Preprint / Version 1

Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. on Sport and Health Biomarkers in Physically Active Adult Males: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Diego Fernández-Lázaro Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42003 Soria, Spain
  • Cesar Fernandez-Lazaro Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
  • Jesús Seco-Calvo Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Physiotherapy Department, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana, 24071 Leon, Spain; [email protected]
  • Evelina Garrosa Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and Institute of Neurosciences of Castile and Leon (INCYL), University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; [email protected]
  • David Adams Dual Credit Enrollment Program, Point University, Savannah, GA 31419, USA; [email protected]
  • Juan Mielgo-Ayuso Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain; [email protected]

Keywords:

Tribulus terrestris, sport supplement, biomarkers, physically active adults, systematic review

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and sports nutrition to improve health and performance. However, no conclusive evidence exists about the potential beneficial effects of TT on sport and health biomarkers in physically active adults. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the modified McMaster Critical Review Form for methodological quality assessment, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, to assess the effects of TT on immunological, hematological, biochemical, renal, lipidic, hormonal behavior, and anti-inflammatory response in physically active adult males. Among 340 records identified in the search, a total of 7 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, participants supplemented with TT displayed significant improvements in lipid profile. Inflammatory and hematological biomarkers showed moderate beneficial effects with no significant changes on renal biomarkers. No positive effects were observed on the immune system response. Additionally, no TT-induced toxicity was reported. In conclusion, there was no clear evidence of the beneficial effects of TT supplementation on muscle damage markers and hormonal behavior. More studies are needed to confirm the benefits of TT due to the limited number of studies available in the current literature. Keywords: Tribulus terrestris, sport supplement, biomarkers, physically active adults, systematic review

Author Biographies

Diego Fernández-Lázaro, Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42003 Soria, Spain

Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain

Jesús Seco-Calvo, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Physiotherapy Department, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana, 24071 Leon, Spain; [email protected]

Psychology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Basque Country University, 48900 Leioa, Spain

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