Overview

Tribulus is a plant called Tribulus terrestris. Dietary supplements that contain tribulus may be made from the leaf, stem, fruit, or root of the plant. Tribulus is used for many reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include nausea, sleep changes, upset stomach, tiredness, and stomach pain. Before taking tribulus, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is tribulus used for?

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using tribulus include the following.

• Erectile dysfunction, a condition where you have trouble getting or keeping an erection
• For kidney or bladder problems, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones
• To increase sex drive
• To improve physical performance
• To improve mood

Note: The FDA has not reviewed tribulus for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does tribulus work (mechanism of action)?

Tribulus is a plant called Tribulus terrestris. It is sometimes called puncture vine because of the sharp spines that grow on its fruit. Tribulus has been used in the traditional medicine systems in China and India (Ayurveda), where it is known as bai ji li and gokshura, respectively. Dietary supplements that contain tribulus are made from the leaf, stem, fruit, and root of the plant.

Tribulus contains chemicals called steroidal saponins that are thought to have effects in the body. It has been proposed that these chemicals may increase testosterone levels or help to stimulate certain receptors in the kidneys or brain. But the actual effects of these chemicals are not well understood, and research on any use is mixed or limited. It is also not clear whether tribulus can increase the levels of testosterone or other sex hormones in the body.

Herbal products, such as tribulus, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific tribulus product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store tribulus?

You should store tribulus according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of tribulus?

The most common side effects of tribulus are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Nausea
• Sleep changes
• Tiredness
• Upset stomach or stomach cramps

There may be other side effects of tribulus that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of tribulus?

While less common, the most serious side effects of tribulus are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tribulus may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking tribulus and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use tribulus?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take tribulus.

• Bai ji li
• Gokshura
• Puncture vine
• Tribulus
• Tribulus terrestris
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific tribulus products they stock.

What should I know about tribulus before using it?

Tribulus is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep tribulus out of the reach of children.

Some dietary supplements that contain tribulus may be labeled as “testosterone boosters.” But there is no clear evidence that tribulus can increase your testosterone levels. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, speak with your health care provider about the available tests and treatment options.

Herbal products, such as tribulus, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific tribulus product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Tribulus may be made from different parts of the plant. For example, tribulus products can come from the leaf, stem, or fruit, which are known as the aerial parts of the plant. Tribulus products can also come from the root. Some products may contain one, some, or all of the aerial parts, whereas other products may contain only the root. Each of these parts contains different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. It is important to read the label to confirm which part of the plant was used to make that product.

Many dietary supplements that are marketed for sexual or physical performance have been found to contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals. These prescription medicines can cause serious side effects. They can also interact with other medicines. Use caution when buying a tribulus product because it may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.

The FDA has not tested tribulus products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using tribulus?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if tribulus is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney or liver problems
• Prostate problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Tribulus may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking tribulus, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how tribulus could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if tribulus passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does tribulus interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between tribulus and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect tribulus.

Does tribulus interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking tribulus.

• A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
• Testosterone, which is a hormone used to treat low testosterone levels caused by certain conditions

The interactions between tribulus and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with tribulus is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking tribulus with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much tribulus?

If you or someone else has used too much tribulus, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Tribulus products may be made from many parts of the plant. These products may also contain other ingredients. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take tribulus safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.