Tribulus terrestris is a small leafy plant native to warm temperate and tropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Both the root and fruit of the plant have been used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda for thousands of years (1).
Today, it is primarily marketed as a supplement that may boost libido, support urinary tract health, regulate hormones, and promote general vitality (2, 3).
It May Have Effects on Heart Health and Blood Sugar
Tribulus terrestris has gained attention not only for its potential effects on sexual function but also for its cardiometabolic benefits. Animal and in vitro studies indicate that the extract may help reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL levels (4). It may also inhibit lipid peroxidation, which contributes to cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, animal studies have found that Tribulus terrestris may help lower blood glucose levels, potentially through modulation of insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake pathways (5). These effects may be linked to the presence of steroidal saponins such as protodioscin, which are considered bioactive compounds in this plant.
However, clinical trials in humans remain limited and inconclusive, necessitating further investigation before widespread therapeutic use is recommended.
May Enhance Libido
Tribulus terrestris is perhaps most widely known for its potential aphrodisiac properties. One study in men with low libido found that a daily intake of 750–1,500 mg for two months increased sexual desire by 79% (6).
While its effect on testosterone levels is still debated, some research has shown improvement in sexual satisfaction, erectile function, and overall performance with higher dosages (7, 8). These effects are hypothesized to be due to the enhancement of androgen receptor density in the brain and genital tissue, not necessarily a direct increase in testosterone levels.
In women, small studies have also indicated an improvement in sexual arousal and satisfaction, particularly during perimenopause (9).
May Act as a Diuretic
Tribulus terrestris has long been used in traditional medicine as a natural diuretic and lithotriptic agent (stone-dissolving). Preclinical data suggest that the extract can increase urinary output and stimulate smooth muscle contractions, supporting the expulsion of kidney stones (10).
Some studies also report a reduction in urinary tract inflammation and an improvement in bladder function, making it a candidate for herbal support in mild urogenital conditions.
May Have Anti-Cancer Effect
Early in vitro studies suggest that Tribulus terrestris extract may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce apoptosis in human liver cancer cells (11). The cytotoxic effect appears to be dose-dependent and may be mediated by saponins and flavonoids that interfere with cancer cell metabolism.
Further studies are needed to validate these findings in vivo and assess potential clinical applications.
May Reduce Oxidative Stress and Support Liver Function
Tribulus terrestris has demonstrated antioxidant activity, attributed to flavonoids and polyphenols in its extract. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, reducing cellular damage. Some animal studies indicate that the herb may help protect liver tissue from chemical-induced damage and support normal liver enzyme activity (12).
May Support Hormonal Balance in Women
Emerging research has begun to explore the role of Tribulus terrestris in modulating estrogen and androgen levels in women. In clinical studies, low-dose extracts have been used to improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopausal complaints (13). The results suggest a harmonizing effect on sex hormones, particularly luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Tribulus Terrestris
Today, it is primarily marketed as a supplement that may boost libido, support urinary tract health, regulate hormones, and promote general vitality (2, 3).
It May Have Effects on Heart Health and Blood Sugar
Tribulus terrestris has gained attention not only for its potential effects on sexual function but also for its cardiometabolic benefits. Animal and in vitro studies indicate that the extract may help reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL levels (4). It may also inhibit lipid peroxidation, which contributes to cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, animal studies have found that Tribulus terrestris may help lower blood glucose levels, potentially through modulation of insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake pathways (5). These effects may be linked to the presence of steroidal saponins such as protodioscin, which are considered bioactive compounds in this plant.
However, clinical trials in humans remain limited and inconclusive, necessitating further investigation before widespread therapeutic use is recommended.
May Enhance Libido
Tribulus terrestris is perhaps most widely known for its potential aphrodisiac properties. One study in men with low libido found that a daily intake of 750–1,500 mg for two months increased sexual desire by 79% (6).
While its effect on testosterone levels is still debated, some research has shown improvement in sexual satisfaction, erectile function, and overall performance with higher dosages (7, 8). These effects are hypothesized to be due to the enhancement of androgen receptor density in the brain and genital tissue, not necessarily a direct increase in testosterone levels.
In women, small studies have also indicated an improvement in sexual arousal and satisfaction, particularly during perimenopause (9).
May Act as a Diuretic
Tribulus terrestris has long been used in traditional medicine as a natural diuretic and lithotriptic agent (stone-dissolving). Preclinical data suggest that the extract can increase urinary output and stimulate smooth muscle contractions, supporting the expulsion of kidney stones (10).
Some studies also report a reduction in urinary tract inflammation and an improvement in bladder function, making it a candidate for herbal support in mild urogenital conditions.
May Have Anti-Cancer Effect
Early in vitro studies suggest that Tribulus terrestris extract may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce apoptosis in human liver cancer cells (11). The cytotoxic effect appears to be dose-dependent and may be mediated by saponins and flavonoids that interfere with cancer cell metabolism.
Further studies are needed to validate these findings in vivo and assess potential clinical applications.
May Reduce Oxidative Stress and Support Liver Function
Tribulus terrestris has demonstrated antioxidant activity, attributed to flavonoids and polyphenols in its extract. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, reducing cellular damage. Some animal studies indicate that the herb may help protect liver tissue from chemical-induced damage and support normal liver enzyme activity (12).
May Support Hormonal Balance in Women
Emerging research has begun to explore the role of Tribulus terrestris in modulating estrogen and androgen levels in women. In clinical studies, low-dose extracts have been used to improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopausal complaints (13). The results suggest a harmonizing effect on sex hormones, particularly luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).