Marketed as a testosterone booster and muscle shortcut — but there’s more to the story. The strongest human evidence for Tribulus is around sexual function, not testosterone.
The bottom line
If you’ve seen Tribulus terrestris sold as a natural testosterone booster or muscle-building shortcut, the evidence tells a different story. Some clinical trials suggest Tribulus may improve aspects of sexual function — particularly in women with sexual dysfunction and potentially in men with erectile dysfunction — but studies are generally small, and researchers have not consistently found that Tribulus raises testosterone in humans.
Libido and sexual function: the most interesting evidence
Most promising areaThis is where Tribulus has its more promising human research. Several randomised controlled trials have investigated Tribulus in women experiencing reduced sexual desire; one trial in 67 premenopausal women found improvements in overall sexual-function scores after four weeks. Research in postmenopausal women has also been encouraging. That said, a systematic review of Tribulus for female sexual dysfunction rated the overall certainty of evidence as very low due to small trials and methodological weaknesses. Newer 2025 reviews in men found some improvements in erectile function — but most did not find meaningful changes in androgen (testosterone) levels.
What about testosterone?
Not well supportedThis is probably the biggest Tribulus myth. It contains steroidal saponins that have attracted attention for their potential biological activity, and animal studies have sometimes reported changes in reproductive hormones — which helped fuel the testosterone idea. But the human evidence is much less impressive: a systematic review found human studies did not provide convincing evidence that supplementation reliably increases testosterone. So if you’re buying Tribulus specifically to raise testosterone, the science doesn’t currently support that.
Can Tribulus build muscle or improve performance?
Weak evidenceControlled research hasn’t shown the dramatic strength or muscle-building effects often promised on labels. A placebo-controlled study in resistance-trained men found no improvement in body composition or performance, and a trial in elite rugby league players found no benefit for strength or fat-free mass. Importantly, the Australian Institute of Sport places Tribulus and other “testosterone boosters” in Group D — supplements that shouldn’t be used by high-performance athletes because of banned-substance contamination concerns. Tribulus itself isn’t banned, but products marketed as testosterone boosters may be contaminated or adulterated.
Blood sugar and cholesterol: interesting, but early
PreliminaryOne randomised, placebo-controlled trial gave 98 women with type 2 diabetes 1,000 mg of Tribulus extract daily for three months; the Tribulus group saw reductions in fasting glucose, total and LDL cholesterol versus placebo. But it was small and represents preliminary evidence — not proof Tribulus treats diabetes or high cholesterol. It’s far too early to describe it as a treatment for metabolic or cardiovascular conditions.
What does the plant actually contain?
Tribulus isn’t a single active ingredient. Researchers have identified steroidal saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and other constituents, and the composition varies with the part of the plant, where it grew and how the extract was made. That’s one reason Tribulus studies are hard to compare — two supplements can both say “Tribulus terrestris” while containing quite different extracts. And “has biological activity” and “works as a medical treatment” are two very different claims.
Safety note
Short-term studies generally report Tribulus is reasonably well tolerated, but long-term and high-dose safety data are limited. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported, and there have been isolated reports involving kidney and liver problems (NCBI’s LiverTox considers clinically significant liver injury from Tribulus “unproven but possible”, particularly at high doses or with existing liver disease). If you take medication, manage a condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with a qualified healthcare professional first.
The history behind Tribulus
Commonly known as puncture vine for the sharp spines on its fruit, Tribulus grows across Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and the Americas. Its fruits and roots have long been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine for urinary health, general vitality and sexual function. Modern marketing added a newer angle — testosterone, muscle and performance — which is exactly where the evidence becomes much less convincing.
Common questions
Tribulus FAQ
What is Tribulus good for?
Its most promising human evidence is around aspects of sexual function in some men and women. Claims about testosterone, muscle growth and athletic performance are much weaker.
Does Tribulus actually boost testosterone?
The human evidence doesn’t support this. Systematic reviews have not found convincing evidence that Tribulus reliably increases testosterone in people, even where sexual-function scores improved.
Does Tribulus build muscle or improve performance?
Controlled studies, including in resistance-trained men and elite athletes, generally found no meaningful benefit for strength, muscle or body composition versus placebo.
Is Tribulus safe?
Short-term use is generally reasonably tolerated, but long-term and high-dose data are limited, and rare liver/kidney reports exist. Athletes should note contamination concerns. Check with a healthcare professional if you take medication or have a condition.
Why do Tribulus products vary so much?
Tribulus contains many compounds whose concentration depends on the plant part, growing region and extraction method — so two products labelled “Tribulus terrestris” can differ substantially.
If you’re interested, feel free to explore our recommended range of high-quality superfood supplements here.
Sources
- Akhtari E, et al. Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. DARU J Pharm Sci, 2014. — female sexual function.
- Santos HO, et al. Beyond tribulus: the effects on testosterone, erectile function and sexual behaviour (review), 2019. — testosterone/ED review.
- Pokrywka A, et al. Insights into supplements with Tribulus terrestris used by athletes. J Hum Kinet, 2014. — performance/contamination.
- Samani NB, et al. Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris in type 2 diabetes: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Diet Suppl, 2016. — blood glucose/lipids.
- NCBI LiverTox: Tribulus terrestris. — liver safety.
- Australian Institute of Sport — Sports Supplement Framework, Group D (testosterone boosters). — athlete caution.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Australian Herbal products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition.