SupplementsHerbs & MushroomsTribulus
Tribulus
Tribulus terrestris, also called puncture vine
A spiny Mediterranean and Asian plant sold everywhere as a testosterone booster. The research says something more modest, and we'd rather you hear that from us.
- Builds up
- Weeks, if at all
- In your body
- Not well known
- Per 1 capsule
- 500 mg
- 30-day supply
- $4.80One capsule a day, plus packing and delivery
What is tribulus?
Tribulus terrestris is a low creeping plant with spiked fruit, which is where the name puncture vine comes from. It has a long history in traditional Indian and Chinese practice, mostly for vitality and sexual health.
It became famous in gyms as a testosterone booster. That reputation has run well ahead of the research. A 2025 review of the studies found no solid evidence that it raises testosterone, and only low-quality evidence that it helps erections.
Ours is a fruit extract, standardized to 75% saponins. Saponins are the plant compounds most people think do the work, although nobody has shown exactly how, or whether they're the whole story.
What it does
- Sexual wellbeingTraditionally used for libido and male vitality, with early and uneven research.
- TestosteroneOften sold for this, but studies mostly show no change in men whose levels were already normal.
- Traditional usePart of Indian and Chinese herbal practice for a very long time.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
What people take it for
Early daysErectionsSome studies found better scores on erection questionnaires, but reviewers rated the evidence low.
MixedTestosteroneEight of ten studies in one review saw no real change. The two that did involved men with low levels, and the rise was small, around 60 to 70 ng/dL.
Early daysTraining and muscleA popular reason to take it in gyms, without good evidence behind it. Protein, sleep and creatine have far more.
How long it takes
Studies usually ran for weeks to a few months, so a fair trial is not a few days. Many people in them saw no hormone change at any point.
- WeeksWhen studies first looked for any change in how men felt
- About 12 weeksRoughly as far as most studies go
- Any timeA blood test is the only way to know whether your testosterone moved
How long it stays in your body
We couldn't find a solid number in people. Because it's a mix of plant compounds, a single half-life may not mean much.
What's in a capsule
One capsule holds 500 mg of tribulus fruit extract, standardized to 75% saponins. Studies vary widely in what they used, so there's no agreed amount to compare this to.
Why a testosterone booster often doesn't boost testosterone
Testosterone is tightly controlled. Your brain and testes keep it in a range, and a healthy system pushes back against small changes. That's one reason so many herbs fail to shift it in men whose levels are already normal.
A wide review of products sold as boosters found that most fail to raise total testosterone. Tribulus wasn't among the few it called possibly effective. A review of tribulus alone reached the same place: eight of ten studies found no real change in hormones, and the two that did were in men who started out low, with a small rise.
So if you feel low, test first. Total testosterone, free testosterone and SHBG, taken in the morning, tell you far more than a label can. Poor sleep, excess body fat and heavy drinking are all common and well-known reasons for a low number, and they're worth looking at before any supplement. If your number really is low, that's a conversation for your doctor.
What it interacts with
- Diabetes medicinesTribulus may lower blood sugar in animal work, which could add to these medicines. Ask your doctor, and watch your numbers.
- Blood pressure medicinesIt may lower blood pressure a little, which could add to these medicines. Ask first.
- Hormone therapy, including testosteroneLittle is known about combining them. Your doctor should know you take it, especially before blood tests.
- Any regular medicineVery few combinations have been studied, so run it past your pharmacist.
Goes well with
- ZincLow zinc is a known, testable reason for low testosterone.
- D ComplexVitamin D is often checked alongside testosterone.
- AshwagandhaHas better evidence around testosterone and stress.
Side effects
- Stomach upset and cramps are the most reported.
- Trouble sleeping has been reported by some people.
- Rare case reports of liver or kidney problems at high amounts.
Check first if
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: the label says to consult your physician first. Animal work raises concerns, so it's best avoided.
- Prostate problems or a hormone-sensitive condition: talk to your doctor first.
- Kidney or liver problems: ask first.
- Tested athletes: check your sport's rules and your product's testing.
- Feeling low on energy or libido: get tested, since the cause is often something else.
The blood tests that go with it
- Total testosteroneThe only way to know if your level moved. Studies mostly found it didn't.
- Free testosteroneThe share your body can use right away.
- SHBGThe protein that holds testosterone, which changes how to read the total.
- DHTA stronger form of testosterone, tracked in some studies.
- ALTA liver number, worth checking given the rare case reports.
- CreatinineA kidney number, for the same reason.
Work it out
Supplementation
Or start from a ready-made protocol.
Start from one of these, or add it to your own. Everything comes in one pouch each morning.
Mind & balance
For your focused hours.
30-day pack · 5 a morning · 150 pills
$70.35 / month
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30-day pack · 6 a morning · 180 pills
$75.30 / month
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A skin-focused routine.
30-day pack · 6 a morning · 180 pills
$75.42 / month
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Put heart health in focus.
30-day pack · 7 a morning · 210 pills
$84.54 / month
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Start with your gut.
30-day pack · 6 a morning · 180 pills
$98.70 / month
Choose this packBody & skin
A bone-focused foundation.
30-day pack · 6 a morning · 180 pills
$84.88 / month
Choose this packBody & skin
For an active life.
30-day pack · 5 a morning · 150 pills
$75.40 / month
Choose this packMind & balance
Make space for balance.
30-day pack · 6 a morning · 180 pills
$73.50 / month
Choose this packDaily foundations
Four mineral building blocks.
30-day pack · 4 a morning · 120 pills
$62.10 / month
Choose this packDaily foundations
An antioxidant-focused stack.
30-day pack · 6 a morning · 180 pills
$86.22 / month
Choose this packLife stages
Your everyday starting point.
30-day pack · 6 a morning · 180 pills
$79.62 / month
Choose this packLife stages
A broader daily foundation.
30-day pack · 7 a morning · 210 pills
$92.29 / month
Choose this packDaily foundations
For a plant-based routine.
30-day pack · 7 a morning · 210 pills
$86.10 / month
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Build your own
- cGMP-certifiedFacilities
- FDA-registeredFacilities
- Accredited labsIndependent testing
- Non-GMOIngredient options
- OrganicIngredient options
- VeganFormula options
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Want it more precise? Get the app.
A page can only tell you about Tribulus. The app tells you about you: whether it fits, when to take it, and whether it's working.
- Checked against your blood work and everything you already take
- On your daily timeline, around your sleep, training and meals
- Followed over time, so you can see what moved
TribulusOPEN 09:00Tribulus against your blood work, your sleep and what you already take.
AIYour total testosterone is from last year and your sleep has been short. Want to retest before adding tribulus?
ASK ABOUT TRIBULUSFind the goal that's yours.
Your record, your routine and LifeFrom AI, pointed at the outcome that matters to you.
Questions
Does tribulus increase testosterone?
Mostly no. One review found eight of ten studies saw no real change. The two that did were in men who started low, and the rise was small.
What is tribulus good for?
Its best case is sexual wellbeing and erections, and even there reviewers rate the evidence as low. Its reputation for muscle and testosterone is much stronger than the research.
How long does tribulus take to work?
Studies ran for weeks to about 3 months. If nothing has changed by then, it probably won't.
What are the side effects of tribulus?
Stomach upset, cramps and sometimes poor sleep. There are rare reports of liver or kidney problems, mostly at high amounts.
What does tribulus interact with?
Diabetes and blood pressure medicines are the main ones to ask about, along with hormone therapy. Very few combinations have been studied.
Can women take tribulus?
It has been studied a little in women, for libido. Don't take it if you're pregnant or trying to conceive without talking to your doctor.
Is tribulus safe to take every day?
Studies lasting a few months didn't raise big concerns, but long-term daily use hasn't been studied well.
Should I test my testosterone first?
Yes. A morning blood test costs little and tells you whether there's anything to fix, and what's likely causing it.
Sources
- Vilar Neto JO et al. Effects of Tribulus supplementation on erectile dysfunction and testosterone levels in men. Nutrients, 2025.
- Morgado A et al. Do testosterone boosters really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review. Int J Impot Res, 2024.
Written by LifeFrom from these sources, and not yet reviewed by a clinician. Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement.
