Tribulus terrestris, also popular as punctured vines, is a noxious spiny weed, mostly prevalent in United States. It is widely feted in the medicinal world as herbal steroid. The barbed bur of the tribulus terrestris may appear as obnoxious to many who aren’t aware of the many potent health benefits of this weed. There is little to debate on how tribulus terrestris helps to boost human sexual drive to enhance muscle mass. This prostrate, matforming plant has been an integral part of Chinese herbal science for thousands of years now, but its benefits have been acknowledged by modern medicine only now. Primarily known for its libido enhancing properties, this toxic weed is commonly consumed as a supplement. Though tagged with numerous health benefits, tribulus terrestris is known to trigger gastro-intestinal disorders, unwanted hair growth, male breasts and more. To know more on the possible side effects of tribulus terrestris, read on.
Adverse Effects Of Tribulus
- One of the oft reported aftereffects of this herbaceous perennial plant is stomach disorder. Some people have complained of bowel disorders, abdominal discomfort, nausea and pain after consuming this herb. However, this side effect can be evaded if the herb is consumed along with food.
- Tribulus terrestris is known to boost sex drive in a person. However, excessive consumption of tribulus can lead to testosterone buildup that can throw the hormones off the kilter and trigger undesirable hormonal developments, like excess body hair and lowering of voice, especially in women.
- Another apparent side effect of tribulus terrestris is violent mood swings. People using this herb have grumbled about severe mood swings and angry outbursts. This can be possibly explained as the sidekick of enhanced testosterone levels in the body.
- Tribulus terrestris, also referred to as ‘puncture vine’, is also known to cause damage to the lung, which is however very rare. The chances for this are only high if the fruit of tribulus terrestris is eaten raw and not processed. There has been a reported case of severe lung damage after a man accidentally inhaled and consumed the spiny fruit of the tribulus plant that punctured holes onto his lungs.
- Tribulus terrestris can be damaging to the functioning the brain and the muscle and in worst case scenario, can even cause death. Tribulus contains amounts of alkaloid chemicals called beta carbolines that is known to effect neural signaling in the brain. It can cause permanent chaos in the brain, resulting in vitiated muscle function and impuissance in the hindquarters, which can lead to death. However, these side effects are very rare and occur only in special cases.
- Steroids and steroidal supplements dramatically affect human hormones and lead to unwanted development in human body. One of the rare side effects of prolonged use of this herbal steroid is an undesirable condition of male breasts or gynaecomastia in man. This disorder while seemingly embarrassing does tend to support the intended androgenic-anabolic effects of this plant.
- Consumption of tribulus should be purely refrained for anyone suffering from breast cancer or prostate cancer, since it can wreak havoc on these hormone related cancers. What more, it is strictly recommended against men suffering from prostrate, since it can worsen their enlarged prostrate.
Caution Tips
- People suffering from ulcers, stomach inflammation, serious digestion or liver disorders should avoid this herbal drug as it might lead to severe gastro-intestinal upset.
- It should not be strictly avoided by pregnant women and children. Anyone suffering from psychosis, schizophrenia, or phaeochromocytoma should also stay away from this herbal steroid.
- Tribulus terrestris should never be consumed in combination with psychoactive medicines, such as tranquillizers, sedatives, stimulants and antidepressants.