Tribulus terrestris
Also known as: Tribulus, Puncture vine
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses find inconsistent evidence for Tribulus. Several reviews identify mixed or limited positive effects on erectile function but do not support robust increases in total testosterone for most men; a small number of trials in men with low baseline androgens reported modest intra‑group rises. Trial quality is variable and many studies use different extracts and doses.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies
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Overview
Tribulus terrestris is a plant extract commonly sold in supplements for male sexual health and as a so‑called testosterone booster. Clinical trial evidence is mixed: some trials report modest improvements in erectile function, while most studies do not show clear increases in serum total testosterone.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Mechanistic claims have centred on saponins and other constituents potentially affecting androgen pathways or libido, but clinical evidence tying these mechanisms to meaningful hormonal or clinical outcomes in humans is lacking in the reviewed trials.
Physiological Role
Not an essential nutrient; proposed actions are modulatory on reproductive/endocrine function and on libido via plant secondary metabolites.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Limited and inconsistent. Some studies suggest possible small benefits for erectile function, but there is no consistent evidence that Tribulus reliably increases serum testosterone or meaningfully improves performance outcomes.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 400 mg/day (doses used in some positive trials)
- Optimal Range
- 400–750 mg/day (range reported across trials)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Oral, daily (as per trials)
- Best Format
- Standardised oral extract/tablet
- Bioavailability
- Not reported in the provided abstracts.
- Absorption Considerations
- Not reported in the provided abstracts.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Adverse events reported similar to placebo in several trials
- •Individual reports of gastrointestinal or mild adverse effects in some studies (not consistently detailed in abstracts)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding not evaluated in the provided trials
- Use with caution in people with hormone‑sensitive conditions (evidence insufficient)
Drug Interactions
- •Not reported in the provided abstracts; potential interactions with hormone‑modulating drugs cannot be excluded
Who Should Avoid
- •People expecting clinically meaningful increases in testosterone should be cautious given lack of consistent evidence
- •Those on prescription hormonal therapies until interactions are clarified
Monitoring
If used for presumed androgen effects, monitor symptoms and laboratory values (e.g. testosterone) under medical supervision; product quality and composition vary between preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Tribulus terrestris typically used or indicated?
Tribulus terrestris is most commonly used for: Support for male sexual function/erectile dysfunction, Claims of increasing testosterone, General male reproductive health. Not an essential nutrient; proposed actions are modulatory on reproductive/endocrine function and on libido via plant secondary metabolites.
How does Tribulus terrestris work?
Mechanistic claims have centred on saponins and other constituents potentially affecting androgen pathways or libido, but clinical evidence tying these mechanisms to meaningful hormonal or clinical outcomes in humans is lacking in the reviewed trials.
What is the recommended dose of Tribulus terrestris?
The optimal range is 400–750 mg/day (range reported across trials). with a minimum effective dose of 400 mg/day (doses used in some positive trials). Best taken: Oral, daily (as per trials). Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Tribulus terrestris?
Reported side effects include: Adverse events reported similar to placebo in several trials; and Individual reports of gastrointestinal or mild adverse effects in some studies (not consistently detailed in abstracts). Monitoring: If used for presumed androgen effects, monitor symptoms and laboratory values (e.g. testosterone) under medical supervision; product quality and composition vary between preparations.
Does Tribulus terrestris interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Not reported in the provided abstracts; potential interactions with hormone‑modulating drugs cannot be excluded. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Tribulus terrestris?
Tribulus terrestris is generally not recommended for: People expecting clinically meaningful increases in testosterone should be cautious given lack of consistent evidence; Those on prescription hormonal therapies until interactions are clarified; Pregnancy and breastfeeding not evaluated in the provided trials; and Use with caution in people with hormone‑sensitive conditions (evidence insufficient).
How strong is the evidence for Tribulus terrestris?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 46/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (5)
Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review.
Systematic review of multiple purported 'testosterone boosters' over the last two decades; included data on Tribulus terrestris among other agents and concluded most supplements fail to increase total testosterone, with Tribulus not shown as effective overall.
Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use.
Meta-analysis and systematic review of dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction identified some nutraceuticals, with Tribulus terrestris among those that showed ability to improve male sexual function in pooled analyses, though overall evidence and product formulations varied.
Effects of Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.) Supplementation on Erectile Dysfunction and Testosterone Levels in Men-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.
Systematic review specifically of Tribulus supplementation trials in men (9 trials + 1 quasi‑experimental); doses 400–750 mg/day for 1–3 months. Three of five studies that assessed erectile function reported improvement; eight of ten studies found no significant change in androgen profiles, with only two small studies showing modest intra‑group increases in testosterone in men with hypogonadism.
Combined Lifestyle and Herbal Medicine in Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Randomised controlled trial in overweight women with PCOS examined lifestyle plus a two‑tablet herbal regimen; Tablet 2 contained Tribulus terrestris among other herbs. The combined lifestyle plus herbal group showed clinical improvements versus lifestyle alone, but Tribulus was one component of a multi‑ingredient intervention.
Herbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Meta-analysis of herbal dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction included two RCTs of monopreparations of Tribulus (n≈202 across those trials) and concluded results were mixed, with some trials showing benefit and others not; study quality varied.
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/tribulus-terrestris
SuppIndex. (2026). Tribulus terrestris: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/tribulus-terrestris
Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Frequently combined with other herbal ingredients in marketed products; overlapping effects and dosing are often poorly characterised in trials.