GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Tribulus Terrestris has been used for centuries
in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The active ingredients are extracted from the fruits,
which contain alkaloids, resins, tannins, saponins, sugars,
sterols, essential oil, peroxidase, diastase, and glucoside.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Tribulus Terrestris is a proven herbal remedy
for depression, as Harmine, the main active
ingredient of the plant, is a very effective mono-amine-oxidase-inhibitor (MAOI). Many antidepressants used in conventional medicine are
MAOIs, which work by gradually increasing levels of the
neurotransmitter dopamine. Research
carried out in 2000 found that harmine may help to prevent
brain cells from oxidative damage, thus Tribulus
could be useful in treating a variety of brain disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. High
dopamine levels in men are known to stimulate the pituitary
gland to release lutenizing hormones, which leads to an
increase in testosterone levels.
As recent studies have suggested that older men may
benefit from hormone replacement therapy, the herb may be of benefit in this area. High dopamine levels also lead to an increased
production of growth hormone, in
both men and women. Some research has suggested that Tribulus Terrestris can dilate the coronary arteries; this property of the herb may make it
useful for patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Follow dosage instructions on packaging.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Tribulus Terrestris should not be taken by
pregnant women or children or by anyone with a psychosis, schizophrenia, or phaeochromocytoma. In addition, it should not be
taken in combination with psychoactive medicines, such as
tranquillisers, sedatives, stimulants, (including OTC
decongestants like ephedrine) and antidepressants.
