adaptogenEVIDENCEBUSOTC

Tribulus Terrestris

aka Puncture vine · Caltrop

Mediterranean and Indian herb traditionally used for libido and athletic performance. Evidence is mixed; the testosterone-raising claims are mostly unsupported.

Dose range250–750mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety4/5medium evidence base

Mechanism of action

Contains steroidal saponins (protodioscin and related compounds) that have been hypothesised to modulate testosterone, LH, and DHEA — but multiple well-designed RCTs have failed to confirm testosterone elevation in healthy young men. The libido effects may operate through dopaminergic mechanisms independent of testosterone.

History

Tribulus has been used in Ayurvedic, Greek, and Chinese traditional medicine for centuries, primarily for male reproductive function and athletic performance. The compound was marketed aggressively in the 1990s and 2000s as a 'natural testosterone booster' based on early animal studies; subsequent human trials have largely failed to replicate testosterone increases. The libido effects do appear in some human trials despite the absence of hormonal changes.

Benefits

Libido (male and female)
EVIDENCEB
Multiple RCTs with mixed quality.
Testosterone (NOT supported)
EVIDENCEF
Negative evidence in healthy young men.

Side effects

Mild GI upsetuncommonmild

Cited research

Tribulus does not raise testosterone in young men: RCT (Neychev)2005
PMID 16213129 ↗
Tribulus for female sexual dysfunction (Akhtari)2014
PMID 25356093 ↗
Tribulus saponins and reproductive function review (Qureshi)2014
PMID 24559556 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Tribulus Terrestris — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Tribulus Terrestris — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Tribulus Terrestris — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
iHerb 4.2	Tribulus Terrestris — iHerb	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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