Tribulus Terrestris
Pronunciation: (TRY-byoo-lus ter-RES-tris).
- Generic name
- Tribulus terrestris
- Brand names
- TestoTribulus, Nutra-Life Tribulus, Tribulus Max, Natures Aid Tribulus, Himalaya Tribulus, GO Tribulus
- Drug class
- Health & Lifestyle Management
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Tribulus terrestris is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Tribulus terrestris works
Tribulus terrestris contains steroidal saponins, primarily protodioscin, which are believed to influence androgen receptors and potentially stimulate endogenous testosterone production. It may also enhance nitric oxide release, contributing to vasodilation and improved blood flow. However, the exact mechanism in humans remains unclear and is not fully established in clinical trials. (1)
What Tribulus terrestris is used for
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (1)
Infertility
Infertility (1)
Low libido
Low libido (1)
Athletic performance enhancement
Athletic performance enhancement (1)
Before taking Tribulus terrestris
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and patients with hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast, prostate, uterine). (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Tribulus terrestris
- General Instructions: Take Tribulus terrestris exactly as directed on the product label or by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed recommended doses.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult doses range from 250 mg to 1500 mg daily, divided into 1-3 doses. Dosing may vary by product and indication.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established. Use in children is not recommended.. Administration: Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Swallow capsules or tablets whole with a glass of water.. When To Seek Review: Contact your prescriber if you experience serious side effects, allergic reactions, or as advised by your healthcare provider, and let them advise on whether to continue use.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for guidance on the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
There is limited information on Tribulus terrestris overdose. If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Stomach upset
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Constipation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Difficulty sleeping
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Increased heart rate
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Restlessness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Prostate enlargement (in men)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney problems
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Not approved by the FDA for any medical indication — serious
Symptoms: Not approved by the FDA for any medical indication. May interact with diabetes medications and affect blood sugar. May worsen hormone-sensitive conditions. Potential risk of liver injury with high doses or prolonged use. Use caution in patients with kidney or liver disease.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and patients with hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast, prostate, uterine). Use caution in patients with diabetes (may lower blood glucose), liver or kidney impairment, and those on medications affecting hormone levels.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Tribulus terrestris may interact with medications that affect blood sugar (such as insulin or oral hypoglycemics), blood pressure medications, and drugs metabolized by the liver. It may also interact with hormone therapies or anticoagulants. Always inform your healthcare provider of all supplements and medications you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Tribulus terrestris is not recommended during pregnancy; reliable human safety data are lacking, and it should be avoided without medical supervision. (1)
Breastfeeding
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established; there is no reliable human data on transfer into breast milk, so Tribulus terrestris is not recommended while breastfeeding without medical advice. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Single Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (1)
Renal_impairment
Tribulus terrestris is not FDA-regulated, so no formal renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing exists. Published case reports describe acute kidney injury and severe jaundice/liver injury following high-dose or prolonged daily supplementation (doses above roughly 1,000 mg/day), so people with pre-existing liver or kidney disease should avoid it without medical supervision. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
Tribulus terrestris is not FDA-regulated, so no formal renal- or hepatic-impairment dosing exists. Published case reports describe acute kidney injury and severe jaundice/liver injury following high-dose or prolonged daily supplementation (doses above roughly 1,000 mg/day), so people with pre-existing liver or kidney disease should avoid it without medical supervision. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Store as directed on the supplement product label, typically at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. As a dietary supplement, Tribulus terrestris is not FDA-reviewed for a standardized storage specification.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Erectile dysfunction
Dose summary: Not established; typical doses range from 250 mg to 1500 mg per day based on product formulation.
Renal context: Tribulus terrestris is a herbal dietary supplement, not an FDA-approved drug, so no regulator-reviewed renal dose-adjustment table exists. Standard studied doses (250-750 mg/day) have generally been well tolerated short-term, but case reports describe acute kidney injury after high-dose or prolonged supplementation; people with pre-existing kidney disease should avoid Tribulus terrestris unless a clinician advises otherwise. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is Tribulus terrestris used for?
Tribulus terrestris is most commonly used as a herbal supplement for boosting athletic performance, supporting sexual health, and enhancing vitality. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.
Is Tribulus terrestris safe?
Tribulus terrestris is generally considered safe for most healthy adults when used at recommended doses for short periods. However, it may cause side effects and is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with hormone-sensitive conditions.
Can Tribulus terrestris increase testosterone?
Some studies suggest Tribulus terrestris may have a mild effect on testosterone levels, but evidence is inconsistent and more research is needed.
Does Tribulus terrestris interact with medications?
Yes, it may interact with diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, hormone therapies, and anticoagulants. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with prescription medications.
How long does it take to see effects from Tribulus terrestris?
Effects may vary. Some users report benefits within a few weeks, but clinical evidence for efficacy and optimal duration is lacking.
Is Tribulus terrestris approved by the FDA?
No, Tribulus terrestris is not approved by the FDA for any medical condition. It is sold as a dietary supplement.
Can children take Tribulus terrestris?
Safety and efficacy in children have not been established. Use in children is not recommended.
What happens if I take too much Tribulus Terrestris?
Taking excessive amounts of Tribulus Terrestris may lead to intensified side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. While severe overdose is rare, it's crucial to adhere to recommended dosages. If you suspect an overdose and experience concerning symptoms like severe abdominal pain or vomiting, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Tribulus Terrestris?
As an herbal supplement, Tribulus Terrestris's interaction with alcohol is not extensively studied. However, alcohol can exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects common with many supplements, including Tribulus. It's generally advisable to consume alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether while taking herbal supplements to minimize potential adverse reactions and ensure optimal efficacy.
Is Tribulus Terrestris safe during pregnancy?
Tribulus Terrestris is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The pregnancy category for this herbal supplement is 'Consult Doctor' due to insufficient data on its safety for both the mother and the developing fetus. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using Tribulus Terrestris if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What is the mechanism of action of Tribulus terrestris?
Tribulus terrestris contains steroidal saponins, primarily protodioscin, which are believed to influence androgen receptors and potentially stimulate endogenous testosterone production. It may also enhance nitric oxide release, contributing to vasodilation and improved blood flow. However, the exact mechanism in humans remains unclear and is not fully established in clinical trials. (1)
What is the generic name of Tribulus Terrestris?
The generic name is Tribulus terrestris. It is sold under brand names including TestoTribulus, Nutra-Life Tribulus, Tribulus Max, Natures Aid Tribulus, Himalaya Tribulus, GO Tribulus.
What class of drug is Tribulus terrestris?
Tribulus Terrestris is classed as: Health & Lifestyle Management.
References
- Tribulus Terrestris — Prescribing InformationDailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- Tribulus terrestris efficacy/safety review, and published case reportsPubMed Central · International · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- OHM-DAM (AGNUS CASTUS, AVENA SATIVA, DAMIANA, GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS, IGNATIA AMARA, LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM, ORCHITINUM, PHOSPHORICUM ACIDUM, SABAL SERRULATA, SELENIUM METALLICUM, TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS, YOHIMBINUM) SPRAY [OHM PHARMA INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Tribulus terrestris — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1370988)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Tribulus terrestris names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.