What Are the Health Benefits of Taking Tribulus Terrestris?

Written by Clarissa Brincat, Annie Stuart, Alicia Racelis, PhD
Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on January 21, 2026
7 min read

Tribulus terrestris is aplant that grows in many countries across the world, and is sometimes eaten if food is scarce. Its hairy stems spread along the ground to produce yellow, five-petaled flowers. The small green fruit is shaped like a hoof with spikes, also called "burs."

Some people have named the herb "puncture plant" because the burs can puncture surfaces like skin or tires. But it's also called goat's head, devil's thorn, and caltrop. Various parts of the plant, including flower and seeds, have been used in many countries. Animals also graze on the herb, but if they eat too much, they can die from breathing problems and liver failure.

Traditional medicine used Tribulus terrestris to treat conditions such as pain, inflammation, heart problems, and high blood pressure. Supplements also claim to improve sexual health, boost muscle strength, and help your mood. 

Some small studies have found certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant chemicals in the plant. Find out what benefits Tribulus terrestris may offer, the risks to watch for, and questions to ask your doctor before taking this supplement.

Tribulus terrestris supplements claim to help with sexual desire, athletic performance, and more. Some studies show that the herb has beneficial plant substances such as:

  • Plant steroids, called saponins
  • Polyphenolic compounds, such as flavonoids
  • Alkaloids

These plant compounds may act as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, but there's not enough research to be sure. Here's a review of the limited information so far about this plant.

Sexual health

Widely known as an aphrodisiac, you may find this plant regularly used as part of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. Even though some studies suggest Tribulus terrestris may help with erectile dysfunction and sexual desire problems, it's still unclear.

A study on erectile dysfunction found that Tribulus terrestris could improve satisfaction during sex, the ability to reach orgasm, and overall desire compared to a placebo.

"Tribulus terrestris has a positive effect on sexual performance, at least in men experiencing erectile dysfunction," said Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist and relationship therapist in Sweden.

Some experts think the steroidal saponins help raise testosterone levels, but others disagree. A few randomized controlled studies didn't show an effect on erectile dysfunction after taking the supplement. 

Multiple studies for hypoactive sexual desire after menopause looked at the effects of Tribulus terrestris and suggest that it may help improve sexual desire. But larger trials are needed to be sure if this herb can really help.

Can Tribulus terrestris increase testosterone?

The studies are mixed, and it's not clear if Tribulus terrestris can increase testosterone. Some studies had no effect, but others suggested that the supplement may help raise testosterone levels.

"High testosterone was only seen when Tribulus terrestris was taken with other supplements," says Rachael Miller, a nutritionist and herbalist in Vancouver, Canada. And higher androgen levels weren't seen in everyone taking the supplement.

The uncertainty comes from smaller studies and low-quality supplements — many contain steroids or different forms of testosterone. Without better quality supplements and larger studies, experts don't know if Tribulus terrestris can raise testosterone levels or not.

Athletic performance and muscle mass

Because some studies suggest that the plant can boost testosterone levels, it's often added to sports supplements. You might see Tribulus terrestris as an ingredient to enhance your exercise performance.

Although it's often found in sports supplements, there is no strong evidence that Tribulus terrestris boosts athletic performance, said Miller. Multiple studies show that the supplement doesn't really improve muscle mass or exercise performance in athletes.

In fact, the supplement is often contaminated, so use it with caution. Some studies have shown that Tribulus terrestris supplements can contain steroids or forms of testosterone.

Kidney problems 

The supplement may help you pee, and a few small studies suggest that it may prevent kidney stones from forming, but it's not confirmed. In fact, one bodybuilder who took Tribulus terrestris extract over a few months developed kidney failure.

Diabetes and Tribulus terrestris

Experts aren't certain if this plant can help with diabetes. The saponins, alkaloids, and polyphenolic substances in Tribulus terrestris may block certain digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates. 

One small study found lower blood sugar in 98 women with diabetes after they took an extract of Tribulus terrestris. Another study also showed lower glucose levels in 100 people with diabetes who took a Tribulus terrestris preparation.

To be sure it's safe, larger studies are required. So if you are taking diabetes medications, tell your doctor before taking any supplement. Your doctor can check for interactions, especially with Tribulus terrestris, which may lower your blood sugar to dangerously low levels. 

Other Tribulus terrestris benefits

There isn't enough research about Tribulus terrestris and heart health. Some studies show the plant may lower blood pressure for some people. Yet other studies reported higher blood pressure. That might be from contaminants in the supplements, often steroids or stimulants.

An older study from 1990 showed that people with coronary heart disease had fewer angina symptoms after using this supplement. But more research is needed on the saponins, a natural compound in the herb that may act as an anti-inflammatory to lower pain.

Cancer

There aren't any clinical trials using Tribulus terrestris against cancer, so it's unknown if it can work. Only a few small studies showed some promise using Tribulus terrestris extract to kill cancer cells in a lab dish.

People use the fruit, leaf, and root of the tribulus plant to make supplements. Common supplement forms are:

  • A powder
  • Tablets
  • Capsules

You can also buy teas and extracts of Tribulus terrestris. The plant is also added to multi-ingredient supplements, which are then marketed for sexual health and bodybuilding.

Is the Tribulus terrestris plant safe to consume?

Using Tribulus terrestris is generally well tolerated for three months or less. Some people may experience mild stomach discomfort, nausea, or indigestion. Average daily amounts can be in the range of 250-750 milligrams.

"Tribulus is generally safe to consume," says Miller. "A bigger safety concern, especially in sports supplements, is purity of the ingredients, honest labelling, and freedom from contaminants."

Lack of control for dietary supplements

Keep in mind that the FDA doesn't regulate dietary supplements as it does medicines. Instead, they're treated like foods. That means the makers of supplements don't have to prove the product works or is safe in a clinical trial. 

With a lack of research to draw on, it's often not clear what's in the supplement or what the best dosage may be for your health. That can mean the quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. 

This makes it difficult to set a standard dose, especially when the Tribulus terrestris supplements often contain contaminants like other steroids and hormones like testosterone.

The most common side effects are stomach upset and irritation. But Tribulus supplements can contain hidden ingredients such as steroids or added hormones, especially male enhancement products. 

Studies aren't clear about how well some of these compounds are absorbed. That can mean more side effects for some people if taken for a longer time or at higher doses. In fact, taking 1,000 milligrams in a day may cause:

  • Sleep problems
  • Fatigue
  • Faster heart rate
  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Nerve poisoning
  • Erection that doesn't go away (priapism)

Who should not take Tribulus?

If you have certain medical conditions, take certain medicines, or have other issues, don't take this supplement. Talk to your doctor before taking Tribulus terrestris if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have prostate cancer because of potential impact on androgens and testosterone
  • Have nerve problems
  • Have kidney, heart, or liver issues
  • Get certain blood tests
  • Take some medicines

Also, tell your doctor if you're taking this supplement and they're running tests to check your liver, kidney, or bone health. Tribulus terrestris can interfere with certain blood tests, such as: 

  • Liver function testing: Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
  • Kidney testing: Creatinine
  • Bone and liver function marker: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Can Tribulus interact with my medicines?

Yes, some medicines and Tribulus terrestris supplements can interact. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to find out if they interact, especially if you take medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, or blood clots. 

Some common medicines that interact with Tribulus include:

  • Beta-blockers
  • Digoxin
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Diuretics
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE inhibitors)
  • Nitrates
  • Some blood thinners
  • P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate medicines

P-gp substrate medicines can mean some anticancer medications, medicines that suppress your immune system, or newer blood thinners. Be safe and discuss your medicines with your doctor. That way, you can learn about any potential side effects or interactions. Your doctor can let you know if Tribulus terrestris is a risk for you.

Tribulus terrestris, or the puncture plant, claims to boost sexual desire, help with erectile dysfunction, and improve athletic performance. But the supplement can often be mixed with steroids and other hormones. Few studies support the claims, so it's hard to say if Tribulus terrestris really works. Talk to your doctor before taking the supplement if you take certain medicines, have diabetes, liver, heart, or kidney issues.

Does Tribulus terrestris improve male fertility?

Some studies in men with infertility suggest that Tribulus terrestris may help improve sperm quality, such as their shape, number, and how well they swim. But without larger trials and better supplements, it's not confirmed.

Does Tribulus terrestris cause weight gain?

Makers of Tribulus terrestris supplements often claim improved strength and muscle growth. But several studies found no meaningful difference in body weight or muscle mass after taking Tribulus terrestris compared to a placebo or a sugar pill.

Is the puncture plant toxic to animals?

Yes, the puncture plant can kill animals such as sheep, goats, or cows. The plant can cause liver injury and breathing problems if they eat too much of it.

Is Tribulus terrestris good for mood changes?

It's unclear, but taking higher amounts of the herb can cause some people to have sleep problems and feel more fatigued. These effects can negatively affect your mood. But it's still unclear how the supplement reallyaffects mood because there aren't any studies on Tribulus terrestris and mood change.