Tribulus
Description
Tribulus terrestris is a leafy plant indigenous to the Mediterranean, parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia, often identified by its spiny fruit. For centuries, it has been a staple in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it was employed for a variety of health concerns. Today, it is predominantly marketed as a dietary supplement aimed at boosting libido, improving sexual health, and enhancing athletic performance. The herb's primary active compounds are steroidal saponins, with protodioscin being one of the most studied. These compounds are thought to exert their effects by interacting with certain hormonal pathways in the body, although the precise mechanisms of action are still subjects of ongoing research. Despite its popularity among bodybuilders and athletes, direct evidence consistently demonstrating significant increases in testosterone levels or substantial muscle gain in healthy individuals is not robust. Beyond its reputation for sexual health and athletic support, Tribulus has also been traditionally used as a diuretic and to support urinary tract health. It's often included in formulations designed for general vitality and well-being, leveraging its historical use as a tonic herb.
Sources
Mediterranean regionsParts of AsiaAfricaAustralia
Cheapest Tribulus supplements
Best Tribulus supplements
Value Tribulus Supplements
Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith food
Often taken in divided doses throughout the day, preferably with meals to minimize potential stomach upset.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum250 mg
Maximum1500 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Goals
Testosterone Support
Impact
Moderate effect
Typical dose:750–1500 mg
Tribulus terrestris is a traditional herb often taken to support healthy hormonal balance, especially concerning testosterone. While studies on direct testosterone increase in healthy young men are mixed, it is consistently linked to improvements in libido, sexual function, and overall male vitality, which are often associated with optimal testosterone levels. It may act by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) or affecting androgen receptors.
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Fitness
Impact
Lower effect
Typical dose:750–1500 mg
Due to its perceived effects on hormonal balance, Tribulus terrestris is frequently utilized by individuals aiming to enhance athletic performance, increase strength, and improve recovery post-exercise. While direct scientific evidence for significant improvements in muscle mass or sports performance in well-trained individuals is inconsistent, its traditional use suggests a role in supporting physical vitality that can contribute to overall fitness goals.
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Energy
Typical dose:750–1500 mg
Users of Tribulus terrestris often report an increase in perceived energy levels and a reduction in general fatigue. This benefit is likely an indirect result of the herb's overall support for vitality, sexual health, and potentially improved mood or hormonal balance, rather than a direct stimulant effect. By supporting various physiological systems, it can contribute to a greater sense of vigor and stamina.
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Interactions
Recommended products
Value 
Full Spectrum Tribulus Fruit 500 mg
Swanson Premium Brand
Tribulus: 500 mg
A simple and economical Tribulus terrestris supplement, offering 500mg per serving for male vitality and fitness goals.
Value 
Mega Tribulus Extract
Swanson Passion
Tribulus: 250 mg
This product delivers a single, moderate dose of Tribulus Terrestris extract for those seeking a focused supplement to support testosterone, fitness, and energy.
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Tribulus Terrestris Extract 625 mg
The Vitamin Shoppe
Tribulus: 625 mg
A single-ingredient Tribulus terrestris extract, standardized for saponins at 625mg, focused on male vitality and fitness support.
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TRIBX90
ALLMAX
Tribulus: 750 mg
A highly potent Tribulus terrestris supplement, standardized to 90% saponins, for intensive male vitality and fitness support.
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Tribulus Extract 750 mg
Source Naturals
Tribulus: 750 mg
A high-dose, single-ingredient Tribulus fruit extract delivering 750mg per serving for male vitality and fitness support.
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Tribulus 1000 mg
California Gold Nutrition SPORT
Tribulus: 1000 mg
An exceptionally high-dose, saponin-standardized Tribulus terrestris extract, offering 1000mg per serving for intensive male vitality and fitness support.
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Tribulus 650 mg
Gaspari Nutrition
Tribulus: 1950 mg
An exceptionally high-dose Bulgarian Tribulus terrestris extract, offering 1950mg per serving for intensive male vitality and fitness support.
Value 
Tribulus 630 mg
Amazing India
Tribulus: 630 mg
An economical, organic Tribulus terrestris powder supplement, offering 630mg per serving for male vitality and fitness support.
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Tribulus Terrestris
NutraKey
Tribulus: 1000 mg
A high-dose, saponin-standardized Tribulus terrestris supplement, offering 1000mg per serving for strong male vitality and fitness support.
Value 
Tribulus 500 mg
NOW Sports
Tribulus: 500 mg
A direct Tribulus terrestris supplement, standardized for saponins, suitable for focused male vitality and fitness support.
Budget 
Horny Goat Weed Complex
Swanson
Tribulus: 300 mg
A powerful multi-ingredient blend centered on Horny Goat Weed, offering broad support for male vitality, fitness, and energy.
Best 
Ultimate Man-T
The Vitamin Shoppe
Tribulus: 500 mg
Ultimate Man-T is a multi-ingredient supplement for men, combining herbal extracts with vitamins and minerals to support vitality, energy, and fitness endeavors.
Value 
Tribulus Fruit Extract 450 mg
Solaray
Tribulus: 450 mg
A standardized Tribulus fruit extract with additional whole herb, offering a moderate dose for male vitality and energy support.
Best 
TESTROL Original
GAT Sport
Tribulus: 500 mg
This is a multi-ingredient male performance supplement featuring a blend of minerals and various herbal extracts commonly used to support vitality, energy, and muscle gain.
Best 
Organic Tribulus
Himalaya
Tribulus: 438 mg
An organic blend of Tribulus powder and saponin-standardized extract, providing 688mg for male vitality and fitness support.
Best 
Male Response
Source Naturals
Tribulus: 500 mg
<p>Source Naturals Male Response is a multi-ingredient blend of herbs, vitamins, and minerals crafted to support male vitality, energy, and overall well-being, with a focus on adapting to daily stresses.</p>
Product stats
Price per product
Average$24.18
Median$20.14
Price per serving
Average$0.67
Median$0.54
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.34
Median$0.21
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Saponins (19) 50
Saponin, referring to the general class of saponins, represents the key phytochemicals in Tribulus terrestris extracts, which are frequently standardized for their content. These compounds are commonly marketed for their potential to support male vitality, libido, and athletic performance. However, human clinical research consistently shows a lack of significant evidence for direct testosterone elevation in healthy men, though some studies indicate benefits for sexual desire.
Pros
- Represents the primary active constituents targeted in Tribulus extracts.
- Often the basis for product standardization.
Cons
- Broad classification; efficacy depends on the specific saponin profile and concentration.
- Lack of strong clinical evidence for direct testosterone boosting in healthy human subjects.
- Limited evidence for direct benefits on strength or muscle mass.
Per product
Avg$22.62
Med$21.99
Per serving
Avg$0.52
Med$0.43
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.31
Med$0.25
Price distribution
Steroidal Saponins (4) 60
Steroidal saponins, particularly protodioscin, are identified as the most important bioactive compounds in Tribulus terrestris extracts. These compounds are often linked to the herb's purported effects on libido and male vitality. While animal studies sometimes show effects on hormone levels, human clinical trials largely fail to demonstrate a significant increase in endogenous testosterone in healthy individuals, although some studies report improvements in sexual function and desire.
Pros
- More specific and targeted active compounds compared to general saponins.
- Focus of most scientific research into Tribulus's efficacy.
- Some evidence for libido and sexual function enhancement.
Cons
- Despite specificity, robust human evidence for increasing testosterone or enhancing athletic performance is largely lacking.
- The concentration and specific profile of steroidal saponins can vary significantly between products, affecting efficacy.
Per product
Avg$11.88
Med$11.88
Per serving
Avg$1.31
Med$1.04
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.56
Med$0.52
Price distribution
Furostanol Saponins (1) 50
Saponin, referring to the general class of saponins, represents the key phytochemicals in Tribulus terrestris extracts, which are frequently standardized for their content. These compounds are commonly marketed for their potential to support male vitality, libido, and athletic performance. However, human clinical research consistently shows a lack of significant evidence for direct testosterone elevation in healthy men, though some studies indicate benefits for sexual desire.
Pros
- Represents the primary active constituents targeted in Tribulus extracts.
- Often the basis for product standardization.
Cons
- Broad classification; efficacy depends on the specific saponin profile and concentration.
- Lack of strong clinical evidence for direct testosterone boosting in healthy human subjects.
- Limited evidence for direct benefits on strength or muscle mass.
Per product
Avg$15.99
Med$15.99
Per serving
Avg$0.53
Med$0.53
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.21
Med$0.21
Price distribution
Saponin (1) 50
Saponin, referring to the general class of saponins, represents the key phytochemicals in Tribulus terrestris extracts, which are frequently standardized for their content. These compounds are commonly marketed for their potential to support male vitality, libido, and athletic performance. However, human clinical research consistently shows a lack of significant evidence for direct testosterone elevation in healthy men, though some studies indicate benefits for sexual desire.
Pros
- Represents the primary active constituents targeted in Tribulus extracts.
- Often the basis for product standardization.
Cons
- Broad classification; efficacy depends on the specific saponin profile and concentration.
- Lack of strong clinical evidence for direct testosterone boosting in healthy human subjects.
- Limited evidence for direct benefits on strength or muscle mass.
Per product
Avg$20.19
Med$20.19
Per serving
Avg$0.33
Med$0.33
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.07
Med$0.07
Price distribution