Compound or practice · Supplement
Tribulus Terrestris
A staple 'testosterone booster' that reliably does not raise testosterone — some libido effect at most.
- Overall grade
- Grade D
- Last revised
- 2
- graded outcomes
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
1 at grade C · 1 at grade D — 2 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- LibidoEvidence grade C
Hormone-independent
Smallmixed
- TestosteroneEvidence grade D
No increase
Trivialhigh
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Libido (grade C); Testosterone (grade D).
The evidence in words
What it is
Tribulus terrestris is a saponin-containing plant marketed heavily for testosterone and performance.
How it works
Proposed to raise luteinizing hormone/testosterone; human data contradict this.
What the evidence shows
Controlled trials consistently show no meaningful increase in testosterone or performance in men. Some studies show improved libido/sexual satisfaction independent of hormones. A classic example of a booster that doesn't boost.
How to use it
Not recommended for testosterone; libido effect is inconsistent.
Safety & interactions
Generally safe; rare kidney/liver case reports at high doses.
Bottom line
It won't raise your testosterone — that's settled. At best a modest, inconsistent libido effect. Don't buy it for hormones.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- n/a
- Not recommended for testosterone.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Tribulus Terrestris for LibidoEvidence grade C — Hormone-independentEvidence grade C
- Tribulus Terrestris for TestosteroneEvidence grade D — No increaseEvidence grade D
- Fenugreek for TestosteroneEvidence grade C — InconsistentEvidence grade C
- Tongkat Ali for LibidoEvidence grade C — SubjectiveEvidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.