Herb

    Tribulus Terrestris

    Tribulus terrestris

    TL;DR

    Tribulus does not raise testosterone in healthy men — multiple controlled trials are flat. It has modest, more credible signals for libido and sexual satisfaction, especially in women and in men with erectile dysfunction, which is a different claim from the one on the label.

    Ideal For

    • Adults exploring libido support with realistic expectations

    Avoid If

    • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
    • Prostate cancer
    • Kidney or liver disease

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Overview

    Tribulus terrestris is one of the most persistently mismarketed supplements in sports nutrition. Controlled trials in resistance-trained men, rugby players and older men consistently find no change in total or free testosterone, luteinizing hormone or lean mass compared with placebo. Where the herb does show something is sexual function: randomized trials using standardized protodioscin extracts report improvements in IIEF scores in men with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction and in FSFI desire scores in women, including postmenopausal cohorts. The plausible mechanism is nitric oxide and androgen-receptor-independent central effects rather than endocrine stimulation.

    How It Works

    • Protodioscin saponins support nitric oxide mediated vasodilation
    • Possible central dopaminergic effect on desire
    • No demonstrated effect on LH or testosterone production in humans

    Quick Facts

    • Does not raise testosterone in controlled human trials
    • Libido signals exist independent of hormone change
    • Trial extracts are standardized to 45-60% protodioscin

    Benefits & Outcomes

    No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.

    Health Concerns Addressed

    Decreased Sex Drive

    symptom
    Mixed evidence
    Effectiveness 3/5

    Small trials show real score improvements, but effect sizes are moderate, extracts differ widely, and hormone-mediated explanations do not hold up.

    Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)

    condition
    Not supported
    Effectiveness 1/5

    This is the clearest negative in the testosterone-booster category — the marketing claim has been tested repeatedly and failed.

    Supporting Research
    11 studies

    Beneficial effects of natural products on female sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

    Score: 6/10
    2021
    meta_analysis

    Sha'ari N, Woon LS, Sidi H +1 more

    Tribulus terrestris showed a significant positive effect in improving overall female sexual function (SMD = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.46 - 1.79, p = 0.001)

    View source

    Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A prospective, randomized, double blind study

    Score: 6/10
    2014
    rct
    n=30

    Santos CA Jr, et al.

    At the dose and interval studied, Tribulus terrestris was not more effective than placebo on improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction or serum total testosterone.

    View source

    Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction

    Score: 6/10
    2016
    systematic_review

    Neychev V, Mitev V

    Human studies consistently failed to show testosterone elevation with Tribulus terrestris

    View source

    Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

    Score: 7/10
    2017
    rct
    n=180

    Kamenov Z, Fileva S, Kalinov K +1 more

    Tribulus terrestris improved IIEF erectile function and desire scores versus placebo without changing testosterone

    View source

    Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

    Score: 7/10
    2017
    rct
    n=180

    Kamenov Z, Fileva S, Kalinov K +1 more

    to compare the efficacy of extracts of the plant Tribulus terrestris (TT; marketed as Tribestan), in comparison with placebo, for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED)

    View source

    Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use

    Score: 6/10
    2023
    systematic_review

    Petre GC, Francini-Pesenti F, Vitagliano A +1 more

    DSs marketed in Italy are usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at a negligible dose or without any evidence

    View source

    Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study

    Score: 6/10
    2014
    rct
    n=30

    Santos CA, Reis LO, Destro-Saade R +2 more

    No statistically significant difference in IIEF scores or testosterone between Tribulus and placebo

    View source

    The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men

    Score: 6/10
    2005
    rct
    n=21

    Neychev VK, Mitev VI

    No significant change in total or free testosterone, androstenedione or luteinizing hormone versus placebo

    View source

    Herbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    Score: 9/10
    2018
    meta_analysis
    n=2080

    Borrelli F, Colalto C, Delfino DV +2 more

    saffron and T. terrestris treatment produced mixed results

    View source

    Effects of Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.) Supplementation on Erectile Dysfunction and Testosterone Levels in Men-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

    Score: 6/10
    2025
    systematic_review

    Cieslinska A, Kostyra E

    Trials showed inconsistent effects on erectile function and no reliable increase in testosterone

    View source

    Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with late-onset hypogonadism: A placebo-controlled study

    Score: 5/10
    2019
    rct
    n=60

    GamalEl Din SF, Abdel Salam MA, Mohamed MS

    Erectile and lower urinary tract symptom scores improved modestly versus placebo in late-onset hypogonadism

    View source

    Safety Information

    Potential Side Effects

    Stomach upset, cramping and reflux. Case reports of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity exist at high or adulterated doses.

    Contraindications

    Avoid in prostate cancer, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Case reports link high doses to kidney and liver injury.

    Drug Interactions

    • Diabetes medications
    • Lithium

    Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

    Pregnancy: likely_unsafe

    Breastfeeding: likely_unsafe

    Dosage Guidelines

    Dosage Used in Studies

    250-750 mg extract

    Best Time to Take

    With meals

    Best Form

    Extract standardized to protodioscin content

    Bioavailability

    Saponin absorption is limited and highly extract-dependent; unstandardized products vary widely.

    Forms Compared

    The form used in sexual function trials

    Saponin content unverified, results unpredictable

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.