Tribulus is a popular herbal remedy used to treat variety of ailments. Tribulus is an herb native to the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Tribulus can even be found in some regions of North America, however, there is speculation as to whether it is native to the continent or was introduced to the region. Surprisingly, it is considered a pesky weed in many areas despite the array of benefits it offers to those who use it. One of the most unique characteristics of tribulus is that it can be used to treat reproductive health issues in both men and women. Tribulus, although less known than most herbal remedies pertaining to reproductive health, is a powerful herbal that has been used for centuries.

Erectile dysfunction
Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction may benefit from the use of tribulus. Lab studies involving animals showed that after tribulus supplementation, the males expressed a greater interest in sexual activities and became more errect when aroused than prior to tribulus supplementation. Tribulus is believed to aid in the treatment of erectile dysfunction by regulating and increasing the levels of testosterone in the body.

Sperm count
In men, the use of tribulus can help increase the number of sperm present in the ejaculate, thus increasing the likelihood of conception. Additionally, tribulus may help to improve motility (the ability of the sperm to move) and morphology (the structure, shape and appearance of the sperm). Low sperm counts and poor sperm motility and morphology can cause difficulty when trying to conceive and improving these three characteristics of sperm, the chances of successful conception are increased.

Strength and endurance
Many athletes have found that the use of tribulus helps to improve both strength and performance. Tribulus is used by athletes and body builders alike due to the natural increase in testosterone levels that the supplement promotes. This increase can help improve strength and build muscle mass. Additionally, tribulus is believed to improve the function of the circulatory system, allowing the body to bring oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and remove wastes more rapidly, promoting rapid recovery from physical activity.

Reducing high blood pressure
Tribulus is believed to help reduce high blood pressure, which is a common issue among men. Tribulus may also help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Increased libido in men and women
Tribulus supplementation is believed to increase sex drive among men and women. In men, this increase in sex drive is likely due to the regulating effect tribulus has on male hormones such as testosterone. Testosterone levels that are too low, may be regulated and increased by tribulus supplementation. If low testosterone was the cause of a man's low sex drive, the increased levels of testosterone may correct this issue and as a result, sex drive increases. In women, tribulus supplementation has a similar effect, increasing sex drive by regulating and balancing the hormones that influence female sex drive.

Reduction of anti-sperm antibodies
In 1998 a study conducted in Bulgaria revealed that tribulus had a significant impact on the reduction of anti-sperm antibodies in both men and women. This study revealed a 61% increase in conception among couples in which one or both partners has antisperm antibodies. Anti-sperm antibodies are not present in everyone, however, these antibodies can have a very damaging effect on fertility and reduce the likelihood of conception. Anti-sperm antibodies occur when the body has an immune reaction to sperm. Anti-sperm antibodies are then sent by the body to destroy the sperm, much like an antibody would attack a foreign pathogen or germ because the body believe it is a threat. In men who have anti-sperm antibodies, their own bodies attack the sperm in the testicles, likely killing a large amount of sperm cells before they even leave the body, thus greatly reducing male fertility. Women who have anti-sperm antibodies may have a great deal of trouble becoming pregnant because her body views the sperm as an infection and sends specialized antibodies to destroy the sperm cells, thus preventing conception from occuring. In men and women with anti-sperm antibodies, these antibodies do not always kill sperm but can cause a great deal of damage to the sperm cell. This damage can render the sperm unviable or could lead to problems should the damaged sperm fertilize an egg.

Nervous system
Tribulus is believed to help balance and restore different components of the nervous system. Tribulus can be used to help establish healthy sleep habits, promoting more restful and restorative sleep. For those who suffer from unexplained chronic fatigue, tribulus can be especially beneficial. Tribulus is also believed to improve mood and reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate depression, and improves energy and mental function.

Immune function
Tribulus helps to support and strengthen the immune system, allowing it to better combat disease and infection. Tribulus is believed to have a protective effect on many of the organs in the body, such as the liver and the pancreas.

Ovulation
In women, tribulus has the ability to not only strengthen and improve ovulatory function, but it can be used to induce ovulation in annovulatory women. In fact, a study conducted on women who were not ovulating, showed that after just 2 to 3 months of using tribulus from day 5 to day 14 of their cycles, 67% of these women began to ovulate regularly. Tribulus is believed to have this effect on ovulatory function due to its ability to increase the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is responsible for the development and maturation of healthy follicles, and the production of lutenizing hormone (LH), which is responsible for rupturing the follicle and releasing the egg into the fallopian tubes to be fertilized.

Reduction of ovarian cysts
Women who suffer from ovarian cycsts, such as those who have polycystic ovary syndrome, may benefit from the use of tribulus due to its ability to reduce the number and size of cysts found on the ovaries. Studies have shown that tribulus supplementation can drastically reduce the size and number of cysts found on the ovaries, as well as preventing new cysts from developing. This can be very beneficial as ovarian cysts can cause infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and other hormonal problems.

Irregular menstrual cycles
Irregular menstrual cycles can often be directly related to ovulation problems and hormonal imbalances. Tribulus can help to correct both ovulatory issues and hormonal imbalances and as a result, can help regulate menstrual cycles.

Warnings and precautions
Tribulus may cause mild upset stomach and/or diarrhea. In women who are trying to become pregnant, tribulus should only be used prior to ovulation. Tribulus should not be used during pregnancy.

Disclaimer: All information presented on this page is intended for informational purposes only. We strongly recommend speaking to a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any herbal supplement.