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Herb

Tribulus terrestris (Libido)

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Tribulus terrestris (Libido). Steroidal saponin herb claimed for libido and sexual function.

How it works. Protodioscin and steroidal saponins may modulate androgen receptors and NO.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: No effect on testosterone in healthy men (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 750 mg/day standardized.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Tribulus terrestris (Libido). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Tribulus terrestris (Libido). Steroidal saponin herb claimed for libido and sexual function.

Key compound: protodioscinC51H84O22 · 1049.2 g/mol

What it is

Steroidal saponin herb claimed for libido and sexual function.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Libido & Sexual HealthWomen's Health

How it works

Protodioscin and steroidal saponins may modulate androgen receptors and NO.

Pathways

  • Protodioscin
  • steroidal saponins may modulate androgen receptors

Effects

  • +libido in postmenopausal women supports
  • +No effect on testosterone in healthy men supports

What the research supports

No effect on testosterone in healthy menstrong
Improves libido in postmenopausal womenmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
750 mg/day standardized
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith food
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Tribulus terrestris (Libido) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Tribulus terrestris (Libido) — Improves libido in postmenopausal women ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tribulus terrestris (Libido) and "Improves libido in postmenopausal women". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Tribulus terrestris (Libido) — No effect on testosterone in healthy men ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Tribulus terrestris (Libido) and "No effect on testosterone in healthy men". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Tribulus terrestris (Libido) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

Discussion

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