Tribulus terrestris and effects. Does it support libido and performance?

Tribulus terrestris and effects. Does it support libido and performance?
Photo source: Getty images

Anemone is one of the most well-known herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a beneficial effect on the immunity, the excretory system, the cardiovascular system and the reproductive system. What are all the effects of anemone on human health? Who, on the other hand, should be vigilant when taking it?

Characteristics

Anemone is a world-famous plant native to Asia, where it has been used for many years in traditional natural healing.

Anemone is known for its beneficial effect on promoting libido, potency and sexuality. Last but not least, it is known for promoting energy, vitality and metabolism.

You can read the content and composition of anemone, health effects, contraindications, dosage, dietary supplements and many other interesting information in the article.

What is ground anemone?

Anemone is known by the scientific name Tribulus terrestris. It is popularly known as green viagra.

It is a semi-evergreen creeping herb whose skinny stems grow up to 60 cm tall. It belongs to the duckweed family.

The fruit is a star-shaped hard fruit with spines on the sides.

The anemone originally grew on the coast of China. Subsequently, it spread and now grows in countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania.

Anemone is mainly used for its beneficial effects on the excretory, cardiovascular and reproductive systems. It is not only for its aphrodisiac effects.

It is a sought-after natural remedy among athletes, as it has effects on increasing the hormone testosterone, performance and promoting muscle building.

Anchovy harmonises the hormonal system, improves metabolism and supports the overall health of the body with its anti-inflammatory effect. It is used whole. Nowadays it can be found in various forms of dietary supplements.

Different forms of anemone processing:

  • Dried plant
  • Tea mixture
  • Ground powder
  • Tincture, drops
  • Extract in capsule/tablet

Contents and composition

Anemone is interesting because of its strong composition. The plant is used and processed whole. The fruits and flowers, however, contain slightly different substances that complement each other. The actual content of active substances depends on the specific form of processing of the herb.

The plant mainly contains saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phytosterols, sterols, bioflavonoids, glycosides, tannins, vitamins and minerals. It also contains proteins, fibre, vegetable oils, acids, plant steroids and resins.

Among the vitamins, it is worth mentioning vitamins B, C and E. The minerals include magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and calcium. Among the acids, linoleic, linolenic, stearic and behenic acids are important.

Phytosterols are found primarily in the root of the plant. Because of these, anemone is very often used as a basis for dietary supplements designed to improve vitality and promote sexual function and sexuality.

An important component is saponins, which have biological effects such as lowering LDL cholesterol. Ruscogenin is a substance that improves blood flow throughout the body, including peripheral parts.

Internal use

Support libido and sexual performance

Anemone is nicknamed the green viagra because it promotes the production of the hormone testosterone and the production and motility of sperm in men.

The saponins contained in the plant have a positive stimulating effect on testosterone production. Anemone has a beneficial effect on blood circulation in the body, including the peripheral parts. This helps to improve the quality of erections.

Tribulus is considered a natural aphrodisiac that increases libido, sexual performance and fertility itself.

However, the plant does not have a rapid onset of action. The first results on libido and performance may not appear for several days to weeks.

In women, in turn, it helps the hormone estrogen, blood circulation to the small pelvis and sex drive. It has been noted to increase interest in sex, alleviate negative menopausal and menstrual symptoms.

Studies have shown improvements in erections (quality and duration) and enjoyment of intercourse itself.

Support for energy and physical performance

Another positive effect of anchovy is to promote increased energy, overall physical vitality and zest for life.

The regenerative abilities are also significant.

According to some professional studies, anemone supports testosterone production in men, muscle formation and growth, improves physical fitness and physical stamina itself.

Therefore, the plant is added to dietary supplements intended even for professional athletes.

Supporting the health of the reproductive and excretory system

Tribulus has a positive effect on the health of the reproductive and excretory systems. In men, it helps to improve the function of the prostate. Tribulus has a diuretic effect, preventing water retention in the body and supporting the function of the urinary tract.

The plant is also sometimes used in benign prostate enlargement as an additional supportive treatment. However, consultation with a urologist is necessary.

Support of the cardiovascular system

Anemone has an anti-atherosclerotic effect and has a positive effect on blood circulation throughout the body. It reduces unwanted LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and also lowers blood pressure.

Bioflavonoids contained in the plant have antioxidant effects, have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and regenerate and strengthen blood vessels.

Supporting the overall health of the body

Anemone and its alkaloids stimulate the nervous system and promote the hormone serotonin - the hormone of happiness. Anemone also contains phytoestrogens, which help with hormonal imbalances.

It naturally reduces anomalies associated with high or low production of hormones, especially sex hormones.

The plant also contains a resin that has antibacterial properties. It thus has an anti-inflammatory effect on many bacteria and viruses.

Flavonoids, tannins and vitamin C support the immune system and the body's defenses.

A summary of the beneficial effects of anemone:

  • Support hormonal balance
  • Support energy and vitality
  • Support physical performance
  • Support for muscle growth
  • Stimulating testosterone in men
  • Promoting blood circulation to the small pelvis
  • Support erection quality
  • Support libido and fertility
  • Support sexual desire
  • Support urinary system health
  • Supporting the cardiovascular system
  • Lowering LDL cholesterol levels
  • Adjusting and lowering blood pressure
  • Support psychological state
  • Support physiological digestion
Anchovy growing in the wild
Anchor plant growing in the wild. Source: Getty Images

Harvesting and storage

Home cultivation of ground anemone

If you don't want to buy the plant or parts of it as a finished product, you can grow it at home quite easily. By following a few guidelines, you can enjoy the effects of your own ground anemone.

Ground anemone is relatively undemanding to conditions, so it is able to grow in the garden and on the balcony. It can be grown indoors or outdoors. However, it is important that the plant has plenty of sunlight.

Anchor plants are sown in spring, ideally in March and April.

When planting, make sure that the plant has plenty of space. A larger pot with a diameter of 20 cm or a distance of at least 25 cm from other plants in the garden is suitable.

Ground anemone will do best in a permeable garden substrate with sand. However, anemone is susceptible to fungal diseases, so adequate ventilation and removal of excessive moisture is important.

Anemone is very susceptible to dropping of sprouted plants. Harvest anemone at flowering time and at the beginning of fruit formation.

At the last harvest in autumn, pull the plant and its roots out. Then clean the plant of substrate, dry it and store it in a dry place.

Who should be careful with an anchorite?

In spite of its beneficial effects, ground anemone may be unsuitable for some people.

This is especially true for patients with prostate or breast cancer.

Individuals with inflammatory stomach disease, ulcers, and liver or kidney disorders are also contraindicated.

It is also not suitable for children and adolescents who are still undergoing hormonal changes and development.

Due to the stimulation of sex hormones, ground anemone is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women.

Caution should be exercised by individuals taking medication for high blood pressure. Anemone itself lowers blood pressure.

The plant is not suitable for individuals with severe gluten intolerance. Consultation with a physician is required.

Side effects

Adverse side effects are rare. Digestive upset or short-term symptoms related to circulation or excretion may occur if the maximum daily dose is exceeded. It is ideal to spread the dosage of the supplement gradually into smaller doses.

Due to the stimulant effects of ground anemone, caution should be exercised when taking the supplement simultaneously with alcohol or caffeine. The effect of the ingested substances could be accelerated.

Anemone as a dietary supplement

Currently, the market offers a large number of dietary supplements containing anemone. Either alone or as part of nutritional complexes.

In plant form, the dried fruits of St. John's wort or the root of St. John's wort are used. A decoction, infusion or tea is prepared from them.

A common form of use is mainly tea made from St. John's Wort to promote overall health, vitality and sexuality. For this purpose, the herb can be dried or a ready-made loose or sachet tea mixture can be purchased.

It is also often found in extract form in capsules or tablets. It is taken orally. A liquid extract in tincture or drop form is also common. There is also a ground powder to mix in water or juice.

It is always necessary to respect the instructions and dosage established by the specific manufacturer.

Dietary supplements can vary in strength according to the form of processing and the part of the plant.

A preparation made from anemone should contain a sufficient amount of saponins in the extract.

Not all products are of equal quality. Therefore, it is necessary to find a supplement whose composition corresponds to a sufficient dose for effective effects on health and the reproductive system.

Some sources state that Anemone bulgaris is characterized by a high content of active substances.

The maximum daily dose of anemone should not exceed 1250 mg per day and it is not advisable to consume this amount at one time.

Although regular use is important, it is not advisable to take anemone continuously for more than 3 months. It is ideal to alternate phases of use with phases of withdrawal.

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Interesting resources

  • TREBEN, Maria. Health from God's Pharmacy: medicinal herbs, advice and experience. 5th edition published in the Czech Republic. Translated by Jana DUŠKOVÁ. České Budějovice: Dona, 2022. ISBN 978-80-7322-236-9.
  • Solen.cz - Phytotherapy in the treatment of infertility. Solen. Lenka Sobková Pharma Nord.
  • healthline.com - Does Tribulus terrestris really work? Evidence-based view. Healthline. Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN
  • verywellfit.com - The benefits of Tribulus terrestris. The science on anchor baboon. Very Well Fit. Jill Corleone, RD
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