The Effect of Tribulus Terrestris on Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

Female sexual dysfunction is a global common problem. Tribulus terrestris has long been used to treat infertility, impotence and low sexual desire. Studies assessing the effect of Tribulus terrestris on female sexual dysfunction have reported contradictory findings. Thus, the present study was performed with the aim of systematically reviewing articles on the effect of Tribulus terrestris on female sexual dysfunction to facilitate decisions regarding the use of Tribulus terrestris in this regard.

In this review article, to find the related studies, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, SID and Google Scholar databases were searched using the keywords "Tribulus" or "Zygophyllaceae" without limitations on language, time and location until December 2021. Two authors extracted articles'' information independently. Eligible studies were evaluated using the Cochrane collaboration quality assessment instrument.

A total of 1367 papers were retrieved using the search strategy. Six papers were eligible to enter the study. The data showed that Tribulus terrestris improved some of the factors associated with sexual dysfunction in childbearing and menopausal women. In three studies, testosterone levels were evaluated, and the findings indicated an increase in free testosterone levels in postmenopausal women.

Consumption of Tribulus terrestris is effective on improving sexual dysfunction in women. Although, due to the limited number of studies, the final decision on the use of this plant in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction requires more accurate and careful investigations.