Organic Tribulus Terresteris
Also known as: Caltrop, Puncture vine, Gokhru, Bai ji li, Al-Gutub, Tribulus terrestris L., Tribulus terrestris
Overview
Tribulus terrestris is a plant-based herbal supplement derived from the fruit, leaves, and roots of the plant. Traditionally, it has been used as an aphrodisiac and for addressing sexual dysfunction. Modern research primarily investigates its potential to enhance sexual function, improve erectile dysfunction (ED), and, to a lesser extent, boost testosterone levels and athletic performance. While it is marketed for general vitality, the most robust clinical evidence focuses on its effects on sexual health in both men and women. The research landscape for Tribulus terrestris is moderately mature, featuring several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, though the quality and consistency of evidence can vary across different claims.
Benefits
Tribulus terrestris has shown some evidence for specific benefits: - **Erectile Dysfunction:** A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs demonstrated that Tribulus terrestris significantly improved erectile function scores (IIEF-5 and IIEF-15) compared to both baseline and placebo. The mean difference for IIEF-5 was 4.21 (p < 0.00001) and for IIEF-15 was 15.88 (p = 0.0004) compared to baseline, and it outperformed placebo with MD 3.23 (95% CI 1.89–4.58) and 14.44 (95% CI 5.75–23.14) respectively. This suggests a modest but statistically significant improvement in erectile function in men with ED. However, this benefit was not associated with an increase in total testosterone levels. - **Female Sexual Dysfunction:** A systematic review including 5 RCTs (n=279) found very low-certainty evidence suggesting that Tribulus terrestris may increase sexual function scores (FSFI and SQ-F) and serum testosterone in premenopausal women after 1 to 3 months of treatment. The evidence is limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneity, indicating a need for more robust research. - **Testosterone Levels:** Multiple systematic reviews, including one from 2014, consistently conclude that Tribulus terrestris is ineffective at significantly increasing testosterone levels in humans, despite common marketing claims.
How it works
Tribulus terrestris contains steroidal saponins, with protodioscin being a key active compound. These saponins are hypothesized to influence androgen receptors and nitric oxide pathways, which could lead to improved blood flow and enhanced sexual function. However, the precise molecular targets and mechanisms of action in humans are not yet fully elucidated. Its bioactive compounds may also inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a transporter protein, which could potentially affect the metabolism and bioavailability of certain drugs. The specific details regarding its absorption and bioavailability in clinical settings are not well characterized.
Side effects
Tribulus terrestris is generally considered well tolerated for short-term use, typically up to 1–3 months, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse events. However, some mild adverse effects have been noted in rare cases, including slight elevations in liver enzymes (aminotransferases), creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase. Potential drug interactions are a significant concern. Tribulus terrestris may potentiate the effects of antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and diuretic medications, potentially leading to dangerously low blood pressure, blood sugar, or excessive fluid loss. There is also a possible increased risk of blood clots when combined with antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel. Furthermore, its potential to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) could alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs that are P-gp substrates, leading to increased drug levels and potential toxicity. Long-term safety data and comprehensive contraindications are currently insufficient, warranting caution, especially in individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those on multiple medications.
Dosage
Clinical trials investigating Tribulus terrestris have utilized a wide range of doses, typically from 250 mg to 1500 mg per day of an extract standardized for saponins. The duration of treatment in these studies commonly ranged from 1 to 3 months. There is currently no established maximum safe dose, and due to limited long-term safety data, a conservative approach to dosing is recommended. Specific timing relative to meals or the use of cofactors to enhance absorption is not well defined in the clinical literature. Individuals should adhere to product label instructions or consult a healthcare professional, especially given the potential for drug interactions and the lack of extensive long-term safety information.
FAQs
Does Tribulus terrestris increase testosterone?
Current high-quality evidence, including systematic reviews, indicates that Tribulus terrestris does not significantly increase testosterone levels in men.
Is it effective for erectile dysfunction?
Yes, evidence from meta-analyses supports that Tribulus terrestris can lead to modest improvements in erectile function scores in men with ED.
Is Tribulus terrestris safe?
It is generally safe for short-term use (1-3 months), but caution is advised due to potential interactions with antihypertensive, antidiabetic, diuretic, and P-gp substrate medications.
How soon do benefits appear?
Improvements in sexual function, where observed, typically appeared within 1 to 3 months of consistent supplementation in clinical studies.
Research Sources
- https://www.scielo.br/j/rbgo/a/j9q637hwJbhZDWPb8syg83w/?lang=en – This systematic review from 2025 investigated the effects of Tribulus terrestris on female sexual dysfunction. It included 5 RCTs (n=279) and found very low-certainty evidence suggesting improvements in sexual function scores and serum testosterone in premenopausal women after 1-3 months. The study highlighted limitations such as small sample sizes and heterogeneity, preventing a meta-analysis.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40360723/ – A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs demonstrated that Tribulus terrestris significantly improved erectile function scores (IIEF-5 and IIEF-15) in men with erectile dysfunction compared to placebo. However, the study found no significant increase in total testosterone levels, indicating that the improvements in ED are likely not testosterone-mediated.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/tribulus-terrestris – This source from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides an overview of Tribulus terrestris, detailing its mechanism of action, including the role of steroidal saponins like protodioscin. It also comprehensively lists potential side effects, drug interactions (e.g., with antihypertensives, antidiabetics, and P-gp substrates), and contraindications, emphasizing the need for caution.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24559105/ – This systematic review from 2014 concluded that Tribulus terrestris is ineffective at increasing testosterone levels in humans. Based on an analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials and animal studies, the findings consistently contradicted claims of testosterone-boosting effects, despite its widespread marketing for this purpose.
