Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Types of Tribulus Terrestris: Forms & Bioavailability

Evidence:Insufficient
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Tribulus Terrestris Extract (standardized to saponins)ModerateMost common — look for standardization to 40-60% saponins; Bulgarian-sourced is traditional preference
Tribulus Terrestris Powder (whole herb)Low-ModerateTraditional form — lower potency; requires higher doses

Tribulus Terrestris Extract (standardized to saponins)

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Most common — look for standardization to 40-60% saponins; Bulgarian-sourced is traditional preference.

Tribulus Terrestris Powder (whole herb)

Bioavailability: Low-Moderate. Best for: Traditional form — lower potency; requires higher doses.

References

  1. RCTNeychev VK, Mitev VI (2005). The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTRogerson S, Riches CJ, Jennings C, et al. (2007). The effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. DOI PubMed
  3. Santos CA Jr, Reis LO, Moreira MR, et al. (2014). Does the association of Tribulus terrestris and Cornus officinalis improve sexual function and seminal quality?. Actas Urologicas Espanolas. DOI
  4. Meta-analysisSuharyani S, Amanda B, Angellee J, William W, et al. (2026). Tribulus terrestris for management of patients with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.. International journal of impotence research. DOI PubMed
  5. Meta-analysisVilar Neto JO, de Moraes WMAM, Pinto DV, da Silva CA, et al. (2025). Effects of Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.) Supplementation on Erectile Dysfunction and Testosterone Levels in Men-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
  6. Fernández-Lázaro D, Fernandez-Lazaro CI, Seco-Calvo J, Garrosa E, et al. (2022). Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. on Sport and Health Biomarkers in Physically Active Adult Males: A Systematic Review.. International journal of environmental research and public health. DOI PubMed
  7. Meta-analysisMartimbianco ALC, Pacheco RL, Vilarino FL, Latorraca COC, et al. (2020). Tribulus Terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review.. Revista brasileira de ginecologia e obstetricia : revista da Federacao Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetricia. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. Sanagoo S, Sadeghzadeh Oskouei B, Gassab Abdollahi N, Salehi-Pourmehr H, et al. (2019). Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic infertility: A systematic review.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  2. Qureshi A, Naughton DP, Petroczi A (2014). A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect.. Journal of dietary supplements. DOI PubMed
  3. Ho CY, Hsu CH, Chien TJ (2026). Herbal dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Kong J, Li J, Xu M, Liu T, et al. (2025). Dietary Tribulus Terrestris as a functional food combined with blood flow restriction to enhance the jump performance of basketball athletes: a randomized crossover study.. Frontiers in nutrition. DOI PubMed
  5. Tahvilian R, Golesorkhi MA, Parhoudeh F, Heydarpour F, et al. (2024). The Effect of the Combination of Ginseng, Tribulus Terrestris, and L-arginine on the Sexual Performance of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.. Journal of pharmacopuncture. DOI PubMed