An Overview on Tribulus terrestris in Sports Nutrition and Energy Regulation

Abstract Tribulus terrestris L. is an annual herbal plant of the family Zygophyllaceae, which was and is still used in different countries over the world for treatment of various kinds of diseases. It is used in traditional folk medicines as a tonic, aphrodisiac, palliative, astringent, stomachic, antihypertensive, diuretic, lithotriptic, and urinary disinfectant, as it is a component of numerous supplements that are available over the counter and widely recommended, generally as enhancers of human vitality. T. terrestris products are particularly popular in sport. The plant has been widely marketed as a sports dietary or nutritional supplement that can increase testosterone, and its androgenic derivatives, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), promote greater gains in strength and muscle mass, although such anabolic effects have not been confirmed by many studies. Elite athletes should remember that due to the risk of antidoping rules violations, some sports authorities do not recommend usage of products containing T. terrestris extract.