Condition
    Effectiveness 1/5

    Tribulus Terrestris for Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)

    Tribulus does not raise testosterone in men. Controlled trials in athletes, resistance-trained men and older men consistently show no change versus placebo.

    Overview

    Tribulus does not raise testosterone in men. Controlled trials in athletes, resistance-trained men and older men consistently show no change versus placebo.

    Verdict

    Not supported

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

    How It Works

    Tribulus saponins do not measurably stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in humans; no LH or testosterone response has been demonstrated.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    Not recommended for this purpose
    Expected timeframe
    Not applicable

    Protocol

    form
    Not applicable
    duration
    Not applicable
    co factor
    The verdict is no. Tribulus has been tested at 750-1500 mg/day of saponin-standardised extract for up to 12 weeks in men, including trained athletes and men with reduced libido, and the trials consistently show no increase in total or free testosterone versus placebo. Where sexual function improved, testosterone did not change, so the marketed mechanism is not supported. A systematic review reached the same conclusion.
    titration
    Not applicable
    starting dose
    Not applicable

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    A trial in elite rugby players (n=22) taking 450 mg/day for five weeks found no difference in testosterone, epitestosterone or strength versus placebo. An earlier study in resistance-trained men (n=15, 3.21 mg/kg/day for eight weeks) found no change in body composition or strength. A double-blind trial in men aged 45-60 with partial androgen deficiency showed symptom-score improvement but no significant testosterone rise, indicating the subjective benefit was not hormonal. Rodent studies that showed androgen effects used doses and species that do not translate. Tribulus is worth considering for libido, where the evidence is weak but positive; as a testosterone booster it should be regarded as disproven rather than merely unproven.

    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

    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

    Safety

    Caveats

    Genuinely low testosterone needs proper diagnosis - two morning blood tests, plus LH, FSH and prolactin to distinguish primary from secondary hypogonadism, since pituitary tumours present this way. Untreated hypogonadism affects bone density and cardiovascular health, so relying on an ineffective supplement carries a real cost. Safety ceiling: doses to 1500 mg/day were tested without benefit; hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity case reports exist, and it may lower blood glucose and blood pressure. Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in hormone-sensitive cancers including prostate cancer. Athletes should be aware of contamination risk in this product category.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone: no subgroup showed a testosterone increase in controlled trials.

    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.