The caltrop, scientifically known as Tribulus terrestris, is a plant that has been used for centuries in different cultures for its many medicinal properties. Its fame stems from its positive effects on health, its unique thorny appearance, and its presence in warm and temperate regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of the Americas and Oceania. While it has traditionally been recognized in natural medicine for its ability to treat various symptoms and conditions, it is currently also a topic of interest in science, phytotherapy, and natural supplementation.
What is caltrop and how to identify it?
The caltrop belongs to the genus Tribulus within the family Zygophyllaceae. She annual herbaceous plant, creeping or trailing. It has finely hairy, highly branched stems that can reach lengths from 50 centimeters to one meter in the best growing conditions. To learn more about the care and characteristics of similar plants, you can consult our article on Cretic fagonia.
Its compound leaves They have four to eight pairs of small leaflets, about 7 millimeters long, capable of folding in the absence of sunlight. flowers The abrojo flowers are solitary, with five lemon-yellow or deep yellow petals and are born in the axils of the leaves.
The most distinctive feature of the caltrop is its dried fruit, a capsule formed by five hard and rough carpels, armed with strong spines, capable of piercing even tires, hooves or the soles of the feet.
The plant adapts to arid and desert environments, roadsides, crops, beaches and sandbanks, and has a high capacity for survival and expansion, even being considered invasive in certain places.
Composition and active ingredients of caltrop
From the botanical and pharmacological point of view, they are mainly used leaves and flowers, although occasionally the fruits and other aerial parts are also present. Among its main active ingredients are:
- Steroidal saponins (such as protodioscin, dioscin and diosgenin), largely responsible for its effects on testosterone, fertility and its tonic and stimulating action.
- Flavonoids kaempferol derivatives, which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
- Tannins and resins, which give it astringent and hemostatic properties.
- alkaloids in traces, whose presence requires consuming the plant with caution.
- Other antioxidant compounds and polyphenols.
Properties of caltrop: Proven and traditional benefits
The caltrop is a plant famous for its numerous medicinal benefits attributed to it. While some of them are supported by scientific evidence, others derive from ancestral use in folk medicine in different regions of the world. Among the most notable are:
- Stimulation of sexual desire and function. In Indian and Chinese medicine, and in European popular culture, caltrop extracts have been classified as aphrodisiacs. They increase sperm production and help with cases of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Although its role as "natural testosterone" is popular, scientific evidence of an actual increase in hormone levels is still inconclusive. For more information on how to boost sexual health, visit our recommendations on health benefits of caltrop.
- Improved fertility. There are studies that suggest that protodioscin may promote male fertility, contributing to sperm quality and vitality, especially in cases of idiopathic infertility.
- Relief from menopausal symptoms and female hormonal regulation. The abrojo has been used to stimulate sexual response in women and to help manage menopausal symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, low back pain, and mood disorders.
- Increased muscle mass and improved physical performance. Some substances present in the plant stimulate protein synthesis, help strengthen muscle tissue, and tone the body. Therefore, it is often found in sports supplements along with maca, ginseng, and zinc.
Medicinal uses and practical applications of caltrop
The caltrop has been used in various ways depending on local culture and tradition. The most common uses are detailed below:
- Infusion or tea of caltrop: It is prepared from flowering tops, leaves, or even dried fruit. The usual dose is between 2 and 3 cups daily, and it is effective as a diuretic, urinary purifier, and general tonic.
- Tincture: Made with hydroalcoholic extracts, it is used in small quantities (20-30 drops twice a day) to treat kidney conditions and as a sexual tonic.
- Liquid extracts: They can be found combined with maca and ginseng in dietary supplements aimed at improving energy and sexuality.
- Decoction: Two glasses of the dried plant daily can be taken as support in the treatment of kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and digestive disorders, always under medical supervision.
- Topical use: The concentrated decoction (2-4%) is applied as a wash, compress or rub on wounds, mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, eczema, stomatitis and pharyngitis to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation.
- Capsule supplements: For anabolic and aphrodisiac purposes, they are usually accompanied by other natural ingredients and micronutrients.
In Mayan culture and in traditional medicine of China and India, the abrojo is used to treat dysentery, ear conditions, prostate problems, increase breast milk production, treat urinary tract infections and eye problems. Its reputation as aphrodisiac It became popular in Eastern Europe during the last century.
What diseases or ailments can caltrop help prevent or treat?
- Kidney stones and urinary problems: It facilitates the expulsion of minerals, reduces the risk of lithiasis and helps with bladder inflammation.
- Male infertility: Increases sperm vitality and mobility.
- Sexual dysfunctions: Supports erectile function and regulates libido.
- High blood pressure and mild cardiovascular conditions: Its active agents relax and protect blood vessels.
- Diabetes and glycemic control: Traditionally used to stabilize sugar levels.
- Menstrual disorders and menopause: It benefits hormonal balance and reduces associated discomfort.
- Dermatological disorders: Promotes the healing of eczema, wounds, canker sores and other oral problems.
- Muscle pain and inflammation: Contributes to muscle recovery and pain reduction.
Ways of consuming and preparing the abrojo
The abrojo can be consumed in different ways, adapting to the particular needs of each person:
- Salads, soups and stews: Adding well-washed young leaves and stems.
- Smoothies and juices: Adding a small portion of fresh leaves.
- Simple or mixed infusions: One teaspoon of coffee per cup, up to two cups a day.
- Decoction for external use: Perform mouthwashes, gargles, washes or compresses on the skin.
- Capsules and supplements: Consult the dosage on the package and always under medical supervision.
In Mexico, for example, the plant is also used for fight coughThe fruit's spines are removed, it is split open, and the pulp with seeds is extracted. The peel, with a little sugar, is roasted, the juice is collected, and drunk. The roasted peel is applied to the chest as a remedy for respiratory problems.
Precautions, contraindications and side effects
While caltrop offers various benefits, it is essential to know its contraindications and possible Side effects before starting regular consumption:
- Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood: The presence of alkaloids and their possible stimulating effect can be risky, especially due to their ability to stimulate uterine contractions and act as an abortive agent.
- Caution in chronic diseases: It is not recommended for people with neurological diseases, liver disease, heart disease, or diabetes, or before surgery.
- Possibility of adverse effects: In some people, it can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramps, and other mild digestive disorders.
- Danger due to excessive consumption or prolonged use: Abuse of caltrop can lead to the accumulation of neurotoxic agents, increasing the risk of toxicity.
- Do not eat the whole fruit: It can cause severe damage to the digestive tract.
- Always under professional advice: Treatment with abrojo should be initiated after consulting a specialist, especially if it is for aphrodisiac, anabolic, or serious ailments.
Curiosities, other uses and symbolism of the caltrop
The caltrop is not only a plant of interest in natural medicine; its striking presence has generated curiosity and has been useful in other fields:
- Symbolism and name: The name “tribulus” refers to the trap or snare that its spines represent, capable of damaging even skin or tires.
- Use in gardening: Caution should be exercised, as it can invade crops and green spaces.
- Cosmetics and dermatology: The extract of caltrop is studied for its antioxidant capacity and photoprotective effect on the skin, protecting it from sun damage.
The abrojo is a fascinating plant whose use in traditional medicine and modern herbal medicine has generated great interest due to its ability to treat a variety of conditions, from kidney and urinary problems to sexual difficulties and metabolic disorders. Its use requires a cautious approach and prior professional consultation to avoid side effects. A thorough understanding of its benefits, properties, and methods of consumption allows one to safely utilize one of the most versatile plants in the natural world.