Tribulus Terrestris: What the Research Really Says (2026 Guide)
If you’ve ever walked barefoot across an Aussie paddock and stepped on a “cat’s head” or “goathead” burr, you’ve met Tribulus terrestris. The same spiky weed is one of the best-selling ingredients in men’s “testosterone boosters”. So does it work? This guide looks at what tribulus is, what the research found, and what to watch for.
What is tribulus?
Tribulus terrestris is a low-growing, yellow-flowered plant found in warm, dry regions worldwide, including much of Australia, where it’s a declared weed in some areas. Its fruit breaks into hard, spiny segments that can puncture bike tyres and injure livestock.
In Ayurvedic medicine (where it’s called gokshura) and traditional Chinese medicine, the fruit and root have long been used for urinary complaints and vitality. It became popular in sport after Eastern European athletes were said to use it in the 1970s and 80s.
What’s in it?
Tribulus contains plant compounds called steroidal saponins, especially protodioscin. The theory behind the testosterone claims is that these compounds raise levels of hormones that signal the body to make more testosterone. The amount of protodioscin varies widely depending on where the plant was grown and which part is used, so products can differ a lot.
Does it raise testosterone?
This is the big one, and the answer from the research is mostly no.
A 2024 systematic review of so-called “testosterone boosters” looked at the ingredients commonly used in these products. For tribulus, most studies found no significant increase in total testosterone in men (Morgado et al., 2024). A 2025 systematic review of clinical trials reached a similar conclusion on testosterone, while noting some positive findings on erectile function (Vilar Neto et al., 2025).
Studies in athletes have also generally failed to show improvements in strength, muscle mass or performance.
Sexual function in men: mixed results
Here the picture is more mixed. A Bulgarian randomised, placebo-controlled trial found men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction reported improvements with a tribulus extract (Kamenov et al., 2017). But a Brazilian randomised trial found no difference from placebo (Santos et al., 2014).
A 2026 meta-analysis of randomised trials suggested a modest benefit on erectile function scores, but the trials were few and varied (Suharyani et al., 2026). Put plainly: some trials show a small effect, others show none.
Sexual desire in women
Small trials in women with low sexual desire have reported improvements with tribulus compared with placebo (Akhtari et al., 2014; Vale et al., 2018). A 2020 systematic review concluded the results were promising but the evidence was of low quality, with small and short studies (Martimbianco et al., 2020).
A note for athletes
Tribulus itself isn’t a banned substance, but sports supplements sold as “testosterone boosters” have been found contaminated with prohibited substances. If you’re tested under Sport Integrity Australia rules, be very careful with any blended product.
How it’s traditionally used
In traditional practice, dried tribulus fruit is simmered as a decoction or blended into herbal teas. It has a mildly bitter, earthy taste. Modern supplements typically use concentrated extracts standardised for saponins, which are far stronger than a tea.
Who should take care?
We’re not aware of a current TGA safety advisory specific to Tribulus terrestris. However:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid. Animal studies raise concerns about effects on development.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions: including prostate conditions or hormone-sensitive cancers. Get medical advice first.
- Diabetes medicines: tribulus may lower blood sugar.
- Blood pressure and heart medicines: possible interactions.
- Lithium: tribulus may have a diuretic effect, which can affect lithium levels.
- Kidney or liver conditions: rare case reports of kidney and liver problems have been published with high-dose use.
- Erectile problems: these can be an early sign of heart disease or diabetes, so it’s worth seeing your GP rather than self-treating.
The bottom line
Despite its popularity in “testosterone boosters”, the research shows tribulus generally doesn’t raise testosterone or improve athletic performance. Results for sexual function are mixed: a few small trials are positive, others aren’t. It’s a traditional herb with interesting history, but treat bold marketing claims with caution and talk to your GP about any sexual health concerns.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. It is not about any specific product. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about your own health. Safety information is current as at 24 October 2026; always check the TGA website for the latest advice.
References
- Morgado A, et al. Do “testosterone boosters” really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review. Int J Impot Res. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37697053/
- Vilar Neto JO, et al. Effects of Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.) supplementation on erectile dysfunction and testosterone levels in men: a systematic review of clinical trials. Nutrients. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40219032/
- Kamenov Z, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Maturitas. 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28364864/
- Santos CA Jr, et al. Tribulus terrestris versus placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a prospective, randomized, double blind study. Actas Urol Esp. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24630840/
- Suharyani S, et al. Tribulus terrestris for management of patients with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Int J Impot Res. 2026. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40360723/
- Akhtari E, et al. Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Daru. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24773615/
- Vale FBC, et al. Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris for the treatment of premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29172782/
- Martimbianco ALC, et al. Tribulus terrestris for female sexual dysfunction: a systematic review. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32736394/
