Effect of Tribulus Terrestris in the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Clitoral Vascularization. Results of a Randomized Study Comparing Two Different Dosage Regimes.

2021-06-18
Journal of sex & marital therapy 47(7)
- Fabiene Bernardes Castro Vale
- Junia Duelli Boroni
- Guilherme Geber
- Enylda Motta Gonçalves Antunes
- Tancredo Bretas
- Gerson Pereira Lopes
- Selmo Geber

PubMed: 34142638
DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1938764

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 104
Population: 104 pre and postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction
Methods: Randomized assignment to receive 94mg three times/day or 280mg once/day for 90 days; evaluation using FSFI and QS-F questionnaires, serum levels, and clitoral artery Power Doppler ultrasound
Duration: 90 days
Funding: Unclear

Large Human Trial

We evaluated the efficacy of Tribulus terrestris in two different dosage regimes for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in pre and postmenopausal women and its effect on the vascular resistance of the clitoral artery using Power Doppler. A total of 104 women were randomly assigned to receive 94mg, three times/day (TT3) or 280mg once/day for 90 days (TT1). Evaluation was performed using FSFI and QS-F questionnaires, serum levels of prolactin, TSH, total testosterone and SHBG, and clitoral artery assessment with Power Doppler ultrasound. FSFI results demonstrated an improvement in all domains in both groups (P < 0.05) except for the "Satisfaction" in the TT3 premenopausal group. QS-F results showed a significant improvement in the mean total score in women of both reproductive phases, for both groups. Postmenopausal patients improved in all sexual domains, except for "orgasm" in the TT1 group. PI of the clitoral artery showed no difference in both reproductive phases, in both groups. We conclude that TTerrestris can be a safe alternative for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in pre and postmenopausal women as it is effective in reducing the symptoms with no side effects. Moreover, its use, increased total, free and bioavailable testosterone.

Research Insights

Tribulus→Improved Female Sexual Function
FSFI results demonstrated an improvement in all domains in both groups (P < 0.05) except for the 'Satisfaction' in the TT3 premenopausal group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
94mg three times/day or 280mg once/day for 90 days
Tribulus→Improved Orgasm
Postmenopausal patients improved in all sexual domains, except for 'orgasm' in the TT1 group.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
94mg three times/day (TT3) or 280mg once/day (TT1) for 90 days
Tribulus→Improved Sexual Function
FSFI results demonstrated an improvement in all domains in both groups (P < 0.05) except for the 'Satisfaction' in the TT3 premenopausal group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
94mg three times/day (TT3) or 280mg once/day (TT1) for 90 days
Tribulus→Improved Sexual Quality of Life
QS-F results showed a significant improvement in the mean total score in women of both reproductive phases, for both groups.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
94mg three times/day (TT3) or 280mg once/day (TT1) for 90 days
Tribulus→Improved Sexual Satisfaction
FSFI results demonstrated an improvement in all domains in both groups (P < 0.05) except for the 'Satisfaction' in the TT3 premenopausal group.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
94mg three times/day (TT3) or 280mg once/day (TT1) for 90 days
Tribulus→Increased Testosterone Level
its use, increased total, free and bioavailable testosterone.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
94mg three times/day (TT3) or 280mg once/day (TT1) for 90 days
Tribulus→Reduced Clitoral Artery Pulsatility Index
PI of the clitoral artery showed no difference in both reproductive phases, in both groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
94mg three times/day (TT3) or 280mg once/day (TT1) for 90 days
Tribulus→Reduced Clitoral Artery Vascular Resistance
PI of the clitoral artery showed no difference in both reproductive phases, in both groups.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
94mg three times/day or 280mg once/day for 90 days

Adverse Events Reported

Tribulus→Overall tolerability
We conclude that TTerrestris can be a safe alternative for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in pre and postmenopausal women as it is effective in reducing the symptoms with no side effects.
Finding
Reported