Tribulus Terrestris for Blood Pressure? What the Research Says
Quick Summary: A recent study found that taking Tribulus terrestris (also known as Khār-i-khasak) may help lower blood pressure in people with prehypertension. Participants taking the supplement saw a noticeable drop in their blood pressure compared to those who didn't.
Does Tribulus Terrestris Lower Blood Pressure?
Yes, the research suggests it might! This study looked at people with prehypertension, a condition where blood pressure is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered full-blown hypertension. The study found that those taking Tribulus terrestris experienced a significant drop in both their systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure.
Study Details
- Who was studied: Adults over 18 with prehypertension.
- How long: The study lasted for 2 months, with a follow-up period after.
- What they took: Participants took 6 grams of powdered Tribulus terrestris fruit daily, divided into three doses.
What This Means For You
If you have prehypertension, this research suggests that Tribulus terrestris might help lower your blood pressure. However, it's important to remember:
- Talk to your doctor first: Always discuss any new supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you're already taking medication for blood pressure.
- Don't rely on it alone: Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress are crucial for managing blood pressure.
- This is just one study: More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects.
Study Limitations
It's important to be aware of the study's limitations:
- Short study duration: The study only lasted for two months, so we don't know the long-term effects.
- More research needed: We need more studies to confirm these results and understand how Tribulus terrestris works.
- Not a replacement for other treatments: This study doesn't mean you should stop taking any prescribed medication or ignore lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study found that supplementation with Khār-i-khasak (Tribulus terrestris) significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive adults. The test group experienced an average decline of -7.7 mmHg (systolic) and -5.5 mmHg (diastolic), compared to -1.9 mmHg and -0.2 mmHg in the placebo group. These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.001). No participants progressed to hypertension during the two-month intervention or follow-up period, and the supplement was deemed safe based on normal laboratory parameters.
Study Design
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at the National Institute of Unani Medicine in Bengaluru, India. The study enrolled 60 prehypertensive individuals aged ≥18 years, who were divided into test (n = 30) and placebo (n = 30) groups. The trial duration was 8 weeks, with a post-intervention follow-up period (length unspecified).
Dosage & Administration
Participants received 6g/day of powdered dried Tribulus terrestris fruit, divided into three equal doses. The placebo group received a macroscopically identical inert substance (6g/day in three doses). Both groups were instructed to consume their respective powders orally with water.
Results & Efficacy
- Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP): Test group showed a mean reduction of -7.7 mmHg (baseline-adjusted), while the placebo group decreased by -1.9 mmHg (p < 0.001).
- Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP): Test group DBP dropped by -5.5 mmHg, versus -0.2 mmHg in the placebo group (p < 0.001).
- Hypertension Progression: No participants in either group developed overt hypertension during the study or follow-up.
- Safety: No adverse effects were reported, and renal/liver function tests remained within normal limits.
Limitations
- Sample Demographics: The study did not report gender distribution, ethnicity, or baseline health metrics (e.g., BMI, comorbidities), limiting generalizability.
- Short Duration: The 8-week intervention period may be insufficient to assess long-term efficacy or safety.
- Placebo Response: The slight SBP reduction in the placebo group (-1.9 mmHg) suggests potential lifestyle changes during the trial, which could confound results.
- Mechanistic Data: The study did not explore the biochemical pathways (e.g., nitric oxide modulation, antioxidant activity) underlying Tribulus terrestris' antihypertensive effects.
- Publication Details: The full study text is unavailable via the provided URL, restricting deeper evaluation of methodology.
Clinical Relevance
For prehypertensive individuals, Tribulus terrestris (6g/day of dried fruit powder) may offer a modest but statistically significant blood pressure-lowering effect. However, the lack of long-term data and standardized dosing guidelines warrants caution. Users should consult healthcare providers before use, particularly given the absence of mechanistic insights or replication studies. While the results are promising, this should not replace conventional lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise) or pharmacological interventions for blood pressure management. Future research should validate these findings in larger, diverse populations and investigate optimal dosing and duration.
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