Tribulus Terrestris

    Written by:
    Peter Woznik

    Fact-checked

    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.

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

    Overview

    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]

    Frequently asked questions

    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 - 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)
    7. 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)
    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)