Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo - controlled study

Abstract

BackgroundTribulus terrestris as a herbal remedy has shown beneficial aphrodisiac effects in a number of animal and human experiments. This study was designed as a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of Tribulus terrestris in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder during their fertile years. Sixty seven women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder were randomly assigned to Tribulus terrestris extract (7.5 mg/day) or placebo for 4 weeks. Desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks after the end of the treatment by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Two groups were compared by repeated measurement ANOVA test.ResultsThirty women in placebo group and thirty women in drug group completed the study. At the end of the fourth week, patients in the Tribulus terrestris group had experienced significant improvement in their total FSFI (p < 0.001), desire (p < 0.001), arousal (p = 0.037), lubrication (p < 0.001), satisfaction (p < 0.001) and pain (p = 0.041) domains of FSFI. Frequency of side effects was similar between the two groups.ConclusionsTribulus terrestris may safely and effectively improve desire in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Further investigation of Tribulus terrestris in women is warranted.

The action of herbal medicine on the libido: aspects of nutritional intervention in increasing sexual desire

“…Its probable action mechanism involves serum levels of free and bioavailable testosterone [17]. A study performed with 96 women who underwent treatment with Tribullus terrestris for 4 weeks revealed increased testosterone levels, in addition to synergy with FSH-LH hormones, when compared with the placebo [18]. The plant also leads to increased testosterone levels in men [19].…”

Sex drive and sexual desire

“…It was trialled in premenopausal married women reporting loss of libido and outcomes were reported via the FSFI [35]. There was a statistically significant increase in all variables, including desire, when compared with placebo, and only one patient out of 60 reported side-effects.…”

A Review of the Medicinal Plants in Bulgaria – Collection, Storage, and Extraction Techniques

“…An original Bulgarian herbal drug, Leucojum aestivum, is used in the long-term treatment of mild and moderate degenerative diseases such as dementia and others of the peripheral nervous system [34]. Extracts of Tribulus terrestris have been used for years in both modern and traditional medicine in the compound treatment of decreased libido, impotence, and climacteric syndrome [35]. Extracts of S. marianum are used in cases of liver diseases and as a liver protectant against poisons [36].…”