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

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  • 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)

  • Cesar I. 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
    Psychology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Basque Country University, 48900 Leioa, Spain)

  • 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)

  • David P. Adams

    (Dual Credit Enrollment Program, Point University, Savannah, GA 31419, USA)

  • Juan Mielgo-Ayuso

    (Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Diego Fernández-Lázaro & Cesar I. Fernandez-Lazaro & Jesús Seco-Calvo & Evelina Garrosa & David P. Adams & Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, 2022. "Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. on Sport and Health Biomarkers in Physically Active Adult Males: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9533-:d:879584
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Diego Fernández-Lázaro & Jerónimo J. González-Bernal & Nerea Sánchez-Serrano & Lourdes Jiménez Navascués & Ana Ascaso-del-Río & Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, 2020. "Physical Exercise as a Multimodal Tool for COVID-19: Could It Be Used as a Preventive Strategy?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-13, November.
    2. Angel Enrique Díaz Martínez & María José Alcaide Martín & Marcela González-Gross, 2022. "Basal Values of Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Elite Athletes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-15, March.
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    1. Diego Fernández-Lázaro & Jesús Seco-Calvo & Jorge Pascual-Fernández & Carlos Domínguez-Ortega & Miguel Del Valle Soto & Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, 2022. "6-Week Supplementation with Tribulus terrestris L. to Trained Male CrossFit ® Athletes on Muscle, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Biomarkers: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-13, December.

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