Tribulus Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Caltrop, Puncture vine, Gokhru, Bai ji li, Al-Gutub, Tribulus, Tribulus terrestris L.
Overview
Tribulus terrestris is a flowering plant whose aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers) are used to create a botanical extract. Historically, it has been utilized in traditional medicine systems to enhance sexual function and vitality. Primarily, it is marketed and researched for its potential to improve erectile dysfunction (ED) and libido. While some claims suggest it boosts testosterone and athletic performance, current high-quality evidence largely refutes these effects. The plant contains bioactive compounds like steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which are believed to mediate its pharmacological actions. Research on Tribulus terrestris is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, particularly focusing on its impact on sexual function and testosterone levels. Evidence for improving ED is strong, but for testosterone enhancement, it is weak or negative.
Benefits
Tribulus terrestris aerial parts extract demonstrates significant benefits for erectile dysfunction. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that supplementation significantly improved erectile function scores (IIEF-5 and IIEF-15) compared to both baseline and placebo, indicating a clinically meaningful improvement. This effect was observed in men with erectile dysfunction. However, the same meta-analysis found no significant difference in total testosterone levels between Tribulus and placebo groups, suggesting it does not reliably boost testosterone. Preclinical studies indicate potential secondary effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and cardio-renal protective properties, but these require further clinical validation in humans. The benefits on erectile function are typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use. The strength of evidence for ED improvement is high, while for testosterone enhancement, it is low to negative.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Tribulus terrestris is believed to involve its active steroidal saponins. These compounds may enhance nitric oxide (NO) production, leading to vasodilation and improved penile blood flow, which is crucial for erectile function. This action primarily affects the vascular endothelium, promoting the relaxation of blood vessels. Beyond its effects on sexual function, in vitro and animal studies suggest Tribulus may modulate apoptotic pathways and inflammatory signaling, such as inhibiting NF-kappa B, in various tissues. While some molecular targets like Caspase 3 activation and ERK1/2 dephosphorylation have been identified in cancer models, their direct relevance to its effects on sexual function is less clear. The absorption and bioavailability of saponins are generally limited, suggesting that effects might be mediated by metabolites or local actions within the body.
Side effects
Tribulus terrestris is generally well tolerated, with clinical trials showing no significant difference in adverse events compared to placebo. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is occasionally reported as a common side effect. However, there are important safety considerations. Uncommon side effects include potential interactions with blood clotting mechanisms, with an increased risk of thrombosis reported when combined with antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel. Therefore, caution is advised for patients on anticoagulants or those with pre-existing bleeding disorders, as Tribulus is contraindicated in such cases. No serious adverse events have been consistently reported in clinical trials. The safety of Tribulus terrestris in pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been established, and its use in these populations is not recommended. Overall, while generally safe for most users, specific drug interactions and contraindications related to blood clotting must be carefully considered.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Tribulus terrestris extract varies across studies, but most effective dosages in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) ranged from 750 mg to 1500 mg per day. This dosage typically refers to standardized extracts with a defined saponin content, which is preferred for consistency and efficacy. The minimum effective dose is commonly cited within the 250–1500 mg/day range. While a maximum safe dose is not definitively established, doses up to 1500 mg/day have appeared safe in short-term clinical trials. Tribulus is usually administered daily, with benefits on erectile function typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use. There are no specific timing considerations beyond daily administration, and no particular cofactors have been identified to enhance its absorption. Standardized extracts are recommended to ensure consistent levels of active compounds.
FAQs
Does Tribulus terrestris increase testosterone?
No, current high-quality evidence from meta-analyses indicates no significant increase in total testosterone levels in humans.
Is it effective for erectile dysfunction?
Yes, meta-analytic data support that Tribulus terrestris can significantly improve erectile function scores compared to placebo.
Is it safe?
It is generally safe with mild side effects like GI discomfort. However, caution is advised if you are taking blood-thinning medications due to potential interactions.
How long before effects appear?
Benefits on erectile function are typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
Can it replace pharmaceuticals for ED?
No, it is not recommended as a replacement for standard ED treatments. It may serve as an adjunctive therapy but lacks robust evidence to substitute prescription medications.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40360723/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs found that Tribulus terrestris significantly improved erectile function scores (IIEF-5 and IIEF-15) in men with ED compared to placebo, with a mean difference of 3.23. However, it showed no significant effect on total testosterone levels and no increase in adverse events. The study highlights the efficacy of Tribulus for ED but refutes its testosterone-boosting claims.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87559129.2022.2067172 – This narrative review explores the nutraceutical potential of Tribulus terrestris, highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and organ-protective effects observed primarily in preclinical studies. It emphasizes the need for more rigorous clinical trials to validate these broader health benefits in humans. The review suggests Tribulus may have applications beyond sexual health, but these are not yet clinically proven.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/tribulus-terrestris – This source provides an overview of Tribulus terrestris, including its traditional uses, purported benefits, and safety concerns. It notes potential interactions, such as an increased risk of thrombosis when combined with clopidogrel, and advises caution for individuals on anticoagulants. The summary emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare providers due to potential drug interactions.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24559105/ – This systematic review specifically investigated the effects of Tribulus terrestris on testosterone levels and athletic performance. It concluded that there is no consistent evidence to support the claim that Tribulus supplementation significantly increases testosterone concentrations or enhances athletic performance in humans. The review points to variability in study designs and extract quality as potential limitations.