Proven Stack
← Save your money
Yellow Tribulus terrestris flower with small paired leaves
Specimen PS-TRI · Grade C · 15 papers
UnclearABCD
Verdict · not backed by research

Tribulus terrestris

Not worth it for health, testosterone and strength.

Check my whole stack →
Dose450–1250 mg/day
WhenDaily, 4-8 weeks in trials
Works afterNo benefit found within the 4-8 week trial periods
Evidence15 papers read

Does it work?

The label shows how strong the evidence is, not how big the effect is. Tap a claim to see its papers.

Lab note

In plain words

For a lifter, none: 450 mg/day for 5 weeks in elite rugby players and 8 weeks in resistance-trained men added no strength or fat-free mass over placebo. Men with erectile dysfunction may see a modest improvement in erectile-function scores (IIEF-5 +3.23 vs placebo).[1][8][9]

The numbers

Trials with no androgen change8 of 10systematic review of clinical trials in men[5]
Testosterone rise where seen60-70 ng/dLonly in men with hypogonadism[5]
Erectile function scoreIIEF-5 +3.23vs placebo, men with erectile dysfunction, 8 trials[1]

Up next

Sunlight streaming through a window onto a white wall
Next to avoidVitamin DSee the verdict →

Claim by claim— each claim graded on its own

A meta-analysis of 8 trials in men with erectile dysfunction found modestly better erectile-function scores than placebo (IIEF-5 +3.23), with no change in testosterone; one 30-man trial found no benefit.[1][2][3]

This is tribulus's best-supported effect, and the largest trial (180 men) was positive, but it applies to men with diagnosed erectile dysfunction, not healthy lifters, and trials use different extracts. Effects confined to a clinical population are Grade C.

Each plate is one paper. Taller = stronger study design, wider = more studies pooled. Tap one.

26′17′14′
Meta-analysis2026· Int J Impot Res
Tribulus terrestris for management of patients with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

In men with erectile dysfunction, tribulus improved erectile-function scores more than placebo, with no difference in testosterone and no more side effects than placebo.

Studies pooled
8
IIEF-5 vs placebo
MD 3.23 (95% CI 1.89 to 4.58)
IIEF-15 vs placebo
MD 14.44 (95% CI 5.75 to 23.14)
Total testosterone
No significant difference vs placebo
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govDOI PubMed
Randomized trial2017· Maturitas
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

In 180 men with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction, a standardised extract (Tribestan) for 12 weeks improved erectile-function scores more than placebo and was well tolerated.

Participants
180
IIEF difference vs placebo (ITT)
2.70 (95% CI 1.40 to 4.01)
Dose
6 tablets/day of 250 mg extract, each ≥112.5 mg furostanol saponins
Adverse events
No difference vs placebo
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govDOI PubMed

No meaningful effect: 8 of 10 trials in one review found no change in androgens, and the only increases (60-70 ng/dL) were in men with low testosterone.[4][5][6][7]

Systematic reviews and RCTs in healthy young men find no testosterone increase; earlier positive findings come from animals or combination products. Good human trials finding no effect is Grade D.

Each plate is one paper. Taller = stronger study design, wider = more studies pooled. Tap one.

14′25′22′05′
Systematic review2025· Nutrients
Effects of Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.) Supplementation on Erectile Dysfunction and Testosterone Levels in Men-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

There was no robust evidence that tribulus raises testosterone; the two positive studies showed small rises in men with hypogonadism, and half the trials were low quality.

Studies pooled
10
Participants
483
Trials with no androgen change
8 of 10
Rise where seen
60-70 ng/dL, hypogonadal men only
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govDOI PubMed

No added strength or fat-free mass versus placebo over 5-8 weeks of training in elite rugby players and resistance-trained men.[8][9][10]

Placebo-controlled RCTs in trained athletes find no benefit for strength or body composition. Good trials finding no effect is Grade D.

Each plate is one paper. Taller = stronger study design, wider = more studies pooled. Tap one.

21′07′00′

All key numbers

Trials with no androgen change8 of 10systematic review of clinical trials in men[5]
Testosterone rise where seen60-70 ng/dLonly in men with hypogonadism[5]
Erectile function scoreIIEF-5 +3.23vs placebo, men with erectile dysfunction, 8 trials[1]
Strength and fat-free massNo difference450 mg/day, 5 weeks, elite rugby players[8]

Evidence timeline— how the evidence built up

Meta-analysis or systematic reviewTrial or narrative review
200020102020
Every paper cited on this page, placed by publication year. Hover a mark to preview it; select it to jump to the reference.

How it works

Tribulus terrestris (puncture vine) is a weedy plant whose fruit, leaf and root extracts are sold as testosterone boosters. Its main active compounds are steroidal saponins, chiefly protodioscin, and their amounts vary widely with where the plant grows and which part is used. It is not a food, so a normal diet provides none.

The marketing theory is that tribulus saponins make the pituitary release more luteinising hormone (LH), which tells the testes to make more testosterone. Support for this comes from animal studies. In young men, 4 weeks at 10 or 20 mg/kg/day changed neither LH nor testosterone, and in erectile-dysfunction trials testosterone did not differ from placebo. Any erectile benefit is more likely to work another way, possibly via nitric oxide, though this is unconfirmed.[1][4][6][11]

References

Reviewed 03 Oct 2026 · every PubMed ID checked against PubMed

  1. [1]Suharyani S, et al. Tribulus terrestris for management of patients with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Int J Impot Res. 2026;38(1):11-18. Meta-analysis PubMed · DOI
  2. [2]Kamenov Z, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Maturitas. 2017;99:20-26. Randomized trial PubMed · DOI
  3. [3]Santos CA Jr, et al. Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a prospective, randomized, double blind study. Actas Urol Esp. 2014;38(4):244-8. Randomized trial PubMed · DOI
  4. [4]Qureshi A, et al. A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect. J Diet Suppl. 2014;11(1):64-79. Systematic review PubMed · DOI
  5. [5]Vilar Neto JO, et al. Effects of Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.) supplementation on erectile dysfunction and testosterone levels in men: a systematic review of clinical trials. Nutrients. 2025;17(7):1275. Systematic review PubMed · DOI
  6. [6]Neychev VK, Mitev VI. The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;101(1-3):319-23. Randomized trial PubMed · DOI
  7. [7]Fernández-Lázaro D, et al. Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. on sport and health biomarkers in physically active adult males: a systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(15):9533. Systematic review PubMed · DOI
  8. [8]Rogerson S, et al. The effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league players. J Strength Cond Res. 2007;21(2):348-53. Randomized trial PubMed · DOI
  9. [9]Antonio J, et al. The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000;10(2):208-15. Randomized trial PubMed · DOI
  10. [10]Fernández-Lázaro D, et al. The effects of 6 weeks of Tribulus terrestris L. supplementation on body composition, hormonal response, perceived exertion, and CrossFit® performance: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrients. 2021;13(11):3969. Randomized trial PubMed · DOI
  11. [11]Ștefănescu R, et al. A comprehensive review of the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of Tribulus terrestris L. Biomolecules. 2020;10(5):752. Review PubMed · DOI
  12. [12]de Souza KZ, Vale FB, Geber S. Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause. 2016;23(11):1252-1256. Randomized trial PubMed · DOI
  13. [13]GamalEl Din SF, et al. Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with late-onset hypogonadism: a placebo-controlled study. Urologia. 2019;86(2):74-78. Randomized trial PubMed · DOI
  14. [14]Vale FBC, et al. Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018;34(5):442-445. Randomized trial PubMed · DOI
  15. [15]Pokrywka A, et al. Insights into supplements with Tribulus terrestris used by athletes. J Hum Kinet. 2014;41:99-105. Review PubMed · DOI

Dose

450-1250 mg/day of extract, or 10-20 mg/kg/day, in trials

  1. 10 vs 20 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks

    Neither dose changed testosterone, androstenedione or LH in young men.[6]

  2. 450 mg/day for 5 weeks

    No added strength, fat-free mass or change in urinary T/E ratio in elite rugby players.[8]

  3. 800 mg/day for 30 days

    No better than placebo for erectile function or testosterone.[3]

  4. 6 × 250 mg standardised tablets/day for 12 weeks

    Improved erectile-function scores in 180 men with erectile dysfunction.[2]

Lab note

Timing. No timing studies exist. Trials gave daily doses for 4 weeks to 4 months; the largest trial split the dose across meals.[2][6][12]

Which form?— hover or tap

Standardised extract (furostanol saponins)Best studied

The largest positive erectile-dysfunction trial used tablets standardised to at least 112.5 mg furostanol saponins each; no testosterone or strength benefit is shown for any form.[2]

Non-standardised extractsUnknown

Saponin content varies widely by plant origin and part, which reviewers link to inconsistent results.[11]

Who benefits

Benefit more
  • Men with erectile dysfunction: modest improvement in erectile-function scores
  • Men with low testosterone: small testosterone rises in some trials
  • Women with low libido: improved sexual-function scores and free testosterone in two small trials
Benefit less
  • Healthy young men and athletes: no change in testosterone, strength or muscle

Sources[1][5][6][8][12][13][14]

Stacking

+Multi-ingredient 'test booster' blends

Testosterone rises appeared only with combination products, and it was never shown which ingredient was responsible.[4][15]

Safety

Caution
Trials report few side effects: a meta-analysis of erectile-dysfunction trials found no more adverse events than placebo, and a review of trials in active men reported no toxicity. One small trial in older men found slight rises in the liver enzyme AST and in PSA. Isolated case reports (kidney toxicity, priapism, photosensitivity) exist but do not establish frequency, and products marketed to athletes have been found contaminated with banned steroids.
Possible side effects
  • Rare case reports of kidney injury, priapism and photosensitivity
  • Small rises in AST (a liver enzyme) and PSA in one trial in older men
  • Contamination of some products with banned anabolic steroids
Talk to a doctor first if
  • You have kidney disease
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Lab note
Buy products certified by Informed Sport, Informed Choice or NSF Certified for Sport. Supplements can contain things that aren’t on the label.

Myths vs research— scroll through

Myth

Tribulus is a natural testosterone booster.

What the research says

Most human trials find no change in testosterone; small rises were seen only in men with low testosterone, and the erectile-dysfunction meta-analysis found no testosterone difference vs placebo.[1][5][6]

Myth

Tribulus was the secret behind Bulgarian weightlifting success.

What the research says

The claim began with Bulgarian promotion of the product; later anti-doping testing found anabolic steroid use among those athletes.[15]

Myth

It's a plant, so it's safe for drug-tested athletes.

What the research says

Pure tribulus did not change the urinary T/E ratio, but some tribulus products have been found contaminated with banned steroids, and the Australian Institute of Sport does not recommend it.[8][15]

FAQ

No. Placebo-controlled trials in rugby players, resistance-trained men and CrossFit athletes found no added strength or muscle.[8][9][10]

Possibly, modestly, in men with erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 +3.23 vs placebo across 8 trials) and in women with low libido in two small trials. This is a clinical use, separate from muscle or testosterone claims.[1][12][14]

Tribulus itself did not change the urinary T/E ratio in a trial, but contaminated products are a documented risk.[8][15]

Trials report few side effects and no more than placebo, but one trial in older men saw small rises in AST and PSA, and human toxicology data are limited.[1][13][15]

  • Fernández-Lázaro 2021 (single-blind) reported a testosterone group x time interaction and the authors suggest a possible 'testosterone booster' role, yet also conclude no performance or body-composition benefit; this is the one dissenting signal in healthy athletes.
  • Ma 2017 (J Sport Health Sci, PMID 30356644; 15 boxers, 1250 mg/day) found no change in testosterone or muscle mass but lower CK and slightly higher anaerobic mean power; opened, not cited: small trial whose abstract describes an exercise-only comparison group rather than a placebo.
  • WADA: tribulus is not on the Prohibited List, and Rogerson 2007 found no change in the urinary T/E ratio; the general risk of contaminated 'testosterone booster' products is a separate issue the editor may want to mention.
  • Safety case reports (kidney toxicity, priapism, photosensitivity) were seen as PubMed titles only; not individually cited.
  • Added an 'Erectile function' claim at Grade C (3 Oct 2026). The two existing D grades are unchanged; the new erectile-dysfunction meta-analysis also found no testosterone difference vs placebo, which supports the D for testosterone.
  • The LH theory, nitric-oxide hypothesis and saponin variability come from the Ștefănescu 2020 review (animal and in vitro data); the Bulgarian weightlifting history, AIS position and steroid-contamination findings come from the Pokrywka 2014 full text.
  • GamalEl Din 2019 reports within-group changes; the abstract does not give testosterone units or a between-group comparison, and its dose is not stated in the abstract.
  • Women's libido trials (de Souza 2016, Vale 2018) are small and from one research group; not graded as a separate claim.
  • Industry funding for Kamenov 2017 (which tested Sopharma's Tribestan) is not stated in the abstract; industry_funded left null.
  • Safety statements in the safety block draw on suharyani2026, fernandezlazaro2022, gamaleldin2019 and pokrywka2014; case reports were not individually opened or cited.
0%
Check my stack

Search Proven Stack

Find a supplement or a page