Tribulus Terrestris
Research reviewed: up until 03/23
Tribulus Terrestris (Tribulus terrestris) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 540 participants, researched for Low Testosterone & Erectile Dysfunction, Sexual Function (postmenopausal women), Blood sugar.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Low Testosterone & Erectile Dysfunction
StrongSexual Function (postmenopausal women)
ModerateBlood sugar
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Low Testosterone & Erectile Dysfunction
To evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of Tribulus terrestris in ageing males with partial androgen deficiency, erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of Tribulus terrestris in ageing males with partial androgen deficiency, erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Dose
750 mg/day
Participants
70 men with erectile dysfunction
Duration
3 months
Results
A significant association was found between Tribulus supplementation and increased total testosterone and erectile function. The placebo group did not experience any significant change in any parameter.
To assess the effects of Tribulus terrestris in males with partial androgen deficiency. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To assess the effects of Tribulus terrestris in males with partial androgen deficiency. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Dose
750 mg/day
Participants
30 men with partial androgen deficiency, erectile dysfunction, and low libido
Duration
3 months
Results
A significant association was found between Tribulus supplementation and increases in testosterone and free testosterone. Erectile dysfunction scores also improved after Tribulus supplementation.
To compare the efficacy of Tribulus terrestris extracts for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To compare the efficacy of Tribulus terrestris extracts for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Dose
750 mg/day
Participants
152 men aged between 18 and 65 years with mild or moderate erectile dysfunction
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Erectile function improved significantly in the group taking Tribulus. This was based on their questionnaire answers. A statistically significant difference was found between the Tribulus and placebo groups for intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, sexual desire and overall satisfaction, in favour of Tribulus.
Body fat percentage, lean muscle mass gain, fluctuation in steroid hormone levels and all semen parameters were analysed during the period of treatment. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Study Type
Clinical trial (uncontrolled)
Purpose
Body fat percentage, lean muscle mass gain, fluctuation in steroid hormone levels and all semen parameters were analysed during the period of treatment. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Dose
750 mg/day
Participants
65 men with abnormal semen evaluation
Duration
12 weeks
Results
At the end of treatment, there was a significant increase in sperm concentration, motility and liquefaction time. No significant difference in sperm morphology or ejaculate volume was observed. The study also found an association between Tribulus supplementation and a significant increase in lean tissue and a reduction in body fat percentage. Serum DHT (dihydrotestosterone) also increased significantly. DHT has been found to increase erectile function in rats.
Body fat percentage, lean muscle mass gain, fluctuation in steroid hormone levels and all semen parameters were analysed during the period of treatment. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Study Type
Clinical trial (uncontrolled)
Purpose
Body fat percentage, lean muscle mass gain, fluctuation in steroid hormone levels and all semen parameters were analysed during the period of treatment. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function and blood samples were used to establish testosterone levels.
Dose
750 mg/day
Participants
65 men with abnormal semen evaluation
Duration
12 weeks
Results
6g of tribulus root daily for 60 days in persons with low sperm count appeared to improve erectile properties and frequency of coitis as well as reducing weakness (improving fatigue). In these men, an increase in testosterone was noted (16.3%) but failed to reach statistical significance.
Sexual Function (postmenopausal women)
To evaluate the effect of Tribulus on women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate sexual function.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of Tribulus on women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Measurement methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate sexual function.
Participants
60 women of childbearing age
Duration
4 weeks
Results
At the end of the 4th week, women taking Tribulus reported significant improvement in the sexual function questionnaires regarding desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction and pain. Only 1 patient reported mild abdominal cramp.
Blood sugar
To evaluate the efficacy of Tribulus terrestris on the serum glucose and lipid profile of women with diabetes. Methods of evaluation: Patients were evaluated in terms of the fasting blood glucose, glucose 2 hours after meals, glycosylated haemoglobin (which indicates the average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months) and the lipid profile (blood lipid levels are generally used as indicators of the risk of cardiovascular disease).
Study Type
Randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of Tribulus terrestris on the serum glucose and lipid profile of women with diabetes. Methods of evaluation: Patients were evaluated in terms of the fasting blood glucose, glucose 2 hours after meals, glycosylated haemoglobin (which indicates the average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months) and the lipid profile (blood lipid levels are generally used as indicators of the risk of cardiovascular disease).
Dose
1000 mg/day
Participants
98 diabetic women
Duration
3 months
Results
Tribulus supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in blood glucose compared to placebo. It was also associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (reductions in low-density lipoprotein are correlated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tribulus Terrestris research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Tribulus Terrestris (Tribulus terrestris), involving 540 total participants. Research covers Low Testosterone & Erectile Dysfunction, Sexual Function (postmenopausal women), Blood sugar. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Tribulus Terrestris has been researched for: Low Testosterone & Erectile Dysfunction, Sexual Function (postmenopausal women), Blood sugar. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 7 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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