Hormonal/Women/Heart

Tribulus terrestris

Herbal extract used for libido and sexual function, with mixed evidence and no reliable testosterone increase in healthy adults.

Tribulus terrestris

Herbal extract used for libido and sexual function, with mixed evidence and no reliable testosterone increase in healthy adults.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

Overview

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Safety

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Quick Take

Maybe worth a short trial for low libido; skip it for testosterone, muscle gain, or sports performance.

Tribulus terrestris is a spiny plant used in Ayurvedic and Mediterranean medicine; supplements use standardized fruit or aerial-part extracts rather than meaningful food sources. Its steroidal saponins may affect nitric oxide signaling and sexual arousal pathways, but human trials do not show a reliable testosterone rise. Best-supported uses are modest improvements in sexual function in some men and women, with weaker evidence for sperm, glucose, and lipid markers. It is most relevant for adults with persistent low libido, not for gym performance.

Proven Benefits

Improves female sexual function

Improves male sexual function

May improve sperm parameters

May lower fasting glucose

May improve lipid profile

Protocol

Amount

500-1500 mg

Frequency

Split into 1-2 doses daily

When

With meals; if using 1000 mg/day or more, split the dose for better GI tolerance.

Onset Time

4-8 weeks for sexual-function effects; ~12 weeks for semen changes

Who Should Consider

Adults with persistently low libido

Men with mild erectile symptoms

Postmenopausal women with low sexual desire

Men with low sperm motility on testing

How It Works

Tribulus provides steroidal saponins such as protodioscin. The main human hypothesis is improved nitric oxide signaling and genital blood flow, plus possible effects on central sexual arousal pathways; consistent testosterone increases have not been shown.

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