Tribulus terrestris (Jili)

Present Day Applications:
There are reports that body builders are using this herb to improve result through increasing testosterone. This herb may increase the luteinizing hormone which helps the development of the corpus luteum in the female and the production of testosterone by the interstitial cells of the testis in male.  
 
Distribution:
Mainly produced in north eastern, northern part of China and in Qinghai, Xizang, and along the Yangtze River of China.
 
Properties (characteristics):
Bitter, acrid, neutral.

Channels (meridians) entered:
Liver.

Actions & Indications:
Effective for soothing the liver to rid of depressed mood, invigorating blood to rid of pain, improving vision, stopping itchiness.

Being used in treatment of: achy loin due to deficiency, spermatorrhea, Leukorrhea,  Headache, dizziness, pink eyes with tears, keratitis, cloudiness in cornea, Chronic Bbronchitis, milk not flowing, itchiness, rash, bulging sensatiion in the rib cage, Vitiligo, etc

Today, clinical applications include: Atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, angina, hypertension, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, Infertility, impotence, eye diseases, boils, swelling, tooth sensitivity, various skin diseases.
 
Chemical ingredients:
Steroidal saponin: 
diosgenin
ruscogenin
hecogenin
gitoogenin
tribuloside
kaempferol-3-rutinoside
astragalin
harmine

Dosage:
For decoction: 6 to 9 g. 
For external use: smash and apply or make into powder and sprinkle into affected parts.
 
Cautions:
Use care in cases of blood deficient  and/or qixu (qi deficient)  and in cases of pregnancies.