Tribulus Terrestris Herb
Also known as: Puncture vine, goat’s head, bindii, Tribulus terrestris L., Tribulus terrestris
Overview
Tribulus terrestris is a perennial plant widely used in traditional medicine for its purported benefits on sexual function, fertility, and overall vitality. It is commonly available as an extract or powder in dietary supplements, primarily targeting male and female sexual health, erectile dysfunction (ED), and fertility enhancement. The plant's active constituents are believed to be steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Research on Tribulus terrestris is evolving, with an increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. While some studies show promising results, the overall quality of evidence is often limited by small sample sizes and variability across studies, necessitating further robust research to confirm its efficacy and mechanisms of action.
Benefits
Tribulus terrestris has shown several potential benefits, primarily in sexual health and fertility. For erectile dysfunction (ED), a 2025 meta-analysis of 8 RCTs indicated significant improvements in erectile function scores (IIEF-5 and IIEF-15) compared to placebo, with mean differences of 3.23 and 14.44, respectively. This suggests a notable positive effect without increasing adverse events, though total testosterone levels did not significantly change. In male fertility, a meta-analysis of 30 studies found that supplementation significantly improved sperm concentration (SMD = 0.624) and sperm motility (SMD = 0.742), although effects on testosterone and luteinizing hormone were inconsistent. For female sexual dysfunction, a systematic review of 5 RCTs provided very low-certainty evidence suggesting a possible increase in sexual function scores (FSFI and SQ-F) and serum testosterone in premenopausal women after 1-3 months. However, this evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and risk of bias, making it inconclusive.
How it works
Tribulus terrestris is believed to exert its effects primarily through steroidal saponins, which may modulate androgen receptors and influence gonadotropin release. It may also enhance nitric oxide synthesis, leading to improved vasodilation and potentially better erectile function. Its impact on spermatogenesis could be mediated by antioxidant activity and hormonal modulation, although direct increases in serum testosterone are not consistently observed. The bioavailability of its active compounds can vary significantly depending on the extraction methods and formulation, which in turn affects its clinical efficacy and the consistency of observed results.
Side effects
Tribulus terrestris is generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse events consistently reported in randomized controlled trials. While specific common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) are not extensively documented, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. Clinical trials have not robustly identified significant drug interactions or contraindications. However, safety data for specific populations, such as pregnant women and children, are currently lacking, and its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. Overall, its safety profile appears favorable based on available clinical evidence, but comprehensive long-term safety data are still needed.
Dosage
Effective doses of Tribulus terrestris in clinical trials vary considerably, typically ranging from 250 mg to 1500 mg daily of a standardized extract. The duration of supplementation in studies commonly spans 1 to 3 months to observe benefits. Due to the heterogeneity in study designs and formulations, optimal dosing and specific formulations remain unclear. There is no established maximum safe dose; therefore, it is advisable to adhere to the dosage ranges that have been tested in clinical trials. Users should consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice, especially given the variability in product standardization and individual responses.
FAQs
Does Tribulus terrestris increase testosterone?
Evidence regarding Tribulus terrestris's effect on serum testosterone levels in men and women is inconsistent and largely shows nonsignificant increases in controlled studies.
Is it safe?
Yes, Tribulus terrestris is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse events reported in controlled clinical trials, though mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur.
How soon do benefits appear?
Improvements in sexual function and sperm parameters have typically been observed within 1 to 3 months of consistent supplementation in clinical studies.
Does it work for both men and women?
Evidence supports benefits for male erectile dysfunction and fertility. For female sexual dysfunction, the evidence is limited, of low certainty, and inconclusive.
Research Sources
- https://www.scielo.br/j/rbgo/a/j9q637hwJbhZDWPb8syg83w/?lang=en – This systematic review of 5 RCTs on women with sexual dysfunction found very low-certainty evidence that Tribulus terrestris might improve sexual function scores and serum testosterone in premenopausal women after 1-3 months. The study highlighted limitations such as small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and risk of bias, preventing a meta-analysis and indicating the need for more robust research.
- 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 ED compared to placebo. The study noted a favorable safety profile with no increase in adverse events, but found no significant difference in total testosterone levels.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/7118431 – This meta-analysis, including 30 human and rodent studies, reported that Tribulus terrestris supplementation significantly improved sperm concentration and motility in males with fertility issues. However, the effects on testosterone and luteinizing hormone were inconsistent and not statistically significant, suggesting other mechanisms may be at play.
