Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris: Does It Increase Testosterone Levels?

16 Nov Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris: Does It Increase Testosterone Levels?

Does Tribulus Terrestris really increase testosterone or is it just a passing craze?

As per the manufacturers of popular supplements, Tribulus Terrestris is an absolute testosterone booster promoting many sexual functions.

But, if we go by the research, there’s very little evidence that actually proves the same.

Moreover, since it is usually present in supplements in combined form and not alone, the efficiency, even if there’s any, is often not clear.

So, in today’s blog, we dig deeper into the Tribulus Terrestris testosterone connection to make sure you make an informed choice.

Does Tribulus Terrestris Increase Testosterone?

Tribulus Terrestris, also famous as the Gokshura, is a popular aphrodisiac among many ancient medicines.

For ages, it has been used as an aphrodisiac helpful in treating many sexual diseases like erectile dysfunction and poor libido.

There’s even a popular belief that it has special chemicals that have stimulatory effects on the production of male hormones, testosterone.

However, according to current evidence, the herb is not much related to testosterone, though there are many Tribulus benefits for males as well females.

For starters, Tribulus is mainly a plant that has spiked leaves and fruit.

The Tribulus Terrestris that we use in supplements and other diet pills are either derived from the fruit, leaves, or root.

Usually, OTC supplements have it for the purpose of boosting testosterone. But, with contrary studies, the question remains, “does Tribulus Terrestris increase testosterone?”

Can Tribulus Increase Testosterone? [Studies]

There are contradictory studies about the effect of Tribulus Terrestris on the androgen hormone, testosterone.

While some studies claim that the extract is effective in stimulating the production of testosterone, others claim it is in no way related to the hormone.

Let us look at both sides of the story by analyzing the results of all these studies.

Clinical Studies Exploring the Effects of Tribulus on Testosterone

Key Highlights – Two Sides of the Same Coin

• A study proves Tribulus can increase serum testosterone in male rats.
• Other studies state there’s no proven research behind Tribulus being effective in boosting testosterone.

Study I

This study carefully examined the effects of Tribulus in boosting testosterone in both humans and animals.

While the results came out to be positive for animals, there was no such link found in humans.

It was found that when administered with healthy doses of Tribulus, animals showed a marginal increase in their serum testosterone levels.

But no changes were found in the serum testosterone of humans.

Study II

The study aimed at examining the effects of Tribulus on androgenic metabolism in young men.

It involved twenty-one healthy participants aged between 20-36 years of age with body weights ranging between 60 to 125 kgs.

These participants were divided into three random groups – two experimental groups and one placebo-controlled group.

The experimental groups were administered with 20 and 10 mg/kg of Tribulus Terrestris per day respectively.

Observations were made by measuring serum levels of testosterone, androstenedione, and LH.

No significant changes were reported in the groups administered with Tribulus Terrestris. All the results remained in the normal range.

Study III

The study aimed at observing the results of administering Tribulus in male rats.

These rats were treated with alcoholic extracts of the aerial part with fruits of Tribulus and the free testosterone serum levels were measured.

On comparing the normal levels and the serum levels of the treated rats, a significant increase was noted.

Out of all this, the maximum increase was shown by the rats that took chloroformic and ethanolic fractions of fruit extract.

By analyzing the results of all these studies, we only find significant improvement in testosterone levels with Tribulus in male rats.

At the same time, no such study has yet proven to be a success concerning Tribulus boosting testosterone in humans.

Hence, the entire theory of the fruit or the root extracts boosting testosterone needs more investigation and further study.

However, there are arguments that call out some significant Tribulus Terrestris benefits for males related to bodybuilding and sexual health.

Let us have a glance at some of these theoretical benefits and if they are actually true.

Tribulus Terrestris Supplements: Are There Any Benefits?

Though Tribulus is often searched for boosting testosterone, the herb does show many other benefits.

It contains many plant-based compounds like phytochemicals that have a unique way of working.

All these compounds like:

• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids

Have a potential impact on the cardiovascular system, immune system, and hormone production.

However, these effects depend on the amount of Tribulus you take and what other components are present along with the extract.

With that, here are some interesting pros the herb is popular for.

Benefits of Tribulus for Men [Analysis]

There are many claims of Tribulus being an effective supplement for men. 

Two of the most common reasons why men are attracted towards Tribulus include:

• Bodybuilding
• Sex drive

Let’s learn more about all such benefits that Tribulus is known for.

#1. Tribulus Terrestris for Bodybuilding

Tribulus is often promoted as a supplement that can produce large gains in strength and lean muscle mass.

A study was conducted to determine if Tribulus can actually provide positive effects for strength and fat-free mass.

22 Australian elite male rugby players were selected for the study and were randomly assigned a placebo or T. Terrestris.

All these subjects performed heavy strength training along with consuming the tablets of either placebo or Tribulus, and they followed a cycle of 5 weeks.

Observations for Tribulus before and after effects on muscular strength and fat-free mass were made.

After 5 weeks, no between-group differences came to notice concluding that Tribulus doesn’t provide any huge gains as claimed by people.

This proves that the whole theory of Tribulus being effective in bodybuilding is not so strong in reality.

#2. Sex Drive

Though Tribulus was found ineffective in boosting testosterone, researchers do believe that it can work other ways in enhancing sex drive.

However, there still needs to be more evidence to clear out how Tribulus affects sexual functions before we draw the line.

But there‘s one study that shows the presence of androgen receptors in the hypothalamus while others show antioxidants effects responsible for the same.

#3. Antioxidants Effects on Males

Many theories support Tribulus showing antioxidant properties.

In some studies, Tribulus Terrestris has also proved to protect the liver, kidneys, and testes when taken along with substances that can cause oxidative stress.

However, those results have been only seen in rodents, and the mechanism is not as unique as we expect from a supplement.

#4. Overall Male Health

Tribulus has a special protein with properties that help reduce the formation of kidney stones and also protect cells from oxalate-induced damage.

This was proved by a study conducted on rats.

There are also possibilities of the extract showing diuretic and contractile effects on the smooth muscles which help prevent kidney stones.

Further, there’s also a study that found Tribulus effective in reducing the prostate size and reducing the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Though there are limited studies, we can argue over the general health benefits of Tribulus being more dominant than its sexual benefits in particular.

There are also reports of Tribulus being effective in treating the symptoms of urinary tract infection in men.

Yet again, we need more research to be certain.

Apart from this, there are also many claims by the manufacturers of popular supplements that Tribulus can be very good for women’s sexual functioning.

Let’s find out more about such benefits in the following section.

Tribulus Benefits for Females

Studies prove Tribulus leaf extract, when taken for four months, can help improve sexual functions in women.

According to Brazilian research, four months of Tribulus extract dosage to postmenopausal women significantly increased desire, arousal, and lubrication. 

This study was conducted over a group of 36 postmenopausal women where one group was given a placebo and the other Tribulus.

Another team of Brazilian researchers gave Tribulus to 60 postmenopausal women complaining of sexual dysfunction and compared the results with a group of women on placebo. 

After four months of analysis, the former group showed a significant increase in desire, arousal, self-lubrication, and better sexual satisfaction.

Furthermore, a team of Iranian scientists conducted a study on over 60 low-desire women with a placebo and T. Terrestris.

Within a month, the group administered with T. Terrestris showed improvements in sexual desire.

All these studies definitely prove Terrestris to be a beneficial ingredient for women’s sexuality.

However, it all depends on how and when you take the extract.

What is the Best Time to Take Tribulus?

For Tribulus to work in favor of you, it’s best to take the herb in between meals or on an empty stomach.

However, if you want to take it as a pre-workout, you can take Tribulus in the morning or at night before your workouts.

According to health experts, you can take the supplement twice a day.

Who Should Take Tribulus Terrestris?

There are many potential benefits of taking the extract based on the rich compounds it contains.

But, overall, it has two major functions:

• Improving sexual functions in women
• Enhancing overall male health

Hence, healthy individuals can take the extract as per their desired results.

However, pregnant and lactating women should refrain from using it.

Further, Tribulus can also lower your blood sugar, hence people with blood pressure issues can use it along with a healthy diet.

But again it is advisable to consult a doctor before doing that as it might interact with your medications and cause side effects.

Side Effects of Tribulus Terrestris

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have any regulations on Tribulus Terrestris and, hence, the herb has not been checked for any side effects.

Some sources claim there are no known side effects of the extract as it has been derived from natural sources. But taking herbal supplements doesn’t always mean zero risk of side effects, and you might still encounter:

• Lightheadedness
• Interrupted sleep cycles
• Upset stomach

Given that, safety also depends on the dosage and the form of the extract you take.

Since it’s not possible to extract healthy components from plants, you must only go for the supplements that use the appropriate dosage.

Also, there are various forms of Tribulus Terrestris available in health stores focusing on different goals.

However, not all of them are created the same.

Different supplements contain different ingredients along with Tribulus. Hence, you must be careful about what composition you choose.

For example, Tribulus and ashwagandha together serve as a healthy composition.

But not all compositions work along with each other, and since Tribulus is not FDA regulated, there is no guarantee of which supplements work and which don’t.

Apart from that, always consult your doc before going for the supplements if you are under any medical treatment.

ALSO READ: Side Effects of Testosterone Boosters

The Final Outlook

Is Tribulus Terrestris the dynamic testosterone booster of this age?  

Well, many questions go unresolved as the number of studies done to explore its effects on the human body stays limited.

Though certain studies prove the herb to be sexually beneficial for women, the graph dips when it comes to male sexual functions.

Some of the key findings from today’s analysis present us with the following conclusions:

• Tribulus Terrestris does not necessarily boost testosterone.
• It has no role in huge muscle gains and strength.
• There is no solid data on its ability to treat erectile dysfunction which was purely based on its testosterone-boosting properties.
• Tribulus Terrestris can actually boost sexual desire in women but has marginal effects on the same in men.

This herb, quite frankly, does hold some superpowers albeit not the ones it is mostly marketed for!

So, what do you think? Is Tribulus going to be a part of your healthy diet? Leave your thoughts down below or get in touch with me at levin@horizonclinics.org if you’ve any more queries.