Tribulus Terrestris

Scientific Name: Tribulus terrestris L. Synonyms: Tribulus micans Welw., Tribulus nogalensis Chiov. English Name: Caltrops Other Names in English (UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand): Land Caltrops, Mexican Sandbur, Puncture Vine, Tribestan Family: Zygophyllaceae

🌿 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

To order Caltrops, please contact us.

 

About Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus plant is an herbaceous and annual plant that spreads on the ground as a low height bush. The stems of this plant are pink and relatively thick, and their cross section is circular. The young stems of this plant are green. There are many small thorns on the surface of the stems. The leaves grow in compound form and include small, oval, and slightly sticky leaflets that grow reciprocally without petioles. The taste of the leaves is sour and slightly astringent and they have an unpleasant aroma.

The flowers are yellow and small, and each has five drop-shaped petals, completely separate from each other. The fruits are somewhat small and green and consist of five smaller and almost triangular parts that grow in a star-shaped and concentric manner. Each part has two large and sharp tips and a number of small and sharp appendages.

 

Tribulus Terrestris Temperament

Partly warm and dry.

 

Tribulus Terrestris Health Benefits Tribulus is diuretic, sexual power tonic, relieves gonorrhoea, bladder pain, produces semen, relieves kidney and bladder stones, and is a laxative. Its seed is equal to its plant extract in all actions and properties. Its hydrosol is a strong diuretic. It prevents the discharge of waste to the body organs and is useful for warm colic. Soaking chickpeas several times in Tribulus juice, dry them, again soak them, and eating it will greatly strengthen sexual power. Keeping its extract with honey in the mouth helps to treat mouth infection, gum pain and pharyngitis. The poultice of the its decoction is useful for warm swellings.

Drinking the extract of its fresh leaves, and roots causes sperm production.

If you boil its seeds three times with fresh milk and dry it each time, eating it will greatly strengthen the sexual power.

 

Tribulus Terrestris Side Effects

It’s harmful to the head

 

Tribulus Terrestris Dose

Its fruit and leaves up to 12g. Its seed up to 23g

 

Tribulus Terrestris Modifier

Almond and Sesame oil for its fruit, root, and leaves. Honey for its seed.