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# Tribulus terrestris extract helps erectile dysfunction
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/tribulus_terrestris_extract_911130446/
- Published: 2013-09-11T17:45:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:13:01.000Z
- Description: Korean researchers fed rabbits Tribulus terrestris extract for a month and saw dose-dependent relaxation of the corpus cavernosum, higher intracavernous pressure and raised cAMP, working through the nitric oxide pathway. They conclude the extract may improve erectile function.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Supplements, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Wed. Spet 11, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- In the March 2013 issue of Korean Journal of Urology, Korean scientists reported that their research proved that a Tribulus terrestris extract can help treat erectile dysfunction, which affects an estimated more than 35% American men. Tribulus terrestris has been commonly used as an aphrodisiac.

The report titiled "Effects and Mechanism of Action of a Tribulus terrestris Extract on Penile Erection shows the extract can promote the production of certain enzymes involved in the nitric oxide/nitric oxide synthase pathway. Nitric oxide is known to be important for erectile function.

For the study, J. Do from Department of Urology, Gyeongsang National University Hospital in Jinju, Korea fed rabbits the T. terrestris extract for one month and then examined how the T. terrestris extract affects the corpus cavernosum (CC) of rabbits.

The researchers calculated the intracavernous pressure (ICP) and also measured cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the corpus cavernosum.

Relaxation of the corpus cavernosum induced by the Tribulus terrestris extract was found dose-dependent. The ICP after the treatment was found higher than that found in the controls. And also cAMP was significantly increased in the T. terrestris extract group.

The researchers concluded "The T. terrestris extract induced concentration-dependent relaxation of the CC in an organ bath. The mechanism included a reaction involving the nitric oxide/nitric oxide synthase pathway and endothelium of the CC."

"Moreover, in an in vivo study, the T. terrestris extract showed a significant concentration-dependent increase in ICP. Accordingly, the T. terrestris extract may improve erectile function." (DL)