Does using Tribulus Terrestris for urinary tract infections work? The extract has diuretic potentials, which means it can help you urinate frequently and flush bacteria out of your tract. Also, in vitro studies have noted that extract of this plant can effectively inhibit the activity of pathogens causing infections in the urinary tract, but in vivo studies are required to support these claims.
Lately, the growing interest in the antimicrobial properties of Tribulus Terrestris has led several researchers to conclude that extract from this plant may help to prevent as well as treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) [1].
Although it has been shown to inhibit the activity of a variety of bacteria and fungi such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, etc. Despite this promising result, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this plant in humans.
READ ALSO: How Tribulus Terrestris May Affect Fertility In Men And Women
According to research, extracts of the root, leaves, and fruit are popularly used in some countries like Iraqi, Iran, and Turkey for several medicinal purposes such as tonic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, astringent, anti-hypertensive, diuretic, as well as treatment or prevent urinary tract infections.
A phytochemical review of Tribulus Terrestris finds that the plant is rich source of saponins such as furostanol and spirostanol saponins of tigogenin, neotigogenin, gitogenin, neogitogenin, echogenic, neohecogenin, diosgenin, chlorogenic, lucigenin and sarsasapogenin [2] which are known to exhibit an antifungal and antibacterial effect [3].
Research has equally revealed that the class of saponins found in this plant may be used as a potential treatment for hypercalciuria in humans [4, 7, 8, 9], a condition where there is too much calcium in the urine, which may lead to impairment of renal function.
Tribulus Terrestris for urinary tract infections
Can Tribulus Terrestris prevent or help in treating urinary tract infections? Yes, it is a diuretic, which means it can help you urinate frequently and flush bacteria out of your tract [5].
Both in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurveda medicine tribulus terrestrial has been noted for its effectiveness in promoting the health urinary tract healthy, It has anti-inflammatory property that helps reduce swelling [6].
There is more evidence noted in several scientific research suggesting that extracts of Tribulus have therapeutic potential for the prevention as well as treatment of UTI [11, 12].
More particularly, the activity of Escherichia coli — a prominent agent of urinary tract infections can also be inhibited by the extract of Tribulus Terrestris research reveals [14].
Another in-vitro study suggests that Tribulus Terrestris can be combined with other herbs like shepherd’s Purse and lliclicorice to produce a natural remedy that is more effective against bacteria [15].
One study conducted in Iraq examined the antimicrobial activity of organic and aqueous extracts from the fruits, leaves, and roots of terrestris against 11 species of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms.
The results showed that all of the extracts had some antimicrobial activity, but the ethanol extract from the fruits was the most active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
The ethanol extract had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.15 mg/ml against B. subtilis, B. cereus, P. vulgaris, and C. diphtheriae, which is comparable to the MIC values of some commonly used antibiotics. The ethanol extract also had the strongest antifungal activity against C. albicans, with an MIC of 0.15 mg/ml.
The results of this study suggest that terrestris has the potential as a natural antibiotic and antifungal agent, which means it can help prevent the activities of infection-causing pathogens in urinary tract infections [10].
It is important to know that the aforementioned studies and research that provided scientific evidence to support the use of Tribulus Terrestris for the treatment of infections of the urinary tract were all conducted in vitro, meaning that it was done in a laboratory setting using cultured cells. However, more research is needed to confirm the antimicrobial activity of this herb in vivo, meaning in a living organism, as well as to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment.
8 Best teas for urinary tract infections
- Green tea
- Corn silk tea
- Yaupon Tea
- Clove tea
- Cranberry Tea.
- Chamomile Tea.
- Peppermint Tea.
- Parsley tea
Natural remedies for urinary tract infections
- Cranberry juice or supplements: Cranberry contains compounds that can prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.
- Tribulus Terrestris leaves root, fruit extract: This plant is well known for its diuretic ability, which can help flush those bacteria out of the urinary tract through frequent urination.
- D-mannose: This sugar can help to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
- Uva ursi: This herb has antibacterial properties.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin helps to keep the urine acidic, which can make it more difficult for bacteria to grow.
Practices that can help prevent urinary tract infections
Drink plenty of fluids.
This will help to flush out bacteria from your urinary tract. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink other fluids such as juice, milk, and tea.
Empty your bladder often.
Don’t wait until you have to go. This will help to prevent bacteria from building up in your bladder.
Clean yourself properly after using the bathroom.
Wipe from front to back to avoid pushing bacteria into your urethra.
Don’t hold your urine
If you need to go, go. Holding your urine can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection.
Wear loose-fitting clothing.
This will help to keep your genital area cool and dry, which can help to prevent bacteria from growing.
If you think you have a UTI, it is important to see a doctor right away. UTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics, but if they are left untreated, they can lead to more serious health problems.
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