--- title: "Tribulus: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "The spiny fruit known as tribulus. It has not been shown to raise testosterone or muscle strength; small studies saw limited benefit for libido." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/tribulus/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Tribulus Tribulus terrestris B Limited clinical evidence The spiny fruit known as tribulus. It has not been shown to raise testosterone or muscle strength; small studies saw limited benefit for libido. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## 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. **Parts used:** fruits **Key constituents:** Steroidal Saponins (Protodioscin) 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 Small clinical studies saw a mild improvement in sexual desire and satisfaction in men; it does not raise testosterone. \[1\] - B Limited clinical evidence 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. \[1\] \[2\] ### 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 1. [Herbs at a Glance: Evidence-Based Fact Sheets on Botanical Products](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance) NIH NCCIH · 2024 2. [EFSA Compendium of Botanicals Reported to Contain Naturally Occurring Substances of Possible Concern](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/data-report/compendium-botanicals) EFSA · 2022 ### Cite This Page Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/tribulus/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Saw Palmetto](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/saw-palmetto/) A Strong clinical evidence Serenoa repens Saw palmetto fruit extract may help urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement; raised INR has been reported with warfarin. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Pumpkin Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pumpkin-seed/) T Traditional use Cucurbita pepo Pumpkin seed is traditionally used for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement or overactive bladder, after a doctor rules out serious disease. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Small-Flowered Willowherb](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/small-flowered-willowherb/) T Traditional use Epilobium parviflorum Traditionally taken as a tea for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, after a doctor has ruled out serious conditions. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Ferula Root Water](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ferula-root-water/) C Laboratory / animal evidence Ferula spp. A drink made from Ferula (çakşır) root, traditionally used for male sexual vigour. Its effect has only been studied in animals. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Floral Water](https://herbadex.com/en/form/floral-water/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Echinacea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/echinacea/) A Strong clinical evidence Echinacea purpurea Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered. [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Senna](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/senna/) A Strong clinical evidence Senna alexandrina A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. No longer than 1 week; not for children under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.