Tribulus terrestris
Libido · Saponin-containing herb
Tier C+
What this is
Classic supplement that does not do what its marketing suggests. In healthy eugonadal men, Neychev 2005 and others consistently show no testosterone effect. The library of trials in women suggests more legitimate libido effect. Bulgarian/Balkan Sopharma products historically most studied.
Mechanism
Protodioscin and related steroidal saponins; proposed LH release stimulation; reality is more modest — most trials in healthy men show no testosterone increase vs placebo
Dose & route
300-1500 mg/day standardized extract
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16174537/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28178380/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4163465/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.