tribulus

Tribulus, commonly referring to Tribulus terrestris, is a flowering plant in the Zygophyllaceae family. It is native to warm temperate and tropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia and has become widely naturalized elsewhere. The plant is an annual or short-lived perennial with creeping growth, spiny seed capsules, pinnate leaves, and yellow flowers. It is used in traditional medicines in parts of Asia and the Middle East and is also marketed today as a dietary supplement.

The principal chemical constituents are steroidal saponins, including protodioscin and dioscin, along with other saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds are thought to contribute to the plant’s purported effects, including influences on urinary or hormonal pathways, though the exact mechanisms remain uncertain.

In traditional medicine, Tribulus has been employed as a diuretic, antiurolithic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive aid. In contemporary dietary supplements, it is often promoted for enhancing athletic performance, increasing energy, and improving sexual function or libido. However, high-quality evidence supporting these claims is limited. Systematic reviews and randomized trials have produced mixed results, with most studies small, methodologically limited, and showing only modest or no clinically meaningful benefits.

Safety and regulation vary by country. Tribulus is generally considered safe for short-term use in healthy adults, but adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset, sleep disturbances, and mood changes have been reported. Rare cases of liver injury or interactions with medications have been suggested in case reports. Quality and contaminant concerns exist in the supplement market, highlighting the importance of sourcing from reputable manufacturers.