Our method
Tribulus Terrestris, also called Earth Root Thorn, is an herbaceous plant species that is widely distributed, especially in tropical countries in Asia, Africa and Australia. The plant is used as a tonic and is said to have many effects on the body, such as promoting potency. In Chinese medicine, it is used as a medicine to lower the functional circuit of the liver.
If you are now unsure about the effects of Tribulus Terrestris and don't know whether it is worth buying for you, then our Tribulus Terrestris Test 2020 is exactly the right place for you. In the following, we will present the product in more detail and analyse its effects for you, so that in the end you know exactly whether the product is right for you.
Contents
- 1 Weekly newsletter with the best personal finance tips
- 2 The most important facts
- 3 The Best Tribulus Terrestris: Our Picks
- 4 Buying and evaluation criteria for Tribulus terrestris products
- 5 Guide: Frequently asked questions about Tribulus terrestris products answered in detail
- 5.1 What is Tribulus terrestris and how does it work?
- 5.2 When and for whom is it useful to take Tribulus terrestris?
- 5.3 What are the side effects of taking Tribulus terrestris?
- 5.4 What types of Tribulus terrestris are there?
- 5.5 How should Tribulus terrestris be dosed?
- 5.6 What are the alternatives to Tribulus terrestris products?
The most important facts
- Tribulus terrestris (earth thorn) is a plant that is usually sold on the market in powdered form. According to studies, it has a positive effect on the libido in men and women.
- The miracle herb is also very popular among athletes. It is used there as a workout booster and is said to promote muscle building.
- Tribulus terrestris can be bought in the form of capsules, tablets, powder or drops. Before buying, however, you should know which type is most suitable for you. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The Best Tribulus Terrestris: Our Picks
Buying and evaluation criteria for Tribulus terrestris products
Tribulus terrestris is widely available on the superfood and supplement market. You can buy the plant in many different forms. We present you with various criteria that the product should fulfil so that it fits your needs.
When buying Tribulus terrestris, you can pay attention to various aspects, such as:
We will now go into more detail on the respective purchase criteria. It is important that you read through all the points carefully so that you know exactly what is important for you when buying Tribulus terrestris. Each criterion is important when choosing the right product.
Dosage
Tribulus terrestris products are available in different dosages. It all depends on your personal needs. Tribulus terrestris is available in a wide variety of dosages.
Capsules and tablets are usually stronger doses, as many athletes rely on these products. The advantage of powders and drops is that you can dose them as you wish.
You should never exceed the recommended daily dose of the capsules, tablets or powder.
Often the dosage also determines the price of the product. Before buying, make sure you know which dosage is most suitable for you and also inform yourself about the recommended daily dose. Do not base your purchase primarily on the price, but the dose should be a decisive point.
Ingredients
Ingredients are an important topic when buying food supplements. If you read "release agents" in the ingredients, this should not be a cause for concern. These are necessary in the production and processing of food supplements.
Often you will also read "extracts of Tribulus terrestris". Here it is not directly obvious which components of the plant have been processed, which is why you should read the description carefully to be able to determine the processing. If necessary, you can also contact the manufacturer.
Many manufacturers advertise their products with the saponin content, which is the central active ingredient of the plant. Saponins can have antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects.
They also help to promote the body's own detoxification. High-dose products usually contain about 1800 mg of saponins.
This characteristic can be quickly identified nowadays. Dietary supplements for vegetarians/vegans are becoming more widespread on the market and are becoming more popular with athletes as more people are also switching to a different diet.
Products that are vegan are almost always labelled accordingly by the manufacturers. For many, this is a sign of quality. However, vegan does not always mean organic. If organic processing and production is also important to you, you should definitely look out for additional seals.
What you should remember: Vegan does not mean organic quality!
There are several criteria that an organic product should fulfil. The Tribulus terrestris plants should come from organic cultivation. Also, the ingredients of the end product should not contain any other additives or adjuvants.
An organic product should be pure Tribulus terrestris. Therefore, you should check the exact ingredients before buying to make sure that the product is not organic.
Compatibility
Before buying Tribulus terrestris products you should be sure that you do not suffer from any intolerances. These can be unpleasant when taking the product.
In order to check this easily, you should dose the powder carefully and very little, so that you can see exactly how your body reacts to the plant.
Quality
The quality of Tribulus terrestris is very important. Since the herb is used as a dietary supplement, the products should be of the highest quality. So when buying the product, you should be sure that it is from a verified dealer who uses pure natural ingredients.
Made in Germany can be a mark of quality for many. With the products, you know that they have been produced regionally and that the employees have also been paid fairly. The price can also reflect the quality.
If you want to get a pure Tribulus terrestris powder, it will be more expensive because it does not contain any other additives. However, you know that it is a pure product and you can take the powder without hesitation.
Guide: Frequently asked questions about Tribulus terrestris products answered in detail
What is Tribulus terrestris and how does it work?
The plant shows different pharmacological activities, such as aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant. Tribulus terrestris is most commonly used for infertility or loss of libido.(1)
The main active phytoconstituents that have an effect are:
- Flavonoids
- Alkaloids
- Saponins
- Lignin
- Amides
- Glycosides
Tribulus terrestris is for internal use only. The herbal remedy offers a broad spectrum among consumers. Not only athletes believe in the effect of the herb plant, but also many people who want to have children. The plant has several effects, which we will now discuss in more detail.(2)
Effect on testosterone levels
Nowadays Tribulus terrestris is very popular among athletes and bodybuilders. They are convinced that Tribulus increases the testosterone level.(3)
To test and confirm this effect, a randomised control trial was conducted in which healthy volunteers took Tribulus terrestris as a monotherapy or combination preparation. A total of eleven studies met the inclusion criteria.(3)
The results showed that the studies varied in duration, dosage and supplementation with Tribulus terrestris as monotherapy or as a combination preparation. However, animal studies showed a significant increase in testosterone levels after administration of Tribulus terrestris. (3)
In humans, this significant effect was only seen when Tribulus terrestris was part of a combined supplement.(3)
Today, there are few studies on the effectiveness of Tribulus terrestries on increasing testosterone levels. However, evidence to date suggests that Tribulus terrestris is ineffective on testosterone concentration as a stand-alone supplement. (3)
Effect on libido
Tribulus terrestris is supposed to help with erectile dysfunction and sexual desire problems, which is why many couples turn to it. But so far, scientific evidence for this effect is sparse and not completely conclusive or conclusive. (4)
We have selected a study that critically examines this issue and supports and updates the thesis that Tribulus terrestris can be used as an aphrodisiac. The most important scientific databases were used to conduct an extensive literature search on the topic. (4)
The analysis of different studies showed that Tribulus terrestris plays a significant role in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and the resolution of sexual desire problems. Animal studies provide evidence that Tribulus terrestris has aphrodisiac and proerectile effects. (4)
Effect on heart disease
The long-term intake of Tribulus terrestris is said to have a positive effect on coronary heart disease and is also said to be able to treat it. A study based on 406 clinical observations proves this. In this study, the saponins of Triubulus terrestris were used.
The results showed that these saponins have an improvement on coronary circulation and also on the ECG of myocardial ischaemia. When taken over a long period of time, there are no negative effects on the blood system, liver and kidney functions. (5)
No side effects have been observed either. For this reason, Tribulus terrestris saponins are used as a drug for the treatment of angina pectoris. (5)
When taken over a long period of time, it has no adverse effects on the blood system and liver and kidney function. It also has no side effects. It is one of the ideal medicines for the treatment of angina.
When and for whom is it useful to take Tribulus terrestris?
Especially for couples the intake of Tribulus terrestris makes sense if they suffer from erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that Tribulus terrestris can help with these disorders and increase libido in both men and women. (4)
Tribulus terrestris is also used to treat infertility in men. A study in which sperm samples were taken from 40 healthy male volunteers provides clear results. (6)
Tribulus terrestris extract significantly increased sperm motility, the number of progressive sperm and the lifespan of these. The intake of Tribulus terrestris can therefore have an influence on male fertility. (6)
Women suffering from diabetes may be interested in taking Tribulus terrestris extract. The intake of this extract shows a significant blood sugar-lowering effect in female subjects with type 2 diabetes. Tribulus terrestris thus has a promising hypoglycaemic effect. (7) .
Here you should decide for yourself whether this type of therapy is suitable for you. Nowadays there are many possibilities to treat diabetes in men and women. Whether the therapy with Tribulus terrestris is the most effective, however, needs to be investigated and confirmed more thoroughly.
What are the side effects of taking Tribulus terrestris?
A big danger, especially with dietary supplements in the area of sports, is that manufacturers advertise products that have not been scientifically justified in detail and whose intake is not entirely harmless. (8) At the moment there is not much information on the subject of side effects when taking Tribulus terrestris.
In a study with 67 women, it was not only found that sexual desire was increased, but also that none of the test persons experienced unexpected side effects. (9) .
For this reason, it can be assumed that the intake of Tribulus terrestris does not lead to any massive side effects. However, one should check this before each purchase by reading the package insert carefully.
What types of Tribulus terrestris are there?
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tribulus terrestris powder | Compared to the other product types, the powder is versatile and suitable for people who do not travel much. |
| Tribulus terrestris capsules/tablets | Tablets or capsules are most popular with athletes. These can easily be taken to the gym and consumed at any time. |
| Tribulus terrestris extract (drops) | drops are suitable for people who have problems swallowing tablets or capsules and do not like the texture of powder. |
As you can see, product types can vary greatly. You don't need to know yet which dosage form is best for you. We will go into more detail in the following paragraphs so that in the end you know exactly which product type is suitable for you.
Tribulus terrestris powder
The powder form is probably the cheapest variant. It is more flexible in use and dosage than capsules or tablets. You can simply dissolve the powder in warm water and drink it afterwards.
Since the product is pure and contains herbal ingredients, it has a bitter, tart aftertaste.
If the taste of the powder is too intense, it can be added to yoghurt, smoothies or other foods as desired, so that the taste of Tribulus terrestris is drowned out.
Tribulus terrestris capsules / tablets
Tablets and capsules are already pre-dosed and can therefore be conveniently taken anytime and anywhere. This is ideal for those who like to be on the go and don't like a lot of hassle.
When buying tablets and capsules, however, you should pay attention to the correct dosage and make sure that it is not too high or too low. You should also keep an eye on the ingredients. With tablets and capsules, additional ingredients are often added in order to market the product more cheaply.
Tribulus terrestris mother tincture (drops)
Drop tincture shows a fast effect. You drop them under your tongue and the active ingredient enters the blood most quickly. Optimal for people who have problems swallowing tablets/capsules.
These drops are usually available in top quality and are highly concentrated, which is why you should pay attention to the exact dosage.
How should Tribulus terrestris be dosed?
Many athletes who want to promote and accelerate their muscle build-up often rely on double the daily dosage. Whether this method has a significant effect, however, has not yet been thoroughly investigated scientifically. This is why the recommended dosage should be followed at best.
For tablets and capsules, which are mostly bought by athletes, the manufacturers recommend the following:
- 1000 mg per capsule: One capsule daily
- 400 mg per capsule: two capsules daily
There is also a consumption recommendation for powder. 1 teaspoon contains about 5 g of pure Tribulus terrestris extract. It is recommended to dissolve the powder in water and drink it once a day. However, the information can change from manufacturer to manufacturer. Our information is for orientation purposes only.
With the drops, you should pay close attention to the dosage recommendation. You should be concentrated and count during the dosage. 40 drops correspond to about 2 ml, which contain 400 mg of the extract. This can be taken one to three times a day. A lower dosage is recommended for children or pregnant women.
What are the alternatives to Tribulus terrestris products?
If you are looking for a testosterone booster, you can also use products that contain ingredients with the same effect as Tribulus terrestris. These natural alternatives include:
- Maca extract
- D-aspartic acid
- Ginseng
- Ashwagandha
Whether you choose one of these alternatives is up to you. At best, you should study the respective alternative products in order to be able to rule out the possibility that you cannot take the product. It is important that you check the side effects of the products, because these are different for each product.
However, with these alternatives you should achieve similar, if not the same results as with Tribulus terristris extract.
Image source: Popov / 123rf
References (10)
1.
Shahid M, Riaz M, Talpur MM, Pirzada T. Phytopharmacology of Tribulus terrestris. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2016 Jul-Sep;30(3):785-788. PMID: 27655498.
Source
2.
Shahid M, Riaz M, Talpur MM, Pirzada T. Phytopharmacology of Tribulus terrestris. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2016 Jul-Sep;30(3):785-788. PMID: 27655498.
Source
3.
Qureshi A, Naughton DP, Petroczi A. A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect. J Diet Suppl. 2014 Mar;11(1):64-79. doi: 10.3109/19390211.2014.887602. PMID: 24559105.
Source
4.
Neychev V, Mitev V. Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Feb 17;179:345-55. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.055. Epub 2015 Dec 28. PMID: 26727646.
Source
5.
Wang B, Ma L, Liu T. [406 cases of angina pectoris in coronary heart disease treated with saponin of Tribulus terrestris]. Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi = Chinese Journal of Modern Developments in Traditional Medicine. 1990 Feb;10(2):85-7, 68.
Source
6.
Khaleghi S, Bakhtiari M, Asadmobini A, Esmaeili F. Tribulus terrestris Extract Improves Human Sperm Parameters In Vitro. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jul;22(3):407-412. doi: 10.1177/2156587216668110. Epub 2016 Sep 30. PMID: 27694560; PMCID: PMC5871152.
Source
7.
Samani NB, Jokar A, Soveid M, Heydari M, Mosavat SH. Efficacy of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris on the Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile of Women With Diabetes Mellitus: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Evidence-based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2016 Oct;21(4):NP91-7. DOI: 10.1177/2156587216650775.
Source
8.
Zovko Koncic, Marijana; Tomczyk, Michal. New Insights into Dietary Supplements Used in Sport: Active Substances, Pharmacological and Side Effects. Bentham Science Publishers. Volume 14, Number 9, 2013, pp. 1079-1092(14)
Source
9.
Akhtari, E., Raisi, F., Keshavarz, M. et al. Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo - controlled study. DARU J Pharm Sci 22, 40 (2014).
Source
10.
Turan, F., & Cek, S. (2007). Masculinization of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Treated with Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). The Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh, 59(4), 224-229.
Source
