Tribulus Terrestris: Its Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

You may have heard about the plant Tribulus but not know much about what it does, where it is sourced or the reasons it can be taken. In our complete guide on Tribulus Terrestris, we’ll explore the research that should answer all of these questions.

What is Tribulus Terrestris?

Tribulus Terrestris is a plant from the Zygophyllaceae family, grown worldwide but found in abundance in Africa, Southern Asia and certain parts of Europe. Tribulus Terrestris extracts are also used in herbal supplements for a variety of health benefits.

The Tribulus plant has various other common names, including gokshura, goat’s head, caltrop, bindii, and puncture vine. 

What can Tribulus Terrestris be used for?

Tribulus Terrestris has been used in traditional, Chinese, and ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac and to help enhance athletic performance (1). Today, extracts of tribulus terrestris are used in a variety of dietary supplements that are used to improve libido and boost testosterone.

The Active Ingredients in Tribulus

The key active ingredients within the Tribulus Terrestris plant are saponins and Protodioscin. Many studies have been conducted on saponins that have shown that it may be used to maintain optimal testosterone levels and aid in recovery after physically intensive sports (2). Studies on saponins have shown that the higher the percentage, the better the result (3). 

The other active ingredient found within the Tribulus Terrestris plant is the Protodioscin, it is widely believed that it is Protodioscin that determines the aprohdisiac, testosterone & libido enhancing properties of Tribulus Terrestris (4), similar to saponins, the higher the percentage of Protodiscin, the more effective the product is.

Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris 

Another major benefit of taking Tribulus is that it is free from side effects, Tribulus does not interfere with your body's own hormones, and will not negatively affect estrogen meaning you will not get typical side effects often associated with anabolic steroids. Tribulus has been studied and reported to help sexual function (5), erectile dysfunction (6) and assist in recovery after physical exercise. 

Tribulus terrestris supplementation has also been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties (7), as well as antioxidant properties (8).  

In summary research has shown the health benefits of tribulus terrestris are:

  • Enhanced libido
  • Aids in post-exercise recovery
  • Maintains optimum testosterone levels

Who can use Tribulus Terrestris?

Tribulus can be used safely by both males and females, 18 years and over. Tribulus Terrestris can be used safely by females for increasing libido (9) and overall well being.  Tribulus Terrestris has been proven safe for both males females and Wada tested athletes, making it a very versatile supplement to use. 

A study has shown that taking Tribulus Terrestris did not alter the testosterone/epitestosterone ratio, which means that athletes would not be at risk of testing positive on the World Anti-Doping Agency's drug test (10).  

Recommended Dosage 

Researchers have found that men and women taking daily doses of up to 1500 mg per day have reported improved sexual function (11) over 12 weeks.

Side effects

Tribulus is safe for both men and women of all ages and is free from side effects. A study conducted on the safety of tribulus terrestris showed that there was no incidence of adverse side effects (12).

Where to Buy Tribulus Supplements

At Prohormones UK we offer a German Pharma Tribulus Terrestris supplement, which is one of the strongest and purest forms of Tribulus Terrestris on the market. Each vegetarian capsule of Tribulus Terrestris contains 250 mg active Tribulus standardized for 98% saponins and 80% Protodioscin. This makes German Pharma Tribulus Terrestris capsules more than twice as effective as the leading Tribulus brands (typical values are 45%).

Tribulus Terrestris can be taken year round or in short cycles of 6-8 weeks. German Pharma Tribulus is sold by Prohormones UK and is available for worldwide shipping.  

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