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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board

Tribulus Terrestris

LIMITED EVIDENCEBotanicalLast updated April 2026

SCAN DOSE SUMMARY

Tribulus terrestris is one of the most marketed "testosterone boosters" — and one of the most thoroughly debunked. Our research shows multiple well-designed trials found NO effect on testosterone, LH, or FSH in healthy men. The only populations that may benefit are those with specific sexual dysfunction or very low baseline libido. If you're buying tribulus for testosterone, you're wasting money.

EVIDENCE GRADES

Testosterone increaseDefinitively negative in multiple trials (PMID: 17530942)
D
Libido / sexual functionSome positive signals, likely non-hormonal mechanism
C+
Exercise performanceNo evidence of benefit
D
Erectile dysfunctionLimited positive data; not testosterone-mediated
C
Blood sugar reductionPreliminary — some positive trials in diabetic models
C

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

  • Typical study dose: 250-1,500mg/day
  • Standardized to furostanol saponins or protodioscin: 200-450mg/day
  • Despite dosing, testosterone remains unaffected in clinical trials
Scan a supplement containing Tribulus Terrestris

DRUG INTERACTIONS

AntihypertensivesMinor

May have mild diuretic/BP effects

Diabetes medicationsModerate

Animal data shows glucose-lowering; monitor in diabetics

LithiumModerate

Diuretic properties may increase lithium levels

SAFETY PROFILE

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

  • GI upset (most common)
  • Insomnia, restlessness
  • Case reports of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity (rare, high-dose)

Pregnancy & Lactation

  • AVOID — insufficient safety data; potential hormonal effects in animal models

WADA Status

Not Prohibited

HOW SCAN DOSE SCORES THIS

Auto-flag for ANY testosterone claim: "Multiple clinical trials found no effect on testosterone in healthy men"
Products in "testosterone booster" blends: flag primary ingredient ineffectiveness
Libido claims: slightly more supportable but mechanism is NOT testosterone-related
Score penalty for testosterone marketing without evidence
One of the supplements where Dose AI's evidence-based approach provides most consumer value

CLINICAL REFERENCES

1.

Neychev VK, Mitev VI. The aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris does not influence androgen production in young men.

PMID: 17530942

2.

Qureshi A et al. A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and pro-erectile activity.

PMID: 24630840

3.

Rogerson S et al. The effect of five weeks of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on muscle strength and body composition during resistance training.

PMID: 17530942

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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated: April 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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