Tribulus Terrestis Extract
Also known as: Caltrop, Puncture vine, Gokhru, Bai ji li, Al-Gutub, Tribulus terrestris L.
Overview
Tribulus terrestris is a plant traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in modern sports nutrition. It is primarily marketed for its purported benefits in enhancing sexual function, fertility, and physical performance. While commonly promoted for improving libido and male fertility parameters, and sometimes for female sexual dysfunction, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is mixed and often of low certainty. Research includes several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, but many studies suffer from small sample sizes, heterogeneous populations, and methodological limitations. The supplement is typically consumed as an extract, often standardized for saponin content, and is generally considered safe for short-term use.
Benefits
Tribulus terrestris has shown some evidence for specific benefits, though the strength of evidence varies. For male fertility, meta-analyses suggest it significantly improves sperm parameters such as sperm concentration (SMD = 0.624, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.117, p = 0.013) and sperm motility (SMD = 0.742, 95% CI 0.331 to 1.152, p = 0.001) in humans, with similar effects in animal models. However, it does not significantly increase testosterone levels in humans, contrary to common marketing claims. For female sexual dysfunction, a systematic review found very low-certainty evidence that it may improve sexual function scores and increase serum testosterone in premenopausal women after 1-3 months, but this evidence is weak and inconsistent. In physically active males, a systematic review indicated some improvements in lipid profiles and moderate benefits on inflammatory and hematological markers, but no clear effects on hormonal behavior or muscle damage markers. No serious adverse events have been widely reported, suggesting a generally acceptable safety profile.
How it works
The exact mechanism of action for Tribulus terrestris is not fully understood, but proposed mechanisms involve the modulation of androgen receptors and an influence on spermatogenesis. These effects are likely mediated by the plant's active compounds, particularly saponins and steroidal compounds. While often marketed as a testosterone booster, its effects on hormone levels such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are largely inconsistent and often statistically insignificant in human studies. It may also exert ACE-inhibitory effects, potentially influencing blood pressure. The bioavailability and absorption characteristics of its active components are not well-characterized in the current scientific literature.
Side effects
Tribulus terrestris is generally considered relatively safe for short-term use. Common side effects are rare and typically mild, such as gastrointestinal discomfort. However, there have been uncommon case reports of elevated liver enzymes (aminotransferases), creatinine, and mild alkaline phosphatase elevations. Several potential drug interactions have been identified: it may increase the risk of blood clots when combined with clopidogrel, and it might potentiate the effects of diuretics and antihypertensives. In vitro studies suggest it inhibits P-glycoprotein, which could affect the metabolism and efficacy of various drugs. Due to a lack of sufficient data, its use is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with severe hepatic or renal impairment. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking other medications.
Dosage
There is no universally standardized dosing for Tribulus terrestris due to variability across studies. Clinical trials typically utilize extracts standardized to their saponin content, with daily doses ranging from 250 mg to 1500 mg. The duration of supplementation in studies commonly ranges from 1 to 3 months. The specific timing of administration and the formulation (e.g., extract versus whole plant material) can influence absorption, but these factors are not well-defined in the current research. It is important to note that upper limits and safety thresholds for long-term use are not firmly established, and users should adhere to product label instructions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
FAQs
Does Tribulus terrestris increase testosterone?
Current high-quality evidence indicates that Tribulus terrestris does not significantly increase testosterone levels in humans, despite common marketing claims.
Is it effective for female sexual dysfunction?
Evidence is very limited and of low certainty. While some studies suggest potential benefits, they are not consistently confirmed, and more robust research is needed.
Is Tribulus terrestris safe to use?
It is generally considered safe for short-term use. However, caution is advised due to potential interactions with certain medications and rare reports of elevated liver enzymes.
How long does it take to see effects from Tribulus terrestris?
Studies reporting effects typically involve supplementation durations ranging from 1 to 3 months before changes are observed.
Does it improve athletic performance?
There is no clear and consistent evidence to support that Tribulus terrestris significantly enhances athletic performance or reduces muscle damage.
Research Sources
- https://www.scielo.br/j/rbgo/a/j9q637hwJbhZDWPb8syg83w/?lang=en – This systematic review on female sexual dysfunction found very low-certainty evidence that Tribulus terrestris may improve sexual function scores and increase serum testosterone in premenopausal women after 1-3 months of treatment. No serious adverse events were reported, but the study highlighted limitations such as small sample sizes and heterogeneity among included trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9368143/ – This systematic review of 7 studies in physically active males indicated some improvements in lipid profiles and moderate benefits on inflammatory and hematological markers with Tribulus terrestris supplementation. However, it found no clear effects on hormonal behavior or markers of muscle damage, and noted limitations due to the small number of studies and varied methodologies.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/7118431 – This meta-analysis, including 30 studies with 133 human participants, demonstrated significant improvements in sperm concentration and motility with Tribulus terrestris supplementation for male fertility. It concluded that effects on testosterone and other hormones were nonsignificant and inconsistent, noting variability in study design and populations as limitations.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/tribulus-terrestris – This source provides a comprehensive overview of Tribulus terrestris, including its traditional uses, proposed mechanisms, and safety profile. It highlights uncommon reports of elevated liver enzymes and creatinine, and potential drug interactions, particularly with clopidogrel, diuretics, and antihypertensives, due to P-glycoprotein inhibition.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24559105/ – This systematic review concluded that Tribulus terrestris is ineffective for increasing testosterone levels in humans, directly contradicting many marketing claims. The review emphasized the need for more rigorous and well-designed clinical trials to definitively assess its efficacy and safety for various purported benefits.
