Tribulus has been widely used for sexual dysfunction in both; males and females. In China and India, the herb Tribulus terrestris has been touted as liver, kidney, urinary, and cardiovascular remedies. In Ayurvedic science, the herb is considered to be a general health tonic and urinary tract disinfectant.

The male hormone testosterone is secreted in the testes. It regulates sexual behavior in men. It aids sperm production. Testosterone is also linked to growth of muscle mass and improving bone density. Hence, low testosterone level adversely affects the sexual function.

Testosterone production surges during adolescence and early adulthood. After the age of 30, testosterone secretion falls gradually. Small reduction in testosterone production does not cause any noticeable change in male fertility and sex drive. However, if the testosterone level falls below the normal level, you will experience several physical and sexual changes. You would experience lesser desire for sex. The number of spontaneous erections would decline. Low testosterone might cause excessive hair loss. Excess accumulation of body fat and fall in lean muscle mass, following drop in testosterone production, would affect your body image. Lower stamina would impair your sex drive. Low testosterone might trigger emotional changes, leading to low self-confidence, poor concentration and depression. The physical and emotional changes might disrupt your normal sleep pattern.

Although low sex drive is often associated with erectile dysfunction, low testosterone level might not be solely blamed for the latter disorder. In a small number of men, low testosterone level is responsible for erectile dysfunction. In others, it might occur owing to an underlying health disorder such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol level and hypertension. Atherosclerosis hardens the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis, thereby causing erection problems.

In most cases, testosterone therapy could improve sexual function by correcting the hormonal imbalance.

Tribulus terrestris is widely used in Ayurveda, Unani and traditional Chinese medicine for improving sexual functions in men.

Stimulates testosterone secretion

Sexual behavior in men is regulated by the level of the male androgen hormone. The aphrodisiac effect of Tribulus terrestris is primarily attributed to its ability to induce testosterone secretion. (Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG, Prasad RN. “Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats.” Life Sci. 2002 Aug 9;71(12):1385-96).

Reduces erectile dysfunction

By stimulating production of sex hormones, Tribulus terrestris might provide relief from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. (Gauthaman K, Ganesan AP. “The hormonal effects of Tribulus terrestris and its role in the management of male erectile dysfunction – an evaluation using primates, rabbit and rat.” Phytomedicine. 2008 Jan;15(1-2):44-54).

Increases sperm count

Therapy with Tribulus terrestris might increase sperm production. (Martino-Andrade AJ, Morais RN, Spercoski KM, Rossi SC, Vechi MF, Golin M, Lombardi NF, Greca CS, Dalsenter PR. “Effects of Tribulus terrestris on endocrine sensitive organs in male and female wistar rats.” J Ethnophatmacol. 2010 Jan 8;127(1):165-70).

Prevents infections of the urogenital tract

Tribulus terrestris is used for centuries in traditional medicine for maintaining the health of the urogenital tract. Painful sexual intercourse is frequently associated with bacterial and fungal infections of the urinary tract. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the herb prevents fungal or bacterial overgrowth in the urinary tract. Moreover, the powerful diuretic effect of the herb enables excretion of harmful microbes and toxins from the urinary tract. (Al-Bayati FA, AI-Mola HF. “Antibacterial and antifungal activities of different parts of Tribulus terrestris L. growing in Iraq.” J Zhjiang Univ Sci B. 2008 Feb;9(2):154-9).

If low testosterone level is suppressing your desire for sex, you can increase consumption of foods that aid testosterone synthesis. Zinc is an important component in the male hormone testosterone. Zinc deficiency could cause significant reduction in serum testosterone. Studies suggest that increasing zinc intake could significantly boost the testosterone level in healthy men. Calf’s liver, beef, lamb, spinach, sea vegetables, seafood, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, peas and broccoli are common dietary sources of zinc.

Low testosterone level could be a symptom of vitamin D deficiency. Lack of sufficient exposure to the sunlight is a common cause of vitamin D deficiency. The natural vitamin D synthesis process slows down with age, which might be a prominent cause of reduction in testosterone with age. Clinical trials suggest that intake of vitamin D supplements might boost testosterone production.

To boost testosterone production, add foods rich in essential fats in your daily diet. Fatty fish, fish oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, avocado and nuts are common sources of healthy fats. Consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower might help to maintain the normal testosterone level.

Heavy drinking might inhibit testosterone secretion. Excess intake of alcoholic beverages might reduce your sex drive. To restore the normal testosterone production, drink in moderation. Excess consumption of soy might disrupt the hormonal balance, leading to poor sexual desire. The phytoestrogen rich soy might elevate the estrogen level in the body, which might diminish libido in men.

Chronic stress might reduce your sex drive. Elevated levels of the stress hormone might obstruct the functions of the sex hormones. Poor sleep could also increase secretion of the stress hormone.

Regular sexual activities could maintain your testosterone level naturally.

Workouts could stimulate testosterone secretion. Exercises that help to increase muscle mass might surge testosterone content in the blood. Multi-joint exercises are more effective than single joint movements. If you want to increase your testosterone level naturally, perform squats. However, low to moderate intensity workouts might not help you. High intensity resistance training is recommended for raising the volume of the male sex hormone. Strength training workouts with load might help to maintain the elevated testosterone level. Studies suggest that hypertrophy specific trainings that promote rapid muscle growth are best suited for stimulating testosterone secretion. Short rest periods, between 1 and 3 minutes between each set of strength training workout seem to aid testosterone production. To maintain the high testosterone level, perform the workouts in the morning and increase your protein intake.

Erectile dysfunction is a common cause of poor sex drive, which might be unrelated to the testosterone level. It might be triggered by physical or psychological disorders. Emotional problems that impair your sexual performance might be resolved through talk therapy. Stress, anxiety, depression and relationship problems are common causes of erection failure. You can share your problems with your partner or consult a sex therapist. Concern about erectile dysfunction might worsen your problems further. Learning chronic stress management techniques might help you to overcome stress. You can practice meditation or opt for behavioral therapy. Spending longer times with your partner and doing activities together might improve your sex drive. Physical proximity might aid production of the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin, which might improve your desire for sex. Physical activities also play an important role in maintaining penile erection. Cardiovascular workouts such as brisk walking, running, jogging, swimming, biking and aerobics would improve blood circulation. During intercourse, the blood flow to the penis increases substantially. To aid penile erection the blood content in the penis should rise by almost eight times. A good circulation system could support penile erection by maintaining the blood flow needed for increasing the blood pressure in the penis.

To prevent sexual dysfunction, quit smoking. Tobacco smoking is linked to erectile dysfunction. By elevating the free radical content in the semen, it could reduce the number and quality of the sperm. To increase your sperm count, you can consume zinc and folic acid rich foods. Both these nutrients are needed for producing sperms and creating the genetic material. Clinical trials suggest that consuming 5mg of folic acid and 66mg of zinc, daily, could cause 74% increase in the normal sperm count within 26 weeks.

Exposure to free radicals could harm your sexual health. It is estimated that almost 80% fertility problems in men are due to oxidative stress that affects the quality and quantity of the sperms. The scavenging activities of the free radicals could be countered with the help of antioxidants. Men on an antioxidant rich diet are less likely to experience fertility problems. To improve sperm count, add carotenoids and vitamins C and E rich fruits and vegetables to your diet. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, pineapples, pepper, berries and cruciferous vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. You would find vitamin E in sunflower seeds, almonds, green leafy vegetables, olive, papaya, tomato, bell pepper and broccoli. Orange, yellow, purple, green and red colored vegetables are common sources of carotenoids. At least four servings of fruits and five servings of vegetables each day would help to strengthen the antioxidant defense system of your body.

The Tribulus is now being promoted as a booster for the purpose of increasing the low sex-drive. The drug has been used for this purpose since years in Ayurvedic medical science and also in Eastern Europe in the 1970's. Independent studies have revealed that Tribulus terrestris extract slightly elevates the hormonal levels, though leaving them in the normal state.

Some have studied the tonic properties of Tribulus terrestris and have compared that to the effects of ginseng, but these occur due to totally different mechanisms. It is also recorded that Tribulus terrestris elevates testosterone levels by increasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which eventually, in turn stimulates the production of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Testosterone, besides its role in bodybuilding and increasing fertility and libido, the herb is also known to have a positive effect on bone marrow activity producing healthy red blood cell and the immune system.

One of the rodent studies found Tribulus to be useful as a sex booster. Sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure (ICP) were studied in both normal and castrated mice to further evaluate the role of Tribulus as an aphrodisiac. ICP refers to blood flow into the corpus cavernosa of the male reproductive organ penis.

The mechanism of the herb is not fully understood but according to one theory, Tribulus terrestris may work by relaxing the smooth muscles and increasing blood flow into the corpus cavernosa for its erectile dysfunction and libido enhancing property. The relaxant effect observed is probably due to the increase in the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium and other nerve endings. Since Tribulus relaxes smooth muscles, this could be the reason why it gets us benefits in abdominal colic.

In Ayurveda, it is called as ‘rasayana’ meaning the rejuvenating the health. This improves the longevity of a person by offering immunity and strength to the body organs and muscles. With the combination of other rasayana drugs, this makes an excellent rejuvenating formula. The drug can also be used as single herb.

Ancient science of Ayurveda also describes that the herb has excellent positive effect on urinary tract soothing the ‘vrikka’ – the kidneys.

Renal Carcinoma : To investigate the effect of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on the renal carcinoma cell (786-0) in vitro, and inhibitory mechanisms. Effects of SIT on the cytotoxicity, morphological changes of apoptosis, cell cycle and expression of Bcl-2 protein in the 786-0 were tested respectively by MTT method, Wright and acridine orange stain assay, as well as flow cytometry (FCM). After the 786-0 was treated by STY, it was shown that: 1) A significant cytotoxic effect was observed by MTT assay; 2) Apoptosis-induced was viewed by Wright and acridine orange stain assay; 3) The distribution of 786-0 on S phase was increased; 4.) The expression of Bcl-2 protein and cyclin D1 was decreased. Saponins from tribulus terrestris can significantly inhibit the growth of 786-0 in vitro, partially, by apoptosis. (Experimental study of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on renal carcinoma cell line by Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Aug;30(16):1271-4)

Aphrodisiac and Libido Enhancer : Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) have been used as an aphrodisiac agent in both; the Indian and Chinese traditional systems of medicine. Administration of Tribulus terrestris extract showed increased sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure both in normal and castrated mice and these effects were probably due to the androgen increasing property of the herb. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of tribulus on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity and androgen receptor (AR) immuno-reactivity in rat brain. 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed into two groups of 12 each. Group I was treated with distilled water and Group II was treated with tribulus terrestris at the dose of 5mg/kg body weight orally, once daily for 8 weeks. Following treatment transcardiac perfusion was done with Ringer lactate, 4% paraformaldehyde and 30% sucrose. The brain tissue was removed and sections of the paraventricular (PVN) area of hypothalamus were taken for NADPH-d and AR immunostaining. There was an increase in both NADPH-d (67%) and AR immunoreactivity (58%) in Tribulus terrestris treated group and these results were statistically significant compared to the control. Chronic treatment of Tribulus terrestris in rats increases the NADPH-d positive neurons and AR immunoreactivity in the PVN region. Androgens are known to increase both AR and NADPH-d positive neurons either directly or by its conversion to estrogen. The mechanism for the observed increase in AR and NADPH-d positive neurons in the present study is probably due to the androgen enhancing property of Tribulus terrestris. The findings from the present study add further support to the aphrodisiac claims of the herb. (Effect of Tribulus terrestris on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase activity and androgen receptors in rat brain in  J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 4; 96(1-2):127-32.)