Tribulus
Tribulus terrestris
B Limited clinical evidenceThe spiny fruit known as tribulus. It has not been shown to raise testosterone or muscle strength; small studies saw limited benefit for libido.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
Tribulus terrestris is a spiny plant sold widely as a sports supplement. Controlled studies show it does not raise testosterone, muscle mass or performance. Some small studies saw a mild improvement in sexual desire in women and men; evidence is limited. There are case reports of kidney and liver damage.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Small clinical studies saw a mild improvement in sexual desire and satisfaction in men; it does not raise testosterone. [1]
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Small studies reported limited benefit for low sexual desire in women. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Standardised extract (ready-made): studies used 750–1500 mg daily; follow the product label.
Amount: Split into 2–3 doses daily
Duration limit: 12 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
- It has not been shown to raise testosterone, muscle mass or athletic performance.
- Case reports link high doses to kidney and liver damage; avoid with kidney or liver disease.
- Avoid with hormone-sensitive conditions (prostate, breast cancer).
- Do not use in pregnancy: developmental problems were reported in animals.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes medicines | May lower blood sugar; monitor it. [2] | Moderate |
| Blood pressure medicines, lithium | May lower blood pressure; may affect lithium excretion. [2] | Moderate |
Side effects
- Stomach upset, nausea
- Sleeplessness
- Rarely kidney or liver damage
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Its Turkish name, roughly "shepherd-feller", comes from its sharp spiny fruits that pierce the feet of shepherds and animals. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does tribulus raise testosterone?
No. Controlled studies saw no meaningful rise in testosterone.
Does tribulus build muscle?
No, it has been shown not to increase muscle mass or strength in athletes.
Is tribulus safe?
Short-term use is usually well tolerated, but cases of kidney and liver damage have been reported.
Sources
- Herbs at a Glance: Evidence-Based Fact Sheets on Botanical ProductsNIH NCCIH · 2024
- EFSA Compendium of Botanicals Reported to Contain Naturally Occurring Substances of Possible ConcernEFSA · 2022
Cite This Page
Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/tribulus/
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