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Tribulus Terrestris

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

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

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Does NOT increase testosterone in eugonadal men (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 250–750 mg standardized.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Hepatotoxicity case reports.

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

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

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

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Tribulus Terrestris. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

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

Key compound: protodioscinC51H84O22 · 1049.2 g/mol

What it is

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

Food sources

Tribulus terrestris fruit

Goals

Libido & Sexual HealthTestosterone Support

How it works

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

Pathways

  • Androgen receptor modulation (debated)

Effects

  • +Libido (without T change) supports

What the research supports

Does NOT increase testosterone in eugonadal menstrong
Improves sexual desire and satisfaction (women & ED)moderate

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
250–750 mg standardized
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized saponins (40–60%) form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Serious

  • Hepatotoxicity case reports

Medication interactions

Beta-blockersminor

Mild BP/heart rate effects.

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.

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Tribulus Terrestris — Improves sexual desire and satisfaction ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Tribulus Terrestris — Does NOT increase testosterone in eugonadal men ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

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

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

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