Tribulus Terrestris

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    Peter Woznik

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    by:

    Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: April 29, 2024

    Tribulus terrestris is a plant whose root and fruits are used in Ayurvedic medicine for male virility and general vitality, respectively. It is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It appears to reduce symptoms of sexual dysfunction (but not improve testosterone levels) in men and women and might improve metabolic health as well.

    Tribulus Terrestris is most often used for Men’s Health. The Examine Database covers Low Testosterone, Female Sexual Dysfunction, and 15 other conditions and goals.

    27 references on this page
    2,014 participants in 16 trials and 1 meta-analysis

    What is Tribulus terrestris?

    Tribulus terrestris is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of eye trouble, edema, stomach ailments, and sexual dysfunction. It is also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of impotence and infertility, urogenital disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and chronic pain.[5]

    Of the more than 70 compounds found in Tribulus terrestris, the most common include steroidal saponins and flavonoids, which are contained in the root and the fruit of the plant and appear to be largely responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neurological properties.[6] The particular composition of Tribulus terrestris largely depends on its geographical origin.[7]

    What are Tribulus terrestris’ main benefits?

    Tribulus terrestris is commonly claimed to have aphrodisiac properties. There is indeed some evidence that it can improve sexual desire, increase sexual satisfaction, and reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men[8][9][4][10] and enhance libido in women.[11][12] These effects seem to be most prominent in people who are experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. Current evidence fails to support that claim that Tribulus terrestris elevates testosterone levels.[13][14]

    Tribulus terrestris may also have benefits for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol[15][16] and for reducing blood glucose in people with diabetes,[17][18] though evidence is limited.

    What are Tribulus terrestris’ main drawbacks?

    None of the clinical trials that have studied the effects of Tribulus terrestris have reported an increase in adverse side effects when compared to placebo treatments.[7][19][4] While no toxicology studies have been conducted in humans, rodent studies that have administered Tribulus terrestris at a dose of 500 mg per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) for 28 days (equivalent to a human dose of 80 mg/kg after adjusting for metabolic and size differences) didn’t observe any toxic side effects.[20] In vitro studies have shown cytotoxic, genotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting effects of Tribulus terrestris, but it is unknown how this may translate to humans.[21]

    How does Tribulus terrestris work?

    The mechanism by which Tribulus terrestris improves erectile function may involve an enhancement in the relaxation of penile smooth muscle tissue, increased intracavernous pressure, and elevated penile blood flow. These effects seem to be dependent on a greater release of nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelium of blood vessels.[22][23][24]

    Tribulus terrestris and its extracts may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Tribulus terrestris scavenges hydrogen peroxide and superoxide free radicals[25] and increases the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.[26] Furthermore, Tribulus terrestris might inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-𝛼, interleukin 6, and interleukin 10.[27]

    What are other names for Tribulus Terrestris?

    Note that Tribulus Terrestris is also known as:

    • Trib
    • Puncturevine
    • Protodioscin

    Dosage information

    Daily doses of 750–1,500 mg of Tribulus terrestris extract (unspecified if fruit or root) have commonly been examined in meta-analyses and systematic reviews, with a dosage of 750 mg/day being more common.[1][2][3]. In regards to active ingredients, one trial featured participants taking 500 mg of Tribulus terrestris extract, which contained 225 mg of furostanol saponins, three times per day.[4]

    Examine Database: Tribulus Terrestris

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    Frequently asked questions

    What is Tribulus terrestris?

    Tribulus terrestris is an herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of eye trouble, edema, stomach ailments, and sexual dysfunction. It is also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of impotence and infertility, urogenital disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and chronic pain.[5]

    Of the more than 70 compounds found in Tribulus terrestris, the most common include steroidal saponins and flavonoids, which are contained in the root and the fruit of the plant and appear to be largely responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neurological properties.[6] The particular composition of Tribulus terrestris largely depends on its geographical origin.[7]

    What are Tribulus terrestris’ main benefits?

    Tribulus terrestris is commonly claimed to have aphrodisiac properties. There is indeed some evidence that it can improve sexual desire, increase sexual satisfaction, and reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men[8][9][4][10] and enhance libido in women.[11][12] These effects seem to be most prominent in people who are experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. Current evidence fails to support that claim that Tribulus terrestris elevates testosterone levels.[13][14]

    Tribulus terrestris may also have benefits for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol[15][16] and for reducing blood glucose in people with diabetes,[17][18] though evidence is limited.

    What are Tribulus terrestris’ main drawbacks?

    None of the clinical trials that have studied the effects of Tribulus terrestris have reported an increase in adverse side effects when compared to placebo treatments.[7][19][4] While no toxicology studies have been conducted in humans, rodent studies that have administered Tribulus terrestris at a dose of 500 mg per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) for 28 days (equivalent to a human dose of 80 mg/kg after adjusting for metabolic and size differences) didn’t observe any toxic side effects.[20] In vitro studies have shown cytotoxic, genotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting effects of Tribulus terrestris, but it is unknown how this may translate to humans.[21]

    How does Tribulus terrestris work?

    The mechanism by which Tribulus terrestris improves erectile function may involve an enhancement in the relaxation of penile smooth muscle tissue, increased intracavernous pressure, and elevated penile blood flow. These effects seem to be dependent on a greater release of nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelium of blood vessels.[22][23][24]

    Tribulus terrestris and its extracts may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Tribulus terrestris scavenges hydrogen peroxide and superoxide free radicals[25] and increases the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.[26] Furthermore, Tribulus terrestris might inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-𝛼, interleukin 6, and interleukin 10.[27]

    Update History

    Examine Database References

    1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Samani NB, Jokar A, Soveid M, Heydari M, Mosavat SHEfficacy of Tribulus Terrestris Extract on the Serum Glucose and Lipids of Women with Diabetes MellitusIran J Med Sci.(2016 May)
    2. Erections - GamalEl Din SF, Abdel Salam MA, Mohamed MS, Ahmed AR, Motawaa AT, Saadeldin OA, Elnabarway RRTribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with late-onset hypogonadism: A placebo-controlled studyUrologia.(2018 Sep 25)
    3. Erections - Roaiah MF, El Khayat YI, GamalEl Din SF, Abd El Salam MAPilot Study on the Effect of Botanical Medicine (Tribulus terrestris) on Serum Testosterone Level and Erectile Function in Aging Males With Partial Androgen Deficiency (PADAM)J Sex Marital Ther.(2016 May 18)
    4. Testosterone - Roaiah MF, Elkhayat YI, Saleh SF, Abd El Salam MAProspective Analysis on the Effect of Botanical Medicine (Tribulus terrestris) on Serum Testosterone Level and Semen Parameters in Males with Unexplained InfertilityJ Diet Suppl.(2016 Jun 23)
    5. Testosterone - Saudan C, Baume N, Emery C, Strahm E, Saugy MShort term impact of Tribulus terrestris intake on doping control analysis of endogenous steroidsForensic Sci Int.(2008 Jun 10)
    6. Erections - Kamenov Z, Fileva S, Kalinov K, Jannini EAEvaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialMaturitas.(2017 May)
    7. Erections - Petre GC, Francini-Pesenti F, Vitagliano A, Grande G, Ferlin A, Garolla ADietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use.Nutrients.(2023-Aug-22)
    8. Testosterone - Neychev VK, Mitev VIThe aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young menJ Ethnopharmacol.(2005 Oct 3)
    9. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone - Salgado RM, Marques-Silva MH, Gonçalves E, Mathias AC, Aguiar JG, Wolff PEffect of oral administration of Tribulus terrestris extract on semen quality and body fat index of infertile menAndrologia.(2017 Jun)
    10. Sperm Count - Sellandi TM, Thakar AB, Baghel MSClinical study of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in Oligozoospermia: A double blind studyAyu.(2012 Jul)
    11. Heart Rate - Murthy AR, Dubey SD, Tripathi KAnti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A clinical studyAnc Sci Life.(2000 Jan)
    12. Sexual Function - Akhtari E, Raisi F, Keshavarz M, Hosseini H, Sohrabvand F, Bioos S, Kamalinejad M, Ghobadi ATribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo - controlled studyDaru.(2014 Apr 28)
    13. Sexual Function - de Souza KZ, Vale FB, Geber SEfficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trialMenopause.(2016 Nov)
    14. Sexual Function - Vale FBC, Zanolla Dias de Souza K, Rezende CR, Geber SEfficacy of Tribulus Terrestris for the treatment of premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trialGynecol Endocrinol.(2018 May)
    15. Sexual Function - Gama CR, Lasmar R, Gama GF, Abreu CS, Nunes CP, Geller M, Oliveira L, Santos AClinical Assessment of Tribulus terrestris Extract in the Treatment of Female Sexual DysfunctionClin Med Insights Womens Health.(2014 Dec 22)
    16. Body Fat - Antonio J, Uelmen J, Rodriguez R, Earnest CThe effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained malesInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2000 Jun)
    17. Body Fat - Rogerson S, Riches CJ, Jennings C, Weatherby RP, Meir RA, Marshall-Gradisnik SMThe effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league playersJ Strength Cond Res.(2007 May)