Testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris: what the research found
PubMed indexes 8 records that name Testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris together, either in the title or in an interaction, co-administration, or pharmacokinetic context. The key findings come first, in the authors’ own words, followed by every study with its design and PubMed link.
A summary of published research, not medical advice. A pharmacist can check any combination against your full list of medicines and supplements.
Reviews and human studies first. Each quote is the authors’ own conclusion about their study, not a NutriStack assessment, and a single study is not a consensus.
“Therefore, only 2 studies showed significant intra-group increase in total testosterone levels, which had low clinical magnitude (60-70 ng/dL) and involved subjects with hypogonadism. Conclusions: TT supplementation has a low level of evidence regarding its effectiveness in improving erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction, and no robust evidence was found for increasing testosterone levels.”
“Scientific evidence supports the use of mucuna and ashwagandha as phytotherapics for improving serum T concentrations and semen parameters. Despite inconclusive evidence for use of tribulus as a T booster, it may provide advantageous effects on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic infertility. Nutraceutical strategies and some phytotherapics may also be effective to promote prostate health.”
“In addition, no statistically significant correlations were observed between testosterone (free and total) and LH and semen parameters before and after the treatment. Tribulus terrestris was ineffective in the treatment of idiopathic infertility.”
The research
8 studies naming Testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris.
Strongest relevance first: papers naming both substances in the title, then human trials and systematic reviews.
“Therefore, only 2 studies showed significant intra-group increase in total testosterone levels, which had low clinical magnitude (60-70 ng/dL) and involved subjects with hypogonadism. Conclusions: TT supplementation has a low level of evidence regarding its effectiveness in improving erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction, and no robust evidence was found for increasing testosterone levels.”
Names both Testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris in its title.
Journal of dietary supplements · 2017 · PMID 27337519
Randomized Controlled Trial
“In addition, no statistically significant correlations were observed between testosterone (free and total) and LH and semen parameters before and after the treatment. Tribulus terrestris was ineffective in the treatment of idiopathic infertility.”
Names both Testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris in its title.
Journal of ethnopharmacology · 2019 · PMID 30790614
ReviewHuman subjects
“Scientific evidence supports the use of mucuna and ashwagandha as phytotherapics for improving serum T concentrations and semen parameters. Despite inconclusive evidence for use of tribulus as a T booster, it may provide advantageous effects on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic infertility. Nutraceutical strategies and some phytotherapics may also be effective to promote prostate health.”
Names both Testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris in its title.
Journal of sex & marital therapy · 2016 · PMID 25849625
Human subjects
“Results showed a statistically significant difference in the level of testosterone (total and free) and IIEF-5, but no statistically significant difference in the level of LH before and after treatment. Also, the study showed statistically significant correlation between testosterone (total and free) and IIEF-5, but no statistically significant correlation between the level of LH and the IIEF-5 before and after treatment.”
Names both Testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris in its title.
“TT supplementation did not impact enhance performance or body composition in CrossFit® male athletes. However, TT supplementation may act as a testosterone booster helping the recovery after physical loads and mitigating fatigue.”
Names Testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris together in an interaction, co-administration, or pharmacokinetic context.
Limitations
What this evidence cannot tell you.
Search-based evidence indexes have real limits, and it is worth being explicit about them:
Selection. These records were found by searching PubMed titles and abstracts for both substance names alongside interaction and pharmacokinetic terms. Relevant work that phrases things differently, or is not indexed in PubMed, will be missing.
No effect size. The quoted conclusions are the authors’ words about their own study. We have not extracted effect direction or magnitude, and a single study’s conclusion is not a consensus.
Population mismatch. Findings in healthy volunteers, animals, or a specific patient group may not transfer to you, your dose, or your formulation.
Absence is not safety. Few published studies means the combination is under-studied, which is not the same as established as safe.
How to read this page
A literature summary, not guidance.
A study listed here is not proof that Testosterone and Tribulus Terrestris interact. Two substances can be named together in a paper that never tested them in combination, and a source listed as background may cover only one of them.
Findings are quoted from each abstract as the authors wrote them. NutriStack has not re-analysed, pooled, or reconciled them, and they may disagree with each other.
Decisions about prescription medication and supplements belong with your prescriber or pharmacist, who can see your full regimen. Our timing guide and forms guide explain the general mechanisms.
Nearby evidence
Other pairs with published research.
Pages covering Testosterone or Tribulus Terrestris alongside a different substance.
NutriStack is a free iPhone app for organising a supplement routine: what you take, when, and what the published record says about it. Its exploratory interaction checker covers Testosterone, Tribulus Terrestris, and several hundred other substances.
Log your routine, get reminders at the times you choose, and scan a label to add a product. The checker is a research and organisation tool, not a clinical decision aid.
NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
