Tribulus Terrestris
•Last Updated: February 1 2023
Tribulus terrestris is a plant from Ayurveda where the root and fruits are used for male virility and general vitality, respectively. The roots enhance libido and sexual well being without affecting testosterone while the fruits appear to be potently protective of organ function.
Tribulus Terrestris is most often used for
Last Updated: February 1 2023
Tribulus terrestris is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of eye trouble, edema, stomach ailments, and sexual dysfunction. It is also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of impotence and infertility, urogenital disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and chronic pain.[96]
Of the more than 70 compounds found in Tribulus terrestris, the most common include steroidal saponins and flavonoids, which are contained in the root and the fruit of the plant and appear to be largely responsible for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-aging properties.[97] The composition of Tribulus terrestris largely depends on its geographical origin.[98]
Tribulus terrestris is commonly claimed to have aphrodisiac properties. There is indeed some evidence that it can improve sexual desire, increase sexual satisfaction, and reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men[99][100][101][102] and enhance libido in women.[103][104] These effects seem to be most prominent in people who are experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. Current evidence fails to support that claim that Tribulus terrestris elevates testosterone levels, as has been hypothesized.[105][106]
Tribulus terrestris may also have benefits for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol[107][108] and for reducing blood glucose in people with diabetes,[109][110] though evidence in humans is limited.
None of the clinical trials that have studied the effects of Tribulus terrestris have reported an increase in adverse side effects when compared to placebo treatments.[98] While no toxicology studies have been conducted in humans, rodent studies that have administered Tribulus terrestris at a dose of 500 mg per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) for 28 days (equivalent to a human dose of 80 mg/kg) failed to observe any toxic side effects.[111] In vitro studies have shown cytotoxic, genotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting effects of Tribulus terrestris, but it is unknown how this may translate to humans.[112]
The mechanism by which Tribulus terrestris improves erectile function may involve an enhancement in the relaxation of penile smooth muscle tissue, increased intracavernous pressure, and elevated penile blood flow. These effects seem to be dependent on a greater release of nitric oxide (NO) from the endothelium of blood vessels.[113][114][115]
Tribulus terrestris and its extracts may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Tribulus terrestris scavenges hydrogen peroxide and superoxide free radicalsreference and increases the activity of the superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzyme.[117] Furthermore, Tribulus terrestris might inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-𝛼, IL-6, and IL-10.[118]
Note that Tribulus Terrestris is also known as:
- Trib
- Puncturevine
- Protodioscin
If rodent research applies to humans, then the dosage of 5mg/kg of tribulus terrestris saponins should be effective.
Traditional dosages of the basic root powder are in the 5-6g range while the fruits are in the 2-3g range.
What works and what doesn't?
Unlock the full potential of Examine
Latest ResearchRead all studies
1.^Sharma J, Gairola S, Gaur RD, Painuli RMThe treatment of jaundice with medicinal plants in indigenous communities of the Sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, IndiaJ Ethnopharmacol.(2012 Aug 30)
2.^Xu YJ, Xu TH, Zhou HO, Li B, Xie SX, Si YS, Liu Y, Liu TH, Xu DMTwo new furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestrisJ Asian Nat Prod Res.(2010 May)
3.^A comparative phylogenetic analysis of medicinal plant Tribulus terrestris in Northwest India revealed by RAPD and ISSR markers.()
4.^Mutheeswaran S, Pandikumar P, Chellappandian M, Ignacimuthu SDocumentation and quantitative analysis of the local knowledge on medicinal plants among traditional Siddha healers in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, IndiaJ Ethnopharmacol.(2011 Sep 1)
5.^Deole YS, Chavan SS, Ashok BK, Ravishankar B, Thakar AB, Chandola HMEvaluation of anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity of Rasayana Ghana Tablet (A compound Ayurvedic formulation) in albino miceAyu.(2011 Jul)
6.^Kevalia J, Patel BIdentification of fruits of Tribulus terrestris Linn. and Pedalium murex Linn.: A pharmacognostical approachAyu.(2011 Oct)
7.^Olas B, Morel A, Hamed AI, Oleszek W, Stochmal AEvaluation of polyphenolic fraction isolated from aerial parts of Tribulus pterocarpus on biological properties of blood platelets in vitroPlatelets.(2012 Apr 2)
9.^Temraz A, El Gindi OD, Kadry HA, De Tommasi N, Braca ASteroidal saponins from the aerial parts of Tribulus alatus DelPhytochemistry.(2006 May)
10.^El-Tantawy WH, Temraz A, El-Gindi ODFree serum testosterone level in male rats treated with Tribulus alatus extractsInt Braz J Urol.(2007 Jul-Aug)
11.^Dinchev D, Janda B, Evstatieva L, Oleszek W, Aslani MR, Kostova IDistribution of steroidal saponins in Tribulus terrestris from different geographical regionsPhytochemistry.(2008 Jan)
13.^Zhang S, Li H, Yang SJTribulosin suppresses apoptosis via PKC epsilon and ERK1/2 signaling pathway during hypoxia/reoxygenation in neonatal rat ventricular cardiac myocytesJ Asian Nat Prod Res.(2011 Dec)
14.^Sun W, Li H, Yang SJA triterpene saponin from Tribulus terrestris attenuates apoptosis in cardiocyte via activating PKC signalling transduction pathwayJ Asian Nat Prod Res.(2008 Jan-Feb)
15.^Conrad J, Dinchev D, Klaiber I, Mika S, Kostova I, Kraus WA novel furostanol saponin from Tribulus terrestris of Bulgarian originFitoterapia.(2004 Mar)
16.^Su L, Chen G, Feng SG, Wang W, Li ZF, Chen H, Liu YX, Pei YHSteroidal saponins from Tribulus terrestrisSteroids.(2009 Apr-May)
17.^Hammoda HM, Ghazy NM, Harraz FM, Radwan MM, Elsohly MA, Abdallah IIChemical constituents from Tribulus terrestris and screening of their antioxidant activityPhytochemistry.(2013 Aug)
18.^Aggarwal A, Tandon S, Singla SK, Tandon CA novel antilithiatic protein from Tribulus terrestris having cytoprotective potencyProtein Pept Lett.(2012 Aug)
19.^Gacche RN, Dhole NAProfile of aldose reductase inhibition, anti-cataract and free radical scavenging activity of selected medicinal plants: an attempt to standardize the botanicals for amelioration of diabetes complicationsFood Chem Toxicol.(2011 Aug)
20.^Chen G, Liu T, Lu X, Wang HF, Hua HM, Pei YHNew steroidal glycosides from Tribulus terrestris LJ Asian Nat Prod Res.(2012)
21.^Coates TJ, Lo BCounseling patients seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus. An approach for medical practiceWest J Med.(1990 Dec)
22.^Wang J, Zu X, Jiang YFive furostanol saponins from fruits of Tribulus terrestris and their cytotoxic activitiesNat Prod Res.(2009)
23.^Xu T, Xu Y, Liu Y, Xie S, Si Y, Xu DTwo new furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris LFitoterapia.(2009 Sep)
24.^Liu T, Lu X, Wu B, Chen G, Hua HM, Pei YHTwo new steroidal saponins from Tribulus terrestris LJ Asian Nat Prod Res.(2010 Jan)
25.^Liu T, Chen G, Yi GQ, Xu JK, Zhang TL, Hua HM, Pei YHNew pregnane and steroidal glycosides from Tribulus terrestris LJ Asian Nat Prod Res.(2010 Mar)
26.^Li JX, Shi Q, Xiong QB, Prasain JK, Tezuka Y, Hareyama T, Wang ZT, Tanaka K, Namba T, Kadota STribulusamide A and B, new hepatoprotective lignanamides from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris: indications of cytoprotective activity in murine hepatocyte culturePlanta Med.(1998 Oct)
27.^Byun E, Jeong GS, An RB, Min TS, Kim YCTribuli fructus constituents protect against tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cellsArch Pharm Res.(2010 Jan)
28.^Zhang X, Wei N, Huang J, Tan Y, Jin DA new feruloyl amide derivative from the fruits of Tribulus terrestrisNat Prod Res.(2012 Oct)
29.^Kostova I, Dinchev D, Rentsch GH, Dimitrov V, Ivanova ATwo new sulfated furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestrisZ Naturforsch C.(2002 Jan-Feb)
30.^Jarald EE, Kushwah P, Edwin S, Asghar S, Patni SAEffect of Unex on ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in ratsIndian J Pharmacol.(2011 Jul)
31.^Iacono F, Prezioso D, Illiano E, Ruffo A, Romeo G, Amato BObservational study: daily treatment with a new compound "Tradamixina" plus serenoa repens for two months improved the lower urinary tract symptomsBMC Surg.(2012)
32.^Iacono F, Prezioso D, Illiano E, Romeo G, Ruffo A, Amato BSexual asthenia: Tradamixina versus Tadalafil 5 mg dailyBMC Surg.(2012)
33.^Gandhi S, Srinivasan BP, Akarte ASPotential nephrotoxic effects produced by steroidal saponins from hydro alcoholic extract of Tribulus terrestris in STZ-induced diabetic ratsToxicol Mech Methods.(2013 May 30)
34.^Orhan I, Sener B, Choudhary MI, Khalid AAcetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of some Turkish medicinal plantsJ Ethnopharmacol.(2004 Mar)
35.^Gauthaman K, Ganesan AP, Prasad RNSexual effects of puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin): an evaluation using a rat modelJ Altern Complement Med.(2003 Apr)
36.^Wang Z, Zhang D, Hui S, Zhang Y, Hu SEffect of tribulus terrestris saponins on behavior and neuroendocrine in chronic mild stress depression ratsJ Tradit Chin Med.(2013 Apr)
37.^Heidari MR, Mehrabani M, Pardakhty A, Khazaeli P, Zahedi MJ, Yakhchali M, Vahedian MThe analgesic effect of Tribulus terrestris extract and comparison of gastric ulcerogenicity of the extract with indomethacine in animal experimentsAnn N Y Acad Sci.(2007 Jan)
38.^Ranjithkumar R, Prathab Balaji S, Balaji B, Ramesh RV, Ramanathan MStandardized Aqueous Tribulus terristris (Nerunjil) Extract Attenuates Hyperalgesia in Experimentally Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Model: Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory MediatorsPhytother Res.(2012 Dec 27)
39.^Mazaro-Costa R, Andersen ML, Hachul H, Tufik SMedicinal plants as alternative treatments for female sexual dysfunction: utopian vision or possible treatment in climacteric womenJ Sex Med.(2010 Nov)
40.^Wang SS, Ji YS, Li H, Yang SJMechanisms of gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris via activating PKCepsilon against myocardial apoptosis induced by oxidative stressYao Xue Xue Bao.(2009 Feb)
41.^Zhang S, Li H, Yang SJTribulosin protects rat hearts from ischemia/reperfusion injuryActa Pharmacol Sin.(2010 Jun)
42.^Dong S, Teng Z, Lu FH, Zhao YJ, Li H, Ren H, Chen H, Pan ZW, Lv YJ, Yang BF, Tian Y, Xu CQ, Zhang WHPost-conditioning protects cardiomyocytes from apoptosis via PKC(epsilon)-interacting with calcium-sensing receptors to inhibit endo(sarco)plasmic reticulum-mitochondria crosstalkMol Cell Biochem.(2010 Aug)
43.^Zhang J, Bian HJ, Li XX, Liu XB, Sun JP, Li N, Zhang Y, Ji XPERK-MAPK signaling opposes rho-kinase to reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis in heart ischemic preconditioningMol Med.(2010 Jul-Aug)
44.^Murthy AR, Dubey SD, Tripathi KAnti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A clinical studyAnc Sci Life.(2000 Jan)
45.^Somanadhan B, Varughese G, Palpu P, Sreedharan R, Gudiksen L, Smitt UW, Nyman UAn ethnopharmacological survey for potential angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors from Indian medicinal plantsJ Ethnopharmacol.(1999 May)
46.^Sharifi AM, Darabi R, Akbarloo NStudy of antihypertensive mechanism of Tribulus terrestris in 2K1C hypertensive rats: role of tissue ACE activityLife Sci.(2003 Oct 24)
47.^Sajid TM, Rashid S, Saeed SAInhibition of adrenaline-induced aggregation of human platelets by Pakistani medicinal plantsPak J Pharm Sci.(1991 Jul)
48.^Ponnusamy S, Ravindran R, Zinjarde S, Bhargava S, Ravi Kumar AEvaluation of traditional Indian antidiabetic medicinal plants for human pancreatic amylase inhibitory effect in vitroEvid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2011)
49.^Zhang SJ, Qu WJ, Zhong SYInhibitory effects of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on alpha-glucosidase in small intestines of ratsZhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi.(2006 Jun)
50.^Amin A, Lotfy M, Shafiullah M, Adeghate EThe protective effect of Tribulus terrestris in diabetesAnn N Y Acad Sci.(2006 Nov)
51.^Antonio J, Uelmen J, Rodriguez R, Earnest CThe effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained malesInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2000 Jun)
52.^Rogerson S, Riches CJ, Jennings C, Weatherby RP, Meir RA, Marshall-Gradisnik SMThe effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league playersJ Strength Cond Res.(2007 May)
53.^Hong CH, Hur SK, Oh OJ, Kim SS, Nam KA, Lee SKEvaluation of natural products on inhibition of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cultured mouse macrophage cellsJ Ethnopharmacol.(2002 Nov)
54.^Gauthaman K, Adaikan PGEffect of Tribulus terrestris on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase activity and androgen receptors in rat brainJ Ethnopharmacol.(2005 Jan 4)
55.^Vincent SR, Kimura HHistochemical mapping of nitric oxide synthase in the rat brainNeuroscience.(1992)
56.^Martino-Andrade AJ, Morais RN, Spercoski KM, Rossi SC, Vechi MF, Golin M, Lombardi NF, Greca CS, Dalsenter PREffects of Tribulus terrestris on endocrine sensitive organs in male and female Wistar ratsJ Ethnopharmacol.(2010 Jan 8)
57.^Nahata A, Dixit VKEvaluation of 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of certain herbs useful as antiandrogensAndrologia.(2013 May 26)
58.^Gauthaman K, Ganesan APThe hormonal effects of Tribulus terrestris and its role in the management of male erectile dysfunction--an evaluation using primates, rabbit and ratPhytomedicine.(2008 Jan)
59.^Singh S, Nair V, Gupta YKEvaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in sexually sluggish male albino ratsJ Pharmacol Pharmacother.(2012 Jan)
61.^Neychev VK, Mitev VIThe aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young menJ Ethnopharmacol.(2005 Oct 3)
62.^Saudan C, Baume N, Emery C, Strahm E, Saugy MShort term impact of Tribulus terrestris intake on doping control analysis of endogenous steroidsForensic Sci Int.(2008 Jun 10)
63.^Guidance for Industry Estimating the Maximum Safe Starting Dose in Initial Clinical Trials for Therapeutics in Adult Healthy Volunteers.()
64.^Brown GA, Vukovich MD, Reifenrath TA, Uhl NL, Parsons KA, Sharp RL, King DSEffects of anabolic precursors on serum testosterone concentrations and adaptations to resistance training in young menInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.(2000 Sep)
65.^Brown GA, Vukovich MD, Martini ER, Kohut ML, Franke WD, Jackson DA, King DSEffects of androstenedione-herbal supplementation on serum sex hormone concentrations in 30- to 59-year-old menInt J Vitam Nutr Res.(2001 Sep)
66.^Brown GA, Vukovich MD, Martini ER, Kohut ML, Franke WD, Jackson DA, King DSEndocrine and lipid responses to chronic androstenediol-herbal supplementation in 30 to 58 year old menJ Am Coll Nutr.(2001 Oct)
67.^Sellandi TM, Thakar AB, Baghel MSClinical study of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in Oligozoospermia: A double blind studyAyu.(2012 Jul)
68.^Dimitrov M, Georgiev P, Vitanov SUse of tribestan on rams with sexual disordersVet Med Nauki.(1987)
69.^Lakshmi GD, Kumar PR, Bharavi K, Annapurna P, Rajendar B, Patel PT, Kumar CS, Rao GSProtective effect of Tribulus terrestris linn on liver and kidney in cadmium intoxicated ratsIndian J Exp Biol.(2012 Feb)
70.^Jagadeesan G, Kavitha AVRecovery of phosphatase and transaminase activity of mercury intoxicated Mus musculus (Linn.) liver tissue by Tribulus terrestris (Linn.) (Zygophyllaceae) extractTrop Biomed.(2006 Jun)
71.^Jagadeesan G, Kavitha AV, Subashini JFT-IR Study of the influence of Tribulus terrestris on Mercury intoxicated mice, Mus musculus liverTrop Biomed.(2005 Jun)
72.^Kim HJ, Kim JC, Min JS, Kim MJ, Kim JA, Kor MH, Yoo HS, Ahn JKAqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris Linn induces cell growth arrest and apoptosis by down-regulating NF-κB signaling in liver cancer cellsJ Ethnopharmacol.(2011 Jun 14)
73.^Kavitha AV, Jagadeesan GRole of Tribulus terrestris (Linn.) (Zygophyllacea) against mercuric chloride induced nephrotoxicity in mice, Mus musculus (Linn.)J Environ Biol.(2006 May)
74.^Talasaz AH, Abbasi MR, Abkhiz S, Dashti-Khavidaki STribulus terrestris-induced severe nephrotoxicity in a young healthy maleNephrol Dial Transplant.(2010 Nov)
75.^Schmidt M, Thomsen M, Bone KTribulus terrestis-induced nephrotoxicityNephrol Dial Transplant.(2011 Sep)
76.^Aggarwal A, Tandon S, Singla SK, Tandon CDiminution of oxalate induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury and inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro by aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestrisInt Braz J Urol.(2010 Jul-Aug)
77.^Shirfule AL, Sangamwar AT, Khobragade CNExploring glycolate oxidase (GOX) as an antiurolithic drug target: molecular modeling and in vitro inhibitor studyInt J Biol Macromol.(2011 Jul 1)
78.^Anand R, Patnaik GK, Kulshreshtha DK, Dhawan BNActivity of certain fractions of Tribulus terrestris fruits against experimentally induced urolithiasis in ratsIndian J Exp Biol.(1994 Aug)
79.^Rajendar B, Bharavi K, Rao GS, Kishore PV, Kumar PR, Kumar CS, Patel TPProtective effect of an aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris Linn on cadmium-induced testicular damageIndian J Pharmacol.(2011 Sep)
80.^Frydrychová S, Opletal L, Macáková K, Lustyková A, Rozkot M, Lipenský JEffects of herbal preparation on libido and semen quality in boarsReprod Domest Anim.(2011 Aug)
81.^Sengupta G, Hazra A, Kundu A, Ghosh AComparison of Murraya koenigii- and Tribulus terrestris-based oral formulation versus tamsulosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men aged >50 years: a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled trialClin Ther.(2011 Dec)
82.^Kaplan SARe: Comparison of Murraya koenigii- and Tribulus terrestris-Based Oral Formulation Versus Tamsulosin in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Men Aged >50 Years: A Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Randomized Controlled TrialJ Urol.(2012 Oct)
83.^Al-Ali M, Wahbi S, Twaij H, Al-Badr ATribulus terrestris: preliminary study of its diuretic and contractile effects and comparison with Zea maysJ Ethnopharmacol.(2003 Apr)
84.^Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG, Prasad RNAphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated ratsLife Sci.(2002 Aug 9)
85.^Do J, Choi S, Choi J, Hyun JSEffects and Mechanism of Action of a Tribulus terrestris Extract on Penile ErectionKorean J Urol.(2013 Mar)
86.^Kam SC, Do JM, Choi JH, Jeon BT, Roh GS, Hyun JSIn Vivo and in Vitro Animal Investigation of the Effect of a Mixture of Herbal Extracts from Tribulus terrestris and Cornus officinalis on Penile ErectionJ Sex Med.(2012 Oct)
87.^Adaikan PG, Gauthaman K, Prasad RN, Ng SCProerectile pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the rabbit corpus cavernosumAnn Acad Med Singapore.(2000 Jan)
88.^Yang L, Lu JW, An J, Jiang XEffect of Tribulus terrestris extract on melanocyte-stimulating hormone expression in mouse hair folliclesNan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao.(2006 Dec)
89.^Deng Y, Yang L, An SLEffect of Tribulus terrestris L decoction of different concentrations on tyrosinase activity and the proliferation of melanocytesDi Yi Jun Yi Da Xue Xue Bao.(2002 Nov)
90.^Sisto M, Lisi S, D'Amore M, De Lucro R, Carati D, Castellana D, La Pesa V, Zuccarello V, Lofrumento DDSaponins from Tribulus terrestris L. protect human keratinocytes from UVB-induced damageJ Photochem Photobiol B.(2012 Dec 5)
91.^Sancar A, Lindsey-Boltz LA, Unsal-Kaçmaz K, Linn SMolecular mechanisms of mammalian DNA repair and the DNA damage checkpointsAnnu Rev Biochem.(2004)
92.^Arcasoy HB, Erenmemisoglu A, Tekol Y, Kurucu S, Kartal MEffect of Tribulus terrestris L. saponin mixture on some smooth muscle preparations: a preliminary studyBoll Chim Farm.(1998 Dec)
93.^Jameel JK, Kneeshaw PJ, Rao VS, Drew PJGynaecomastia and the plant product "Tribulis terrestris"Breast.(2004 Oct)
94.^Aslani MR, Movassaghi AR, Mohri M, Pedram M, Abavisani AExperimental Tribulus terrestris poisoning in sheep: clinical, laboratory and pathological findingsVet Res Commun.(2003 Jan)
Primary Use