Botanical:  Tribulus Terrestris
Family:   Zygophyllaceae (caltrop/bean caper)
Other common names:  Tribulus, Gokshura, Goathead, Tribulus Terrestris, Burra Gookeroo,

Burra Gokhru, Caltrop, Yellow Vine

Athletes love Puncture Vine!  Because it is believed to increase the body's levels of testosterone, the herb is widely used to enhance muscle cell growth and boost bodily strength.   Lovers also love Puncture Vine!  It is said to be the closest and strongest natural herbal alternative to synthetic hormones and believed to effectively treat sexual dysfunction and boost a slow sex drive.

In traditional herbal medicine, Puncture Vine is also used to treat urinary disorders and lower

blood pressure and cholesterol.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History:
Puncture Vine is an annual (or perennial), trailing vine that grows predominantly in India and Africa, but may also be found in other tropical areas of the Americas, Asia, Australia and Mediterranian regions, thriving in sandy soil at higher altitudes.  It has been called a weedy species and can even survive in desert climates and poor soil.   In some states in the United States, it is considered an invasive species.  It is a flowering, taprooted, herbaceous perennial that also grows as a summer annual in colder climates.   The leaves are pinnate with small leaflets, and the flowers bear five lemon-yellow petals.  A week after each flower blooms, it is followed by a fruit that easily breaks into nutlets, which are hard and bear two spines that are sharp enough to puncture bicycle tires and to cause considerable pain to bare feet.   Puncture Vine's botanical genus and species name, Tribulus terrestris,  is derived from Latin, meaning "thistle of the earth," referring to the spiked seed case that can injure feet, also explaining the plant's name, Puncture Vine.  It also originally described the caltrop, which was an ancient spiky weapon.   It has been used as a medicine for five thousand years in India, and is still widely used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and various urinary disorders.   In the folk medicine of many areas, such as India, China and Turkey, Puncture Vine has been used to treat sexual impotence, edema, abdominal distention, cardiovascular disease and kidney problems.  Some of the constituents in Puncture Vine include natural steroidal saponins (the active principles), ligninamides, glycosides, alkaloids and flavonoids.

Beneficial Uses:
Puncture Vine is widely known as an aphrodisiac that improves libido in humans.  There may be two reasons for this effect:  It is said to elevate testosterone levels in the body (sometimes by more than thirty percent in just five days), which are thought to stimulate centers of the brain having to do with increased sexuality in both men and women, and as such, the herb is said to enhance arousal, desire and quality of sexual performance.  Independent studies have suggested that the extract increases hormone levels, though leaving them in the normal range.  It is claimed that Puncture Vine increases testosterone by increasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which, in turn, stimulates the production of sutenizing hormone (LH) and and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).   Another reason for its libido-enhancing effect may be the herb's hypotensive qualities, which lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs of both sexes.   In men it is believed to improve the quality of erectile function and increase the concentration of sperm.   In women it is believed to enhance libido and increase ovogenesis (egg manufacture).

As a diuretic, Puncture Vine is said to stimulate the flow of urine and believed to benefit the urinary tract and kidneys.  Moreover, its reputed antiseptic qualities help to relieve urinary tract infections and urinary discharges; and the increased urine flow also helps to flush the kidneys of impurities and may inhibit calculus and stone formation.

Athletes use Puncture Vine to increase muscle mass and build strength.  Puncture Vine is not a hormone in itself, but supports increased natural production of the body's lutenizing hormone (LH) levels, which play an important part in triggering natural testosterone.  The herb is thought to be a natural herbal alternative to synthetic anabolic hormones, without producing any ill effects.  Its use is said to produce significant results in athletes, and these results first gained recognition when the herb was used by some of the highly successful Bulgarian weightlifting teams.  Persons using Puncture Vine (or Tribulus, as it is often called), who have engaged in active training and workouts, reported both increased bodily strength, as well as faster recuperation and recovery from muscular stress. Puncture Vine is said to be beneficial for those whose testosterone is below normal, such as dieters or overtrained athletes.

Puncture Vine is a cooling, tonic herb that may also support cardiovascular health.  In recent scientific tests, the herb has demonstrated an ability to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood, which frequently helps to lower blood pressure and increase circulation.  This may also reduce hypertension and the risk of strokes and heart attacks.  It is interesting to note that Puncture Vine is widely used in the folk medicine of Turkey to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Puncture Vine is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women. No significant adverse effects have been reported from supplementation with Puncture Vine; however, some users report an upset stomach, which can usually be counteracted by taking it with food.

Capsule Size:
We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs of powdered herb material.

• Puncture Vine (sold as Tribulus Terrestris) - Standardized Extract -- Approx. 600 mgs each