

Due to its perceived effects on natural testosterone levels, Tribulus is widely used in:

• Bodybuilding supplements

• Pre-workout testosterone boosters

• Post-cycle therapy products

• Endurance and vitality formulas

Clinical trials show mixed evidence, but it’s still favored for male vitality, stamina, and physical performance

✅ Active Compounds: Protodioscin, tribulosin, flavonoids, and saponins

3. Nutraceuticals & Herbal Blends Industry

Tribulus is formulated into blends aimed at:

• Sexual wellness (with Maca, Ginseng, or Damiana)

• Menopause and hormone balance

• Urinary health and kidney cleansing

• Anti-aging tonics in traditional systems

✅ Included in powdered blends, syrups, tinctures, and tonic balls (laddus)

4. Veterinary & Animal Health Industry

In traditional and rural veterinary practice, Tribulus is used:

• As a fertility tonic for livestock

• To treat urinary and reproductive disorders

• As an appetite enhancer and diuretic in herbal feed formulations

✅ Used in Middle Eastern and South Asian ethnoveterinary systems

5. Ethnic & Organic Export Market

Highly valued in Indian, Iranian, Chinese, and Turkish markets for:

• Raw dried fruits and seeds

• Powdered Tribulus in Ayurvedic packaging

• Organic tonic blends

✅ Often exported in bulk herb format or capsule ready-pack

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🔬 Key Features

• 🌾 Dried fruits (burs) and seeds are the main active parts

• 🧪 Contains saponins (protodioscin) that influence hormone pathways

• 🧴 Available in powder, tincture, tablet, or capsule form

• ❗ May interact with hormone-sensitive conditions — medical guidance advised

 

PRODUCT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES Persian Name: خارخسک/ Kharkhasak German Name (Deutschland, Austria, Switzerland): Erd-Burzeldorn French Name (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec): Croix de malte

 

---

🧾 Nutrition Facts – Caltrops (Tribulus terrestris L.) (100g)

Botanical Name: Tribulus terrestris L.
Common Names: Caltrops, Puncture Vine, Goat’s Head, Bindii, Gokshura (in Ayurveda)
Plant Part Used: Aerial parts and fruits (seeds and burs), typically dried
Traditional Uses: Libido enhancer, diuretic, performance tonic, kidney tonic, urogenital health, and sports supplement

---

🔹 General Composition (Per 100g, dried whole herb or fruit)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)*
Calories	~280 kcal	14%
Water	~6 g	—
Protein	~6.8 g	14%
Total Fat	~2.5 g	3%
• Saturated Fat	~0.7 g	3%
Carbohydrates	~60 g	22%
• Dietary Fiber	~20 g	71%
• Natural Sugars	~3 g	—

---

🔬 Minerals

Mineral	Amount	% DV
Calcium	160 mg	12%
Iron	5.5 mg	30%
Magnesium	95 mg	24%
Potassium	520 mg	11%
Phosphorus	110 mg	9%
Zinc	1.2 mg	11%
Manganese	1.5 mg	65%

---

🌿 Vitamins

Vitamin	Amount	% DV
Vitamin C	6 mg	7%
Vitamin E	0.5 mg	3%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.06 mg	5%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.04 mg	3%
Niacin (B3)	0.8 mg	5%

---

🧪 Phytochemical Compounds

Tribulus terrestris contains a variety of biologically active compounds:

• Steroidal saponins (notably protodioscin and protogracillin) – associated with testosterone modulation

• Flavonoids – including kaempferol and quercetin derivatives

• Tannins and alkaloids – contribute to antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

• Diosgenin precursors – plant-based compounds related to hormone synthesis

• Lignanamides and glycosides – with adaptogenic potential

---

🏺 Traditional Applications

• Ayurveda (as Gokshura): Tonic for kidneys, prostate health, libido, and physical strength

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (Bai Ji Li): Liver tonic, eye and skin health, and wind dispersion

• Middle Eastern & Iranian Folk Medicine: Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and male tonic

• Modern Sports Supplements: Popular for its use in testosterone-boosting and muscle-building formulas

---

⚠️ Caution & Dosage

• Common dosage: 250–1000 mg extract daily or 2–5 g dried powder

• Possible side effects: GI upset, nausea, restlessness at high doses

• May interact with hormone-sensitive conditions or blood pressure medications

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

---

📦 Storage

Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark place. Protect from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve saponins and flavonoids.

---

🧪 Disclaimer

This nutritional profile is for informational purposes only. Values are estimated based on ethnobotanical sources and laboratory data of dried Tribulus aerial parts and fruits. Individual results may vary depending on origin and preparation. Always consult a qualified practitioner before use, especially when using for therapeutic purposes.