Dr. Grey AI

Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus terrestris is a plant whose root and fruits are used in Ayurvedic medicine for male virility and general vitality, respectively. It is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It appears to reduce symptoms of sexual dysfunction (but not improve testosterone levels) in men and women and might improve metabolic health as well.

Quick Answer

What it is

Tribulus terrestris is a plant whose root and fruits are used in Ayurvedic medicine for male virility and general vitality, respectively. It is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Libido (Female Sexual Dysfunction)
  • Grade B: Erections (Low Testosterone)
  • Grade C: Blood Pressure (Erectile Dysfunction)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Tribulus Terrestris

Quick Facts: Tribulus Terrestris

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:16
  • Research Outcomes:100
  • Grade B Findings:2
  • Key Effect:Erectile Dysfunction
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B2
C8
D9
16 conditions · 100 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Libido
Small Increase
4 studies
small↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
B
Erections
Small Increase
small↑Improves
D
Free Testosterone
No effect
1 study
none
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Prostate-Specific Antigen
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
1 study
↑Improves
C
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Erections
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Free Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Prostate-Specific Antigen
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum DHEA
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
C
Erections
Small Increase
small↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Prostate-Specific Antigen
1 study
↑Improves
C
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
?
Diuresis
1 study
↑Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
↓Improves
C
Libido
Small Increase
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Sexual Function
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
C
Erections
Small Increase
small↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
C
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
?
HbA1c
1 study
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
C
Erections
Small Increase
small↑Improves
?
Free Testosterone
1 study
↑Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Serum DHEA
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
1 study
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
C
Erections
Small Increase
small↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Libido
1 study
↑Improves
?
Sperm Count
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
D
Body Fat
No effect
none
?
Muscle Mass
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Power Output
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
D
Body Fat
No effect
none
?
Muscle Mass
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Power Output
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
D
Body Fat
No effect
none
?
Muscle Mass
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Power Output
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
D
Body Fat
No effect
none
?
Muscle Mass
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Power Output
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
D
Body Fat
No effect
none
?
Sperm Count
↑Improves
?
Free Testosterone
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Luteinizing Hormone
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Sperm Quality
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
?
DHT
1 study
↑Improves
?
Erections
↑Improves
?
Fatigue Symptoms
1 study
↓Improves
?
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
↑Improves
?
Libido
1 study
↑Improves
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
↑Improves
?
Prolactin
1 study
↑Improves
?
Seminal Motility
1 study
↑Improves
?
Serum DHEA
1 study
↑Improves
D
Luteinizing Hormone
No effect
1 study
none
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
D
Body Fat
No effect
none
?
Muscle Mass
1 study
↑Improves
?
Power Output
1 study
↑Improves
?
Testosterone
↑Improves
D
Luteinizing Hormone
No effect
1 study
none
?
Testosterone
↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

BErectile Dysfunction
2
↓Blood PressureImproves↑ErectionsImproves↑TestosteroneImproves
BLow Testosterone
1
↑ErectionsImprovesFree Testosterone↑TestosteroneImproves
BFemale Sexual Dysfunction
1
↑LibidoImproves↑Sexual FunctionImproves↑TestosteroneImproves
CHigh Blood Pressure
1
↓Blood PressureImproves↑DiuresisImproves↓Heart RateImproves
CMenopause
1
↑LibidoImproves↑Sexual FunctionImproves↑TestosteroneImproves
CMale Sexual Dysfunction
1
↑ErectionsImproves↑Luteinizing HormoneImproves↑TestosteroneImproves
CType 2 Diabetes
1
↓Blood glucoseImproves↓HbA1cImproves↑High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves
CHypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
1
↑ErectionsImproves↑Free TestosteroneImproves↑High-density lipoprotein (HDL)Improves
COligospermia
1
↑ErectionsImproves↓Fatigue SymptomsImproves↑LibidoImproves
DInfertility
1
Body Fat↑Sperm CountImproves↑Free TestosteroneImproves
DBody Composition
1
Body Fat↑Muscle MassImproves↑Power OutputImproves
DGeneral Athletic Performance
1
Body Fat↑Muscle MassImproves↑Power OutputImproves
DHormone Health
1
Luteinizing Hormone↑TestosteroneImproves
DRugby Performance
1
Body Fat↑Muscle MassImproves↑Power OutputImproves
DSexual Health
1
Luteinizing Hormone↑TestosteroneImproves
DMuscle Size & Strength
1
Body Fat↑Muscle MassImproves↑Power OutputImproves

Research Citations (17)

Efficacy of Tribulus Terrestris Extract on the Serum Glucose and Lipids of Women with Diabetes Mellitus
PMID: 27840471
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
PMID: 30253697
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)
PMID: 25849625
Prospective Analysis on the Effect of Botanical Medicine (Tribulus terrestris) on Serum Testosterone Level and Semen Parameters in Males with Unexplained Infertility
PMID: 27337519
Short term impact of Tribulus terrestris intake on doping control analysis of endogenous steroids
PMID: 18282674
Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use.
PMID: 37686709
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PMID: 28364864
The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence the androgen production in young men
PMID: 15994038
Effect of oral administration of Tribulus terrestris extract on semen quality and body fat index of infertile men
PMID: 27401787
Clinical study of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in Oligozoospermia: A double blind study
PMID: 23723641

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