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Tribulus

What does the research say about Tribulus?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Tribulus terrestris has been studied for 2 health outcomes: increased testosterone levels and improved erectile function. The strongest evidence supports a small effect on testosterone levels based on 4 studies, at doses of 400–770 mg/day over 6–12 weeks, primarily in clinical populations such as hypogonadal men and women with sexual dysfunction. Research on erectile function is less robust, with only 3 studies and low evidence strength.

Strongest evidence: The most research-supported outcome is increased testosterone level, where all 4 studies reported beneficial effects (moderate evidence strength). The effect size is small, and the effective dose range is 400–770 mg/day, with benefits typically observed after 6–12 weeks in clinical populations (hypogonadal men, premenopausal and postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction).

Mixed or weaker evidence: For improved erectile function, the evidence is low strength. Of 3 studies, 2 reported beneficial effects (one with a statistically significant moderate improvement in IIEF-5 score), but 1 meta-analysis found neutral small effects. The evidence base is small and conclusions are preliminary; no consistent dose or duration was identified.

Effective dose patterns: Only the testosterone outcome provides a clear dose range (400–770 mg/day). The erectile function studies did not report a consistent effective dose, so no cross-cutting dose insight can be drawn across outcomes.

Population insights: Both outcomes were studied primarily in clinical populations—hypogonadal men, women with sexual dysfunction, and clinical patients with erectile dysfunction. The results may not generalize to healthy individuals or athletes.

Notable caveats: The clinical literature is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published). The evidence base for both outcomes is small (4 and 3 studies), making conclusions preliminary. Many studies on erectile function did not reach statistical significance.

Frequently asked

  • What is Tribulus good for according to research?
    Research suggests Tribulus may help increase testosterone levels (moderate evidence, 4 studies all beneficial) and improve erectile function (low evidence, 2 of 3 studies beneficial). However, the effects are small for testosterone and preliminary for erectile function.
  • What dose of Tribulus is typically used in studies?
    For increasing testosterone, the effective dose range in studies is 400–770 mg/day, taken for 6–12 weeks. For erectile function, no consistent dose or duration was reported across the 3 studies.
  • Who benefits most from Tribulus?
    The strongest evidence comes from clinical populations—hypogonadal men and premenopausal or postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. Effects on testosterone were observed in these groups; results may not apply to healthy individuals or athletes.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Tribulus?
    Yes. The evidence base is small (only 4 studies for testosterone, 3 for erectile function), and publication bias is a concern—null-result studies are less likely to be published. All conclusions should be considered preliminary, and most studies were conducted in clinical populations, limiting generalizability.
  • Does Tribulus increase testosterone levels?
    Moderate evidence from 4 studies shows that Tribulus can increase testosterone levels, with a small effect size. The findings are strongest in clinical populations (hypogonadal men and women with sexual dysfunction) at doses of 400–770 mg/day for 6–12 weeks.
  • Does Tribulus improve erectile function?
    Low evidence from 3 studies suggests a possible benefit: 2 studies reported beneficial effects, one of which showed a statistically significant moderate improvement in erectile function scores. However, one meta-analysis found neutral small effects, and the overall evidence is preliminary due to the small number of studies.

Safety profile

4 studies reporting safety data

Across 4 clinical studies reporting safety data on Tribulus, no specific adverse events were quantitatively reported as increased or significantly different from control. Tribulus was consistently described as well tolerated, with adverse events occurring at rates not significantly different from placebo in placebo-controlled trials, and no serious adverse events were reported. The studies noted safety parameters within normal limits and described the herb as a safe alternative for treating sexual dysfunction in pre- and postmenopausal women.

Caveats: Limited evidence base; absence of reports does not establish safety. Evidence is drawn from small-scale trials, and studies were likely powered for efficacy rather than safety, so rare adverse events may not have been detected.

Most-studied combinations with Tribulus

most supplement research is combination research
Also studied with:Maca (2), Panax Ginseng (2)

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