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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: Effects of Five Weeks of Tribulus Terrestris Supplementation
- Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: Effects of Five Weeks of Tribulus Terrestris Supplementation
- Fitoterapia: Tribulus Terrestris of Bulgarian Origin
- Fitoterapia: Tribulus Terrestris of Bulgarian Origin
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Side Effects of Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is an herbal supplement mainly used by men for increasing sex drive and building muscle mass 1. Although tribulus is promoted for producing large gains in lean muscle mass and strength, research published in the May 2007 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research did not support this claim 2. Some preparations are sold as Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris, as tribulus often is harvested from Bulgaria, has a history of usage in eastern Europe, and is commonly associated with Bulgarian strength athletes 13. Physician and medical writer Ray Sahelian advises that no significant tribulus side effects have been reported, but cautions that research is lacking about the effects of long-term usage 1.**
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Effects
Sahelian notes anecdotal feedback from patients about Tribulus terrestris side effects 1. Reported effects include feelings of warmth, slightly faster heart rate, increased energy and restlessness. The side effects are more common and pronounced with doses above 500 mg. The Physicians' Desktop Reference lists slightly low blood pressure as a possible side effect of tribulus.** Low blood pressure can cause lightheadedness, particularly when getting up from sitting or lying down.
- Sahelian notes anecdotal feedback from patients about Tribulus terrestris side effects 1.
Photosensitivity
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Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris can cause skin to become more sensitive to the sun, a condition known as photosensitivity 13. This increases the risk of severe sunburn. The Physicians' Desktop Reference cautions people using this herbal supplement to apply sunscreen before exposing skin to sunlight.
Hormonal Considerations
Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris may raise levels of testosterone and other male hormones, so men with prostate issues may not be able to safely use this supplement 13. EMedTV notes that Tribulus terrestris could theoretically worsen an enlarge prostate, elevate the risk of prostate cancer or worsen prostate cancer 14. Talk with your health care provider before using tribulus if you have either of these conditions or are at increased risk for either condition. Additionally, the possible hormonal effects of tribulus are of concern for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. If tribulus increases levels of male hormones, the supplement could cause masculinization of genitals in a female fetus. Research with animals also indicates that tribulus might have negative effects on fetal brain development, according to eMedTV 4.
Allergic Reaction
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As with any herbal supplement, some people may experience an allergic reaction to Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris 13. Signs as listed by the Physicians' Desktop Reference may include trouble breathing, tightness in the chest or throat, chest pain, itchy skin, unexplained swelling, hives or a rash. An allergic reaction to tribulus should be considered a medical emergency because it could lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis, a shock reaction that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and severe difficulty breathing.
Related Articles
References
- Ray Sahelian, M.D.: Tribulus Terrestris
- Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research: Effects of Five Weeks of Tribulus Terrestris Supplementation
- Fitoterapia: Tribulus Terrestris of Bulgarian Origin
- EMedTV: Tribulus Safety
- Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Dixit VK, Thakur M. A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:868062. doi:10.1155/2014/868062
- Qureshi A, Naughton DP, Petroczi A. A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance-enhancing effect. J Diet Suppl. 2014;11(1):64-79. doi: 10.3109/19390211.2014.887602
- Kamenov Z, Fileva S, Kalinov K, Jannini EA. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Maturitas. 2017;99:20-26. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.01.011
- Borrelli F, Colalto C, Delfino DV, Iriti M, Izzo AA. Herbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. SpringerLink. .Published April 9, 2018. doi: 10.1007/s40265-018-0897-3
- Vale FBC, Zanolla dias de souza K, Rezende CR, Geber S. Efficacy of Tribulus Terrestris for the treatment of premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018;34(5):442-445. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1409711
- Samani NB, Jokar A, Soveid M, Heydari M, Mosavat SH. Efficacy of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris on the Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile of Women With Diabetes Mellitus: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial - Nasrin Babadaei Samani, Azam Jokar, Mahmood Soveid, Mojtaba Heydari, Seyed Hamdollah Mosavat, 2016. SAGE Journals. Published 2016. doi: 10.1177/2156587216650775
- Campanelli M, Thomasis RD, Tenaglia RL. Priapism caused by Tribulus terrestris. Nature News. Published December 3, 2015. doi:10.1038/ijir.2015.30
- Roaiah MF, El khayat YI, Gamalel din SF, Abd el salam MA. Pilot Study on the Effect of Botanical Medicine (Tribulus terrestris) on Serum Testosterone Level and Erectile Function in Aging Males With Partial Androgen Deficiency (PADAM). J Sex Marital Ther. 2016;42(4):297-301. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2015.1033579
- Akabas SR, Vannice G, Atwater JB, Cooperman T, Cotter R, Thomas L. Quality Certification Programs for Dietary Supplements. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016;116(9):1370-1379. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2015.11.003
- Tribulus. Natural Medicines Database. Professional Monograph. 2/28/2019
- Dietary Supplements Marketed for Weight Loss, Bodybuilding, and Sexual Enhancement: What the Science Says. National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. January 2018
- Tribulus terrestris. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Products. June 25, 2015
- Qureshi A, Naughton DP, Petroczi A. A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect. J Diet Suppl. 2014;11(1):64-79.
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Shelley Moore is a journalist and award-winning short-story writer. She specializes in writing about personal development, health, careers and personal finance. Moore has been published in "Family Circle" magazine and the "Milwaukee Sentinel" newspaper, along with numerous other national and regional magazines, daily and weekly newspapers and corporate publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology.