Tribulus Vs. Horny Goat Weed: Which is Better & How to Combine?
Tribulus helps boost natural testosterone production, while Horny Goat Weed may improve erectile function. Choosing which herb is better depends on your needs and desires. This article aims to provide a comprehensive view of the benefits, safety considerations, and potential combination of Tribulus and Horny Goat Weed. Furthermore, it will discuss the advantages of combining these two herbs.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Key Takeaways
- Tribulus enhances testosterone production, improves sexual health and performance, as well as workout efficiency.
- Horny Goat Weed enhances erectile function and increases libido.
- Combining Tribulus and Horny Goat Weed can be considered; however, specific dosage research and safety verification based on scientific studies are necessary.
Tribulus Vs Horny Goat Weed: Which One Should You Choose for Men's Health?
Both Tribulus and Horny Goat Weed are popular choices among men seeking to enhance sexual performance. However, each has its distinct advantages and disadvantages. I cannot definitively say which is better, but I can suggest which might suit your needs.
Before delving into a detailed analysis of each herb, here are a few notable points to consider:
If you want to boost testosterone production, choose Tribulus. It has been extensively studied and shown to increase testosterone levels in serum [1] significantly. Moreover, Tribulus has also been demonstrated to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology [2].
If you want to enhance sexual desire: naturally, both Tribulus and Horny Goat Weed offer positive effects, helping you achieve better sexual performance. You can also combine these two herbs; however, it requires careful scientific research on dosage and administration. While products containing both Tribulus and Horny Goat Weed are available on the market, remember that these products are rigorously researched and quality assured rather than arbitrarily combined without scientific basis.
If you want to improve erectile function: Horny Goat Weed may be a better choice as it has shown evidence of improving hardness and reducing recovery time between sexual encounters, as well as aiding in maintaining erection firmness [3].
Next, I will delve into a detailed analysis of each herb.
What is Tribulus?
What are the Benefits of Tribulus for Health?
Tribulus, belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, is a herb commonly found in sandy soils in Southern Europe. Nowadays, Tribulus products are often advertised for their aphrodisiac properties and ability to boost testosterone production [4].
The main active ingredient in Tribulus is furostanol saponin. It can help men enhance testosterone production, support reproductive health, and male physical fitness [4], [5]. As a result, men may experience longer endurance during intercourse and reduced recovery time between sexual acts.
For women, it helps improve sexual desire disorders [4].
In terms of health benefits, it enhances athletic performance and vigor and reduces muscle damage [4]. Additionally, it has pain-relieving effects, helping to alleviate discomfort and unpleasant symptoms.
Moreover, it enhances the immune system, strengthens immunity, and protects the body from infections [5]. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation and related symptoms.
Protecting cardiovascular health is also a human health aspect of Tribulus [5]. It helps improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also helps lower cholesterol and blood lipids, thereby supporting cardiovascular health.
Some studies also indicate the potential of Tribulus to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells, breast cancer, and skin cancer [4].
Regulating blood pressure is another health benefit of Tribulus that is being explored. However, some studies suggest it may help stabilize blood pressure levels [5].
Tribulus has also been found to have diuretic effects, reducing and supporting urinary stones [5].
Other benefits of Tribulus include improving eyesight, improving eye diseases, reducing skin itching, protecting and supporting liver function, and reducing the risk of liver diseases [5].
Side Effects of Tribulus
The usual dosage of Tribulus is from 250 to 750 mg [6]. For enhancing athletic performance, a standard dosage of 3.21 mg/kg of body weight per day (approximately 200–450 mg for an average-weight person) can be used for 20 days. Moreover, for supporting female infertility, dosages can range from 500 mg to 6000 mg per day [5].
When using Tribulus, it's essential to adhere to recommended dosages. High doses over an extended period may cause some side effects, including [5]:
- Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, digestive irritation
- Acne
- Impotence (rare)
- Mood swings, anxiety, agitation
- Liver and kidney dysfunction
Furthermore, caution is needed when using Tribulus with the following medications [7]:
- Diuretics
- Blood pressure medications
- Diabetes medications
- Clopidogrel
- Drugs that are P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates
Read more: Does Horny Goat Weed Increase Testosterone?
What is Horny Goat Weed?
Exploring the Benefits of Horny Goat Weed for Health
Horny Goat Weed is a traditional Chinese herb used to improve libido and assist in supporting erectile dysfunction [3]. Additionally, it contributes to the treatment of various other conditions in humans.
The main active ingredient in Horny Goat Weed is icariin. Icariin can inhibit the enzyme PDE5, aiding in blood flow to the penis and supporting erectile function. It stimulates nitric oxide production, enhancing sexual function [8].
Essential health benefits of Horny Goat Weed include:
- Regulating sexual dysfunction: Horny Goat Weed helps improve erectile dysfunction in men and low libido in women [8].
- Bone protection: Icariin in Horny Goat Weed is believed to have anti-osteoporotic effects and promote bone regeneration. Studies suggest it may reduce osteoporosis in postmenopausal women [9]. It also aids in joint pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties [10].
- Supporting nerve function disorders: Due to its epimediphine content, Horny Goat Weed assists in supporting nerve function-related disorders [8].
- Lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels: Horny Goat Weed can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, supporting cardiovascular health [8].
- Reducing fatigue and boosting energy: Using Horny Goat Weed helps maintain alertness and alleviate fatigue [9], [10].
- Lowering blood pressure may help reduce blood pressure to appropriate levels [10].
- Alleviating symptoms of menstruation and menopause: In women, it may reduce irregular menstruation, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness [10].
Read more: Does Horny Goat Weed Work For Women?
Safety and Side Effects of Horny Goat Weed
The typical daily dosage of Horny Goat Weed is 250 to 500 mg [11], often formulated as tablets or capsules. According to the Pharmaceutical Press Editorial Team (2013), the adult dose is 3-9 grams of dried aerial parts of Horny Goat Weed daily [8].
When used at high doses or if poorly tolerated by the body, Horny Goat Weed may cause some side effects, such as:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea, abdominal pain
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches, dizziness
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Agitation
- Reduced thyroid function
- Nosebleeds
Additionally, Horny Goat Weed may interact with certain medications. Caution is advised when using it with:
- Cytochrome P450 substrates
- Aromatase inhibitors
- Vasodilators
- Anticoagulants
- Diabetes medications
- Blood pressure medications
Can You Take Horny Goat Weed and Tribulus Together?
You can combine the use of Horny Goat Weed and Tribulus; however, this requires research on dosage and verification of safety.
Currently, the market offers many products that combine these two herbs.
However, all these products have a scientifically formulated composition and undergo rigorous quality and dosage verification.
Therefore, if you intend to use Horny Goat Weed and Tribulus together, it's advisable to consult a specialized doctor to ensure the correct dosage and to ensure that the combination is beneficial for your body.
Conclusion
Both Horny Goat Weed and Tribulus offer benefits for male sexual health. However, each herb has its strengths and can complement each other to enhance their benefits. We hope you now have a better understanding of these two herbs. If you still have doubts, don't hesitate to consult a doctor before deciding which herb to use.
Related Article:
15 Best Horny Goat Weed Supplements for Men's Health
Horny Goat Weed for Fertility: Does It Really Work?
References
- [1] Singh S, Nair V, Yogendra Kumar Gupta. Evaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in sexually sluggish male albino rats. ResearchGate. Published March 3, 2012. Accessed June 27, 2024.
- [2] Sanagoo S, Behnaz Sadeghzadeh Oskouei, Nafiseh Gassab Abdollahi, Hanieh Salehi-Pourmehr, Nazanin Hazhir, Azizeh Farshbaf-Khalili. Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic infertility: A systematic review. Complementary therapies in medicine. 2019;42:95-103. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.015.
- [3] Edwards SE, da I, Williamson EM, Heinrich M. Horny Goat Weed. ResearchGate. Published February 2015. Accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319535032_Horny_Goat_Weed.
- [4] Petropoulos SA, A. Karkanis, Martins N, Ferreira ICFR. Edible halophytes of the Mediterranean basin: Potential candidates for novel food products. Trends in food science & technology. 2018;74:69-84. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2018.02.006.
- [5] Saeed M, Munawar M, Jannat Bi Bi, et al. Promising phytopharmacology, nutritional potential, health benefits, and traditional usage of Tribulus terrestris L. herb. Heliyon. 2024;10(4):e25549-e25549. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25549.
- [6] Tribulus. Nih.gov. Published August 8, 2022. Accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583201/.
- [7] Tribulus terrestris. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Published May 12, 2023. Accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/tribulus-terrestris.
- [8] Shindel AW, Xin ZC, Lin G, et al. Erectogenic and Neurotrophic Effects of Icariin, a Purified Extract of Horny Goat Weed (Epimediumspp.) In Vitro and In Vivo. The journal of sexual medicine. 2010;7(4_Part_1):1518-1528. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01699.
- [9] Epimedium. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Published April 5, 2023. Accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/epimedium.
- [10] Horny Goat Weed: Uses, Benefits And Side Effects. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/health/nutrition/horny-goat-weed/. Published May 24, 2024. Accessed June 27, 2024.
- [11] Horny Goat Weed. Nih.gov. Published August 8, 2022. Accessed June 27, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583203/.
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