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Tribulus Terrestris Research & Evidence

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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

Evidence Level

Moderate

Tribulus Terrestris is a herbal supplement commonly associated with sexual health and hormonal regulation. However, its effects on testosterone levels remain unsupported by robust clinical evidence. A systematic review by Qureshi et al. (2014) analyzed multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and found no significant increase in testosterone levels among healthy males after supplementation. Similarly, Rogerson et al. (2007) conducted a 5-week RCT with elite rugby players and reported no changes in testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or androgen ratios.

Despite these findings, Tribulus Terrestris has shown potential benefits for sexual health through non-androgenic mechanisms. Kamenov et al. (2017) conducted a 12-week RCT with a dosage of 750mg daily and observed significant improvements in sexual desire and satisfaction among both men and women, suggesting involvement of nitric oxide or dopamine systems. Furthermore, Suharyani et al. (2026) performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight RCTs involving 514 participants and found that Tribulus Terrestris significantly improved erectile function, as measured by IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scores, without notable adverse events.

While Tribulus Terrestris may offer support for libido and erectile function, it should not be relied upon as a "testosterone booster" due to the lack of evidence supporting such claims. It is generally considered safe and may provide genuine benefits for sexual health through mechanisms independent of hormonal changes.

Evidence by Condition

ConditionStudied DoseEvidence
Libido and sexual function750mg daily in 3 divided dosesModerate
Erectile function800mg dailyEmerging
General vitality250-500mg dailyEmerging

References

  1. RCTKamenov Z, Fileva S, Kalinov K, Jannini EA (2017). Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction — a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Maturitas. DOI PubMed
  2. ReviewQureshi 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. RCTRogerson S, Riches CJ, Jennings C, Weatherby RP, Meir RA, Marshall-Gradisnik SM (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
  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. ReviewVilar 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. Martimbianco 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. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Petre GC, Francini-Pesenti F, Vitagliano A, Grande G, et al. (2023). Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed