Tribulus Terrestris For Testosterone?

(Clinical) Trials and Tribul-ations

In the category of supplements that have enjoyed use as aphrodisiacs, Tribulus terrestris (also called caltrop, goat’s head, gokshura, or puncture vine) has a long history, having seen wide use in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and in Ayurveda.

It’s been used for other purposes too, and has been considered a “general wellness” plant.

So, what does the science say?

Good news: very conclusive evidence!

Bad news: the conclusion is not favorable…

Scientists are known for their careful use of clinical language, and it’s very rare for a study/review to claim something as proven (scientists leave journalists to do that part), and in this case, when it comes to Tribulus’s usefulness as a testosterone-enhancing libido-boosting supplement…

❝analysis of empirical evidence from a comprehensive review of available literature proved this hypothesis wrong❞

~ Drs. Neychev & Mitev

Strong words! You can read it in full here; they do make some concessions along the way (e.g. mentioning unclear or contradictory findings, suggesting that it may have some effect, but by an as-yet unknown mechanism if it does—although some potential effect on nitric oxide levels has been hypothesized, which is reasonable if so, as NO does feature in arousal-signalling), but the general conclusion is “no, this doesn’t have androgen-enhancing properties”:

Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction

That’s a review though, what about taking a look at a representative RCT? Here we go:

❝Tribulus terrestris was not more effective than placebo on improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction or serum total testosterone❞

~ Dr. Santos et al.

Read more: Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study

As a performance-enhancer in sport

We’ll be brief here: it doesn’t seem to work and it may not be safe:

Insights into Supplements with Tribulus Terrestris used by Athletes

From sport, into general wellness?

Finally, a study that finds it may be useful for something!

❝Overall, participants supplemented with TT displayed significant improvements in lipid profile. Inflammatory and hematological biomarkers showed moderate beneficial effects with no significant changes on renal biomarkers. No positive effects were observed on the immune system response. Additionally, no TT-induced toxicity was reported.

In conclusion, there was no clear evidence of the beneficial effects of TT supplementation on muscle damage markers and hormonal behavior.❞

~ Dr. Fernández-Lázaro et al.

Read more: Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. on Sport and Health Biomarkers in Physically Active Adult Males: A Systematic Review

About those lipids…

Animal studies have shown that it may not only improve lipid profiles, but also may partially repair the endothelial dysfunction resulting from hyperlipidemia:

Influence of Tribulus terrestris extract on lipid profile and endothelial structure in developing atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta of rabbits on a high-cholesterol diet

Want to try some?

In the unlikely event that today’s research review has inspired you with an urge to try Tribulus terrestris, here’s an example product on Amazon

If on the other hand you’d like to actually increase testosterone levels, then we suggest:

Topping Up Testosterone? ← a previous main feature did earlier this year

Take care!