Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris): Uses, Evidence and Safety

Key points first

• The claim that tribulus raises testosterone is not supported in the reviews we read. A 2014 systematic review concluded that the evidence to date suggests it is ineffective for increasing testosterone in humans, and a 2025 review found no robust evidence of a rise. [1] [2]
• For erectile dysfunction, reviews are more positive but of low quality. One says the level of evidence is low, and another meta-analysis of 8 trials found better scores than placebo. [2] [3]
• A case report describes severe liver, kidney and nerve toxicity in a man after drinking a herbal water made from the plant for 2 days. It is a single case, and the person recovered after stopping. [4]
• If you are worried about low testosterone, a clinician can test and explain options. See testosterone and low testosterone and testosterone booster claim check.

Overview

Tribulus is a herbal plant widely used by athletes and bodybuilders, based on the belief, fueled by marketing, that it can raise testosterone. [1] This page covers the herb. For how the traditional use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine differs from supplement claims, see Tribulus (Bai Ji Li): traditional use vs supplement claims.

Names and plant part

The accepted scientific name is Tribulus terrestris L., in the family Zygophyllaceae. [5] The aerial parts (parts above ground) and fruits are the parts described as used in traditional medicine. [1] Check the Latin name and plant part on any label (botanical names and plant parts on labels).

Traditional use (not proof of effect)

A 2014 review says extracts of the aerial parts and fruits have been used in traditional medicine for diuretic, tonic and aphrodisiac properties. [1] A 2010 case report notes the plant is traditionally used for its aphrodisiac and antiurolithiatic (kidney-stone-preventing) activities. [4] Traditional use is not evidence that it works, and the case report below shows why it should not be treated as harmless.

What research shows

We did not read studies on tribulus for women's sexual function or for kidney stones, so we make no statement on them. Remember that a testosterone number is a lab marker. A rise in a lab value does not by itself show better sexual function or muscle.

Forms and why the form matters

Tribulus is sold as capsules, tablets and extracts, often within combination supplements. A 2014 review found that trials varied in duration, dose, and whether tribulus was used alone or combined, so it could not combine results. [1] The amounts above (400 to 750 mg a day) are what the trials in the 2025 review used, not a recommendation. A clinician or pharmacist decides what is right for a person.

Safety

• Kidney, liver and brain: the 2010 case report described a man who presented with a seizure and very high liver enzymes and creatinine (a kidney marker) after drinking an herbal water of the plant for 2 days to prevent kidney stones. His symptoms improved and liver enzymes normalized after he stopped. [4] See liver safety and supplements and kidney disease and supplements.
• Adverse events in trials: the 2026 meta-analysis found no difference in adverse events compared with placebo, with a relatively good safety profile. [3]
• Drug-test concerns for athletes: in a 2008 study, two women who took 500 mg three times a day for two days had no steroid values above the World Anti-Doping Agency cut-offs. [7] A 2026 pilot study of 15 recreational athletes found no statistically significant changes in urinary steroid profiles. [8] The 2008 paper was prompted by two athletes who blamed tribulus for an adverse doping finding, and in its volunteers tribulus did not change the steroid markers. [7] These are small studies. Anti-doping rules for a particular sport are set by that sport's authority, and products may contain other ingredients. See herbs for athletes and doping rules.
• Medicines, pregnancy and breastfeeding, children, older adults, surgery and allergy: not described in the sources we read. Ask a pharmacist (how interactions work) and tell the surgical team about any herb (supplements before surgery).
• Quality: see quality testing and certifications.