Tribulus is an herb that has been used in various systems of traditional medicine for enhancing libido, fertility, and vitality. Although many take tribulus seeking a natural “testosterone boost,” this herb won\u2019t actually alter testosterone levels in healthy men. Read on to discover what the science says about tribulus.<\/p>\n
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Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris<\/em>) is a plant that grows in the Mediterranean and in subtropical and desert regions around the world, including India, Vietnam, China, Spain, Mexico, and Bulgaria. This common weed is particularly well-adapted to warm, dry regions. It got its nicknames “puncture vine” and “devil\u2019s thorn” from the spikes that cover its fruits [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Although there are over 25 species of tribulus plants, most of the research focused on Tribulus terrestris<\/em> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n For more about the active components and mechanism of action of tribulus, plus the side effects and potential risks of supplementation, check out this post<\/a>.<\/p>\n The benefits in this section will all refer to the most well-studied species, Tribulus Terrestris<\/em>, as tribulus.<\/p>\n Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or sexual dysfunction is a condition that reduces a person\u2019s interest in sex. People who suffer from it have a lack of sexual fantasies and desire that causes distress and relationship issues. It affects up to 30% of women and 15% of men [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Many factors can affect HSDD, and some doctors will consider supplements alongside lifestyle and psychological interventions. Some evidence suggests that tribulus is a potential supplement option for both sexes. More evidence supports its use in women with reduced sexual desire or other types of sexual dysfunction [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In two trials of 76 women with reduced sexual desire, taking 750 mg\/day tribulus for up to 4 months improved libido, orgasm, and satisfaction from sex. Another trial of 30 women found similar results using lower doses of a tribulus extract (7.5 mg\/day) for 4 weeks [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In two studies of 90 women with sexual dysfunction, taking 750 mg\/day tribulus improved sexual function and libido. This suggests tribulus might be effective in both premenopausal and menopausal women [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Interestingly, tribulus may also increase sexual function in men – mainly by increasing desire and helping men overcome erectile dysfunction (ED).<\/p>\n In a 12-week trial of 172 men with ED and reduced sexual desire, taking a higher dose of tribulus (1,500 mg\/day) improved satisfaction from sex, orgasm, and libido. Two other studies of 100 men with ED found lower doses (750 mg\/day) for 3 months equally improved sexual function [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, in a trial of 30 men with ED, 800 mg\/day of tribulus didn\u2019t work better than placebo [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Despite its popular use as a male libido enhancer<\/strong>, stronger evidence supports the use of tribulus in women with reduced sexual desire<\/strong>. And although it does offer some sexual benefits to men<\/strong>, the findings are weaker and less conclusive <\/strong>[R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Animal studies initially found that tribulus increases sexual function and behavior [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The following purported benefits are only supported by limited<\/strong>, low<\/strong>–quality clinical studies<\/strong>. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of tribulus for any of the below<\/strong>–listed uses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Remember to speak with a doctor before taking tribulus supplements. Tribulus should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.<\/p>\n Infertility is a global problem that affects 8 – 12% of couples worldwide. Low sperm count and poor sperm quality (movement and shape) account for more than 90% of male infertility cases. Tribulus is traditionally used to combat infertility issues in men, although proper scientific studies are still lacking to support this use [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Initially, scientists uncovered that tribulus increases sperm production in rats. They also looked at its potential mechanism in a cell study to see how it might affect sperm quality and survival time [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Two clinical studies examined its effects in men with infertility. In one low-quality Ayurvedic study, taking 12g\/day of tribulus granules for 60 days improved sperm quality in 63 men with low sperm count. The exact content of these granules was not specified [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In another study of 65 men with infertility, supplementing with 250 mg\/day of tribulus for 12 weeks increased sperm count and quality [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, 750 mg\/day for 3 months didn\u2019t improve sperm quality or count, nor did it affect testosterone and <\/strong>LH<\/strong><\/a> in a study of 30 men with infertility<\/strong> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Dehydroepiandrosterone<\/a> (DHEA) is a weak anabolic (muscle-building) hormone made in the adrenal glands. The body uses DHEA to make sex hormones, testosterone or estrogen<\/a>. It circulates in two forms: DHEA and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS). DHEAS is usually measured because it is found in much higher concentrations in the circulation.<\/p>\n In 245 men, 750 – 1,500 mg\/day of tribulus didn\u2019t change in DHEAS levels after 12 weeks. In 106 women, on the other hand, 750 mg\/day increased DHEA levels over the course of 90 days. Lastly, in monkeys tribulus IV injections increased DHEAS levels by 29% [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Based on the evidence, it\u2019s very hard to say whether tribulus boosts DHEA. Some scientists consider that its active steroid saponin, protodioscin, is converted to DHEA in the body. This theory suggests that tribulus may increase sex hormones indirectly, by raising DHEA. Although plausible, this theory remains unproven. More research is needed [R<\/a>].<\/p>\nPurported Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Possibly Effective For<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Libido and Sexual Function<\/span><\/h3>\n
Insufficient Evidence For<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
2) Fertility In Men<\/span><\/h3>\n
3) DHEA<\/span><\/h3>\n