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Supplements/Herb

Tribulus Terrestris

Traditionally used for libido; testosterone-boosting claims not supported by trials.

Libido & Sexual HealthTestosterone Support

Overview

Traditionally used for libido; testosterone-boosting claims not supported by trials.

Natural sources
  • Tribulus terrestris fruit
Common forms
  • Standardized saponins (40–60%)

Forms & variants of Tribulus Terrestris

Different chemical forms of Tribulus Terrestris behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

Libido dose
Tribulus terrestris (Libido)

Steroidal saponin herb claimed for libido and sexual function.

Mechanism of action

Saponins (protodioscin) may modulate androgen receptor sensitivity; no significant T effect in humans.

Pathways
  • · Androgen receptor modulation (debated)

Effects on the body

Supports
Libido (without T change)

Organ system effects

Reproductive

May improve libido in women and men with low desire.

Evidence-based benefits

Improves sexual desire and satisfaction (women & ED)

Moderate evidence

Does NOT increase testosterone in eugonadal men

Strong evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
    Serious
    • · Hepatotoxicity case reports

    Drug interactions

    Beta-blockers
    Mild BP/heart rate effects.
    minor

    Safety & non-supplemental interactions

    Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

    Avoid if you are
    • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
    • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
    Avoid with these conditions
    • ·Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, ovarian, uterine)
    Avoid / monitor with these medications
    • ·Hormonal contraceptives, HRT, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with

    None listed.

    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    250–750 mg standardized

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Herb
    Tribulus Ter…
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
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    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Herb
    Tribulus Ter…
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (9)

    Systematic reviewJ Ethnopharmacol · 2016

    Tribulus terrestris for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review

    Neychev V, Mitev V

    Review of clinical trials on Tribulus and sexual function.

    Key findings

    Modest benefit on libido in some trials; no consistent testosterone elevation.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Tribulus Terrestris — Improves sexual desire and satisfaction

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Tribulus Terrestris Improves sexual desire and satisfaction" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tribulus Terrestris and "Improves sexual desire and satisfaction". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Tribulus Terrestris — Does NOT increase testosterone in eugonadal men

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Tribulus Terrestris Does NOT increase testosterone in eugonadal men" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tribulus Terrestris and "Does NOT increase testosterone in eugonadal men". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Tribulus Terrestris — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Tribulus Terrestris randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tribulus Terrestris and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Tribulus Terrestris — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Tribulus Terrestris meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tribulus Terrestris and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Tribulus Terrestris — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Tribulus Terrestris pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tribulus Terrestris and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Tribulus Terrestris — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Tribulus Terrestris safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tribulus Terrestris and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Tribulus Terrestris — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Tribulus Terrestris dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tribulus Terrestris and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Tribulus Terrestris — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Tribulus Terrestris as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.