Tribulus terristris, Puncture Vine, Caltrop, Yellow Vine, Goat Head, Devil’s Thorn, Devil’s Weed, Tackweed, Ground Caltrop, Mexican Sand-burr, Bullhead, Cats Head, Texas Sand-burr, Gokshura

Introduction

Tribulus terrestris, also known as the puncture vine, grows naturally in many places throughout the world, including North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. In many places, it is considered a pest weed that grows in vacant lots and on roadsides, but the indigenous populations have often had a different use for the noxious weed. Tribulus fruits consist of several single-seeded nutlets, each of which bears two or three spikes sharp enough to puncture bicycle tires. In southern Africa these spikes have been sometimes coated with the sap of Acokanthera venenata (bushman’s poison, a cardiotoxin) and used to commit homicide.

Constituents

saponins (protodioscin, furostanol), glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, resins, tannins, sugars, sterols, essential oils, Terrestrinins A and B, protodioscin

Parts Used

Whole or diced fruit and powder

Typical Preparations

Tea, extract, and encapsulated powder

Summary

• Increases Muscle Mass    
• Improves Sperm Motility
  

Precautions

Not for persons with stomach inflammation, ulcers, serious digestion or liver disorders. May cause gastro-intestinal upset.

This herb is sold by the Ounce