Overview

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) is a plant that produces fruit covered with spines. It is traditionally known as an aphrodisiac in various cultures.

Tribulus has chemicals that might increase levels of some hormones. But it doesn't appear to increase male hormones (testosterone) in humans. Tribulus is also known as puncture vine because its sharp spines can flatten bicycle tires.

People use tribulus for sexual disorders, infertility, chest pain, enlarged prostate, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity. Taking tribulus by mouth can improve the sexual experience in females who have sexual dysfunction or low sexual desire. Taking tribulus by mouth can also improve sexual satisfaction in males with low sexual desire.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Athletic performance. Taking tribulus by mouth, alone or with other herbs and supplements, doesn't seem to enhance body composition or exercise performance in athletes.

There is interest in using tribulus for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Tribulus is possibly safe for most people when taken at doses of 750-1500 mg daily for up to 90 days. Side effects are usually mild and uncommon, but might include stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhea. There isn't enough reliable information available to know if tribulus is safe to use for longer than 90 days or what the side effects might be.

Eating the spine-covered fruit of tribulus is likely unsafe. There have been reports of serious lung problems due to eating the fruit.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Tribulus is possibly safe for most people when taken at doses of 750-1500 mg daily for up to 90 days. Side effects are usually mild and uncommon, but might include stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhea. There isn't enough reliable information available to know if tribulus is safe to use for longer than 90 days or what the side effects might be.

Eating the spine-covered fruit of tribulus is likely unsafe. There have been reports of serious lung problems due to eating the fruit.

Pregnancy: Taking tribulus during pregnancy is possibly unsafe. Animal research suggests that tribulus might harm development of the fetus.

Breast-feeding. There isn't enough reliable information to know if tribulus is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Tribulus might affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure. This might interfere with blood sugar and blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using tribulus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Lithium interacts with Tribulus

    Tribulus might have an effect like a "water pill" or diuretic. Taking tribulus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Tribulus

    Tribulus might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Tribulus along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Tribulus

    Tribulus might lower blood pressure. Taking Tribulus along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Dosing

Tribulus has most often been used by adults in doses of 750-1200 mg by mouth daily for 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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