Overview
Tribulus terrestris (TT) is an herbal supplement traditionally used to support male reproductive health and sexual function. Despite its popularity as an aphrodisiac and testosterone-boosting agent, clinical evidence does not support a significant effect on androgen levels in healthy men. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found no improvement in erectile dysfunction or sexual desire with TT supplementation compared to placebo, despite marketing claims [3]. Similarly, a human study showed no influence of TT extract on serum testosterone, androstenedione, or luteinizing hormone levels over a 4-week period [2]. In animal models, TT did not improve sperm concentration, motility, or testicular morphology at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight [1], although in vitro studies demonstrated enhanced human sperm motility and viability when semen was directly incubated with TT extract at 40–50 µg/mL [6]. Additionally, saponins from TT have shown lipid-lowering effects in hyperlipidemic mice, reducing serum and liver total cholesterol and LDL-c [2]. However, overall evidence does not support a systemic anabolic or hormonal effect in humans, and TT may not alter urinary steroid profiles significantly based on preliminary data [7].
Dosage Guide
Therapeutic Doses
For treatment of specific conditions
Special Forms
Alternative forms for specific needs
Standardized extract (45% saponins); most studied form in clinical trials
Used in preclinical studies for lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects
Clinical Notes
- No consistent evidence supports Tribulus terrestris as a testosterone booster or treatment for erectile dysfunction in humans.
- May be unsafe in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions due to theoretical androgenic activity, despite lack of clinical evidence.
- Potential for contamination or adulteration in commercial supplements sold online.
- Limited safety data in women, children, and individuals with liver or kidney disease.
- Does not appear to significantly alter urinary steroid profiles, but may still trigger false positives in doping tests due to structural analogs.
Research
Tribulus terrestris (100 mg/kg/day) had no effect on sperm concentration, motility, viability, or testicular morphology in rats after 40 days.
Saponins from Tribulus terrestris significantly reduced serum TC, LDL-c, and liver TC/TG in hyperlipidemic mice, with antioxidant effects via increased liver SOD activity.
In a clinical trial, Tribulus terrestris (Tribestan) showed no significant efficacy over placebo for treating mild to moderate erectile dysfunction or hypoactive sexual desire disorder in men.
Tribulus terrestris extract (10–20 mg/kg/day) did not alter serum testosterone, androstenedione, or LH levels in healthy young men over 4 weeks.
Systematic review found insufficient evidence to support dietary supplements containing Tribulus terrestris as first-line therapy for erectile dysfunction.
In vitro, Tribulus terrestris extract (40–50 µg/mL) significantly improved human sperm motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, and viability.
Short-term Tribulus terrestris supplementation did not significantly alter urinary steroid profiles in recreational athletes, suggesting no major impact on steroid metabolism.
Three new steroidal saponins were isolated from Tribulus terrestris fruits, contributing to its phytochemical characterization.
