Tribulus terrestris is an herb used in <a href="/other/traditional-chinese-medicine/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Traditional Chinese Medicine&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a collection of herbs, fungi, or berries that have historical usage as medicine in mainland China and sometimes nearby areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">traditional Chinese medicine</a> 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.<a href="#ref-1" id="ref-link-1" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Chhatre S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24600195" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Phytopharmacological overview of Tribulus terrestris.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Pharmacogn Rev (2014-Jan)&lt;/div&gt;'>[1]</a>
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.<a href="#ref-2" id="ref-link-2" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Zhu W, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29086839" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;A review of traditional pharmacological uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Chem Cent J (2017 Jul 11)&lt;/div&gt;'>[2]</a> The composition of Tribulus terrestris largely depends on its geographical origin.<a href="#ref-3" id="ref-link-3" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Ștefănescu R, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32408715" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties of L.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Biomolecules (2020-May-12)&lt;/div&gt;'>[3]</a>

What is Tribulus terrestris?

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 <a href="/conditions/erectile-dysfunction/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Erectile Dysfunction&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Erectile dysfunction is a type of male sexual dysfunction characterized by difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by nerve or blood vessel damage, obesity, smoking, or stress.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">erectile dysfunction</a> (ED) in men<a href="#ref-4" id="ref-link-4" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Kristian Leisegang, Renata Finelli. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34552783" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Arab J Urol (2021 Jun 11)&lt;/div&gt;'>[4]</a><a href="#ref-5" id="ref-link-5" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;GamalEl Din SF, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30253697" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with late-onset hypogonadism: A placebo-controlled study
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Urologia (2018 Sep 25)&lt;/div&gt;'>[5]</a><a href="#ref-6" id="ref-link-6" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Kamenov Z, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28364864" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Maturitas (2017 May)&lt;/div&gt;'>[6]</a><a href="#ref-7" id="ref-link-7" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Sellandi TM, Thakar AB, Baghel MS. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23723641" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Clinical study of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in Oligozoospermia: A double blind study
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ayu (2012 Jul)&lt;/div&gt;'>[7]</a> and enhance libido in women.<a href="#ref-8" id="ref-link-8" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;de Souza KZ, Vale FB, Geber S. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27760089" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Menopause (2016 Nov)&lt;/div&gt;'>[8]</a><a href="#ref-9" id="ref-link-9" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Postigo S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26902700" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Assessment of the Effects of Tribulus Terrestris on Sexual Function of Menopausal Women.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet (2016-Mar)&lt;/div&gt;'>[9]</a> 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.<a href="#ref-10" id="ref-link-10" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Neychev V, Mitev V. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26727646" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Ethnopharmacol (2016-Feb-17)&lt;/div&gt;'>[10]</a><a href="#ref-11" id="ref-link-11" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Qureshi A, Naughton DP, Petroczi A. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24559105" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Diet Suppl (2014-Mar)&lt;/div&gt;'>[11]</a>
Tribulus terrestris may also have benefits for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol<a href="#ref-12" id="ref-link-12" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Murthy AR, Dubey SD, Tripathi K. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22556936" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A clinical study
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Anc Sci Life (2000 Jan)&lt;/div&gt;'>[12]</a><a href="#ref-13" id="ref-link-13" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Mansoor Ahmad Siddiqui, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33793146" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Efficacy of Khār-i-khasak ( Tribulus terrestris Linn.) in prehypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Complement Integr Med (2021 Apr 1)&lt;/div&gt;'>[13]</a> and for reducing blood glucose in people with diabetes,<a href="#ref-14" id="ref-link-14" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Samani NB, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27255456" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Efficacy of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris on the Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile of Women With Diabetes Mellitus: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med (2016 Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[14]</a><a href="#ref-15" id="ref-link-15" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Ramteke RS, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23723672" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Clinical efficacy of Gokshura-Punarnava Basti in the management of microalbuminuria in diabetes mellitus.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ayu (2012-Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[15]</a> though evidence in humans is limited.

What are Tribulus terrestris’ main benefits?

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.<a href="#ref-3" id="ref-link-3" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Ștefănescu R, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32408715" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties of L.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Biomolecules (2020-May-12)&lt;/div&gt;'>[3]</a> 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.<a href="#ref-16" id="ref-link-16" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Singh S, Nair V, Gupta YK. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22368416" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Evaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in sexually sluggish male albino rats.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Pharmacol Pharmacother (2012-Jan)&lt;/div&gt;'>[16]</a> In vitro studies have shown cytotoxic, genotoxic, and endocrine-disrupting effects of Tribulus terrestris, but it is unknown how this may translate to humans.<a href="#ref-17" id="ref-link-17" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Abudayyak M, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25471616" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Investigation on the toxic potential of Tribulus terrestris in vitro.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Pharm Biol (2015-Apr)&lt;/div&gt;'>[17]</a>

What are Tribulus terrestris’ main drawbacks?

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.<a href="#ref-18" id="ref-link-18" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Do J, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23526694" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects and Mechanism of Action of a Tribulus terrestris Extract on Penile Erection.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Korean J Urol (2013-Mar)&lt;/div&gt;'>[18]</a><a href="#ref-19" id="ref-link-19" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Adaikan PG, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10748960" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Proerectile pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the rabbit corpus cavernosum.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Ann Acad Med Singap (2000-Jan)&lt;/div&gt;'>[19]</a><a href="#ref-20" id="ref-link-20" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Kam SC, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22906304" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;In vivo and in vitro animal investigation of the effect of a mixture of herbal extracts from Tribulus terrestris and Cornus officinalis on penile erection.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Sex Med (2012-Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[20]</a>
Tribulus terrestris and its extracts may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Tribulus terrestris scavenges hydrogen peroxide and superoxide free radicals<a href="#ref-21" id="ref-link-21" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Bhuvad et al.. ASSESSMENT OF FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF TEN MADHURASKANDHA DRUGS THROUGH UV SPECTROSCOPIC AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE
&lt;/p&gt;International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016-03-01)&lt;/div&gt;'>[21]</a> and increases the activity of the superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzyme.<a href="#ref-22" id="ref-link-22" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Li et al.. &lt;a href="https://doi.org/10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2013.05.04" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Influence of gross saponins from tribulus terrestris L on SOD activity and MDA content for chronic high intraocular pressure in rabbit
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Guoji Yanke Zazhi (2013-05-01)&lt;/div&gt;'>[22]</a> Furthermore, Tribulus terrestris might inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-𝛼, IL-6, and IL-10.<a href="#ref-23" id="ref-link-23" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Ko HJ, Ahn EK, Oh JS. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26239676" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;N‑trans‑ρ‑caffeoyl tyramine isolated from Tribulus terrestris exerts anti‑inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Mol Med (2015-Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[23]</a>

How does Tribulus terrestris work?

Tribulus Terrestris

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Phytopharmacological overview of Tribulus terrestris.

A review of traditional pharmacological uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris

A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties of  L.

Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review

Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with late-onset hypogonadism: A placebo-controlled study

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Clinical study of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in Oligozoospermia: A double blind study

Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Assessment of the Effects of Tribulus Terrestris on Sexual Function of Menopausal Women.

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

A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect.

Anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A clinical study

Efficacy of Khār-i-khasak ( Tribulus terrestris Linn.) in prehypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Efficacy of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris on the Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile of Women With Diabetes Mellitus: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Clinical efficacy of Gokshura-Punarnava Basti in the management of microalbuminuria in diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of the aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in sexually sluggish male albino rats.

Investigation on the toxic potential of Tribulus terrestris in vitro.

Effects and Mechanism of Action of a Tribulus terrestris Extract on Penile Erection.

Proerectile pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the rabbit corpus cavernosum.

In vivo and in vitro animal investigation of the effect of a mixture of herbal extracts from Tribulus terrestris and Cornus officinalis on penile erection.

ASSESSMENT OF FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF TEN MADHURASKANDHA DRUGS THROUGH UV SPECTROSCOPIC AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE

Influence of gross saponins from tribulus terrestris L on SOD activity and MDA content for chronic high intraocular pressure in rabbit

N‑trans‑ρ‑caffeoyl tyramine isolated from Tribulus terrestris exerts anti‑inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

Kamal Patel

Testosterone

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Efficacy of Tribulus Terrestris Extract on the Serum Glucose and Lipids of Women with Diabetes Mellitus

Pilot Study on the Effect of Botanical Medicine (Tribulus terrestris) on Serum Testosterone Level and Erectile Function in Aging Males With Partial Androgen Deficiency (PADAM)

Prospective Analysis on the Effect of Botanical Medicine (Tribulus terrestris) on Serum Testosterone Level and Semen Parameters in Males with Unexplained Infertility

Short term impact of Tribulus terrestris intake on doping control analysis of endogenous steroids

The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men

Effect of oral administration of Tribulus terrestris extract on semen quality and body fat index of infertile men

Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo - controlled study

Efficacy of Tribulus Terrestris for the treatment of premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Clinical Assessment of Tribulus terrestris Extract in the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction

The effects of Tribulus terrestris on body composition and exercise performance in resistance-trained males

The effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during preseason training in elite rugby league players

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