Updated 10/15/23. Tribulus Terrestris first became popular in the 1990s but seemed to have fallen off a cliff until a few years ago when people started asking me about it again. While I admit to being a Tribulus skeptic – because of what the research says and doesn't say – I was intrigued by the people who commented on my review of Tribulus and testosterone that the supplement was working for them. Specifically, people told me that Tribulus was not only helping to improve muscle mass but also that it increased their sex drive and erections!
My Tribulus Experiment
If Tribulus really was doing all of what men said, then it could be a pretty cheap and effective way to help a lot of guys. So, I decided to test this supplement on myself – a 47-year-old apparently healthy guy who eats fairly well and goes to the gym 3-4 per week on average.
I have no heart problems in my family. I think my genes are pretty good since my grandmother lived to be 104! I'm telling you this for a reason.
Keep reading…
So, I went to Vitamin Shoppe and purchased Tribulus for my personal experiment. The brand I used was Ultimate Nutrition Bulgarian Tribulus. Each capsule had 750 mg (extract and aerial portions of the plant) and the bottle said that it contained “over 45% steroidal saponins”.
This was similar to what someone in my Tribulus and testosterone review said worked for him. I did my experiment for about 2 weeks.
At the start of my experiment, I took 1 capsule of Bulgarian Tribulus a day, and then after a few days or so I took 2 capsules per day.
I took both capsules of either together or separated by several hours to see if taking them at the same time gave me different effects. Likewise, I took the supplement on both an empty stomach and with food to see if either of these mattered.
I did not measure my testosterone level before I started taking the supplement. I figured if tribulus really worked, that I would notice the more obvious signs – energy, erection frequency, sex drive etc. – pretty fast.
Did Tribulus Work?
At the end of my 2-week experiment, these are the results I observed:
- Energy in the gym: Tribulus terrestris had no noticeable effects
- Muscle strength: Tribulus terrestris had no noticeable effects
- Erections: Tribulus terrestris had no noticeable effects
- Sex drive: Tribulus terrestris had no noticeable effects
I didn't notice any difference at all. That's actually why I quit taking it after 2 weeks – and that's when something did happen…
Does Tribulus Raise Testosterone
Watch on my YouTube channel
Tribulus Terrestris Side Effects
A few days after I stopped taking Tribulus, I noticed that my heart started skipping beats.
Skipped heart beats and normal and we all get them from time to time. You may have heard them called PVCs – pre-ventricular contractions or PACs – premature atrial contractions.
What I experienced was NOT normal. Just while sitting, watching TV, I counted several skipped heartbeats in a minute. That's NOT normal!
We take our heart beating for granted. But when you can actually feel your heart stop beating for an instant, it's very scary. After searching online, I saw other people saying that this herb might cause a faster heart rate. I could not find anyone saying that Tribulus caused skipped heartbeats.
I never experienced any chest pain either at rest or with exercise. I even biked to the gym and didn't notice any problems. Likewise, I never felt dizzy or lightheaded or had a lack of energy. Still, the skipped heartbeats persisted.
After about 3 or 4 days, I went to see my doctor. My blood pressure and the resting EKG test were normal. It was only after speaking to the physician's assistant in my doctor's office did the idea of a “Tribulus withdrawal” occur to us.
Was it possible that Tribulus was doing something in me even though I didn't notice it? And when I stopped taking it, was it possible that my body reacted – which was manifested in my heart skipping beats? This is an interesting theory and I don't know if it's true or not.
I know I've never had a problem with persistent skipping heartbeats before. After about 5 days or so, the skipped heartbeats went away and, as of today, have not returned.
Does It Work?
It did not work for me. I noticed no positive benefits. Based on that I believe what other people say is due to a placebo effect. Could it be I didn't take it long enough? It's possible. Regardless, since it seemed to cause skipped heartbeats, I don't think it's worth it.
What Do You Think?
The site also has tested other tribulus products and shows how minimal the active ingredient is in comparison to the tribestan formulation, which was the original supplement used by the Bulgarian Power lifters in the 80’s.
Here is the link to the website, also check the references at the bottom of the page to verify the study’s conclusion: http://www.tribestanuk.co.uk/clinical-studies
Ryan, thanks for the link. I checked out the studies at the bottom of the page. It looks to me like none of them are published peer reviewed studies. For me, that reduces their validity. I copied the studies below.
Most of them say “scientific technical reports” which to me is ambiguous. One citation lists a page # which if it is a study hints to me it could be an abstract (they are usually 1 page long). Abstracts may or may not be peer reviewed. Also All of these are from the 1980s (one is from 1978). Why has nobody done any fresh research? I just wanted to point this out since you are obviously researching this stuff for yourself, which I think is great by the way!
References for Tribestan:
Vankov, S. Apropos of Tribestan pharmacology. Scientific-technical Report, 1980.
Viktorov, Iv., D. Kaloyanov, Al. Lilov, L. Zlatanova, Vl., Kasabov. Clinical investigation on Tribestan in males with disorders in the sexual function MBI, 1982 (in print).
Gendjeiv, Z. Studies on Tribestan carcinogenicity. Scientific-technical report, 1981.
Koumanov, F., E. Bozadjieva, M. Andreeva, E. Platonova, V. Ankov. Clinical trial of Tribestan. Exper. Med. 1982, 2.
Milanov, S., E. Maleeva, M. Tashkov. Tribestan effect on the concentration of some hormones in the serum of healthy subjects (Company documentation)(1981).
Nikolov, R. Neuropharmacological Study on Tribestan. Scientific-technical report, 1981.
Protich, M., D. Tsvetkov, B. Nalbanski, R. Stanislavov, M. Katsarova. Clinical trial of Tribestan in infertile males. Scientific-technical Report, 1981.
Tanev, G., S. Zarkova, Toxicological studies on Tribestan. Scientific-technical Report, 1981.
Tomova, M., R. Gyulemetova, S. Zarkova. An agent for stimulation of sexual function. Patent (11) 27584 A61K35/1978.
Tomova, M., R. Gyulemetova, S. Zarkova – License (11) 27584 AGIR 35/1978.
Tomova, M., R. Gyulemetova, S. Zarkova at al., License 68428/18.I.1985.
In conclusion all that tribulus can do is raise your testosterone levels back to normal at the very most. So will one gain any athletic performance increase from this supplement? I would have to say no and won’t be using this myself since my natural test levels are already high/normal.
I found some interesting studies in Europe done on Tribestan (a European tribulus supplement). The studies are very interesting and support my independent research. Tribulus DOES IN FACT RAISE TESTOSTERONE in males with lower than average T levels (below 300); however, it DID NOTHING for men who already had normal levels of testosterone. Here is part of the aforementioned study: “Tribestan is non-hormonal preparation which helps in men to restore and improve libido sexualis, improves and prolong the duration of erection. It exerts a stimulating influence on spermatogenesis by increasing the number of spermatozao and their mobility, yes it increases the level of testosterone when is lower than normal.
It improves libido sexualis in women, exerts a slight stimulating ovulation effect, it has a favourable influence on vasomotory manifestation during natural and post-castration climacterum.
Indication:
In men- impotenic coeudi in Kleinfelter`s syndrome, varicocele, cryptorchim, hypotrophy of testicles, syndrome of Noonan, sterility on the base of idiopathic oligoasthenozzospermia, idiopatic azoospermia, varicocele. and hypotophy of testicles.
In women- endocrinous ovarian sterility, climacteric and post-cstration syndrome with wxpressed vasomotory and neurashhenic manifestation.”
Ryan, can you provide a link or citation to this research? Id like to read it.
My 2nd experience with tribulus: D’Oh! As I noted above on 11/16/11, I tried it and didn’t get much out of it. But at that time, I used only about a half dose, believing it would be enough for my body weight (about 150). I decided to try it again about 5 days ago. I used an extract which is standardized only to 20% steroidal saponins, not the higher 40 or 45% recommended in a lot of the literature. So to compensate, I doubled the dose, and took it 3 times a day.
Today, I ended up in the ER for 5 hours, thinking I had a heart attack. It started with some tightening in the chest and some sharp pains across the top of my chest. This lasted only 60-90 seconds, then stopped. However my blood pressure went up a bit, and I got cold and clammy for about a half hour. I work with nurses, and they scooted me to the ER. Bottom line: all my tests came back negative and normal, and no more chest issues.
The only thing I did different in the past week was using tribulus. Maybe I shouldn’t have doubled the dose, despite it being a lower potency. But I decided to chuck the rest of the capsules, it’s not worth playing around with. BTW, I’m 55 and in otherwise excellent health.
I just thought I’d share this experience, for whatever it’s worth.
George, I appreciate you reporting this and VERY sorry to hear about what happened. Did the doctors give you any idea of how tribulus might have caused chest pains or increased blood pressure? What was the brand of Tribulus you used?
I believe the ingredients in T911 are now banned since the DEA sweep occurred with bb.com. Regarding tribulus supplementation: there is no way 2 weeks is long enough to see any long term effects both positive or negative. It can take 2 weeks just for a supplement to even show in a blood test. Which is why almost all drug trials last at least 5 weeks minimum. From what I see with the research I have done tribulus supplementation works on males that are past their athletic prime (30+ yrs old). The older guys seem to have decent results on it while the younger guys see no positive gains, which makes sense.
Joe how do you know for sure your heart was skipping beats? Counting them yourself can be a very inaccurate measuring stick.
Here is a study that shows tribulus’s antimicrobial capabilities in fighting urinary infections: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2225498/ so people claiming to have increased sexual performance may be correct according to this study.
Ryan thanks for your words. When I tried tribulus I was assuming that I would feel differences rather fast which is what people told me. It’s possible that in those who are older might take longer but I did not consider this (I’m 47 but don’t think that’s “old.” I’m sure others might feel differently). That is another reason why I state that my “experiment” is not scientifically valid.
As for my ability to take resting heart rates, I’m an exercise physiologist and have taken many hundreds – if not thousands- resting heart rates over the years. I know how to do it and I trust my observations 100%. Still my observations are based on a sample size of 1 (me) which again makes it very weak from scientific perspective. I wanted to mention my reaction in case anyone else had similar effects.
Thanks for the study on the antimicrobial effects of tribulus but I don’t see the connection to improved sexual performance, unless we are connecting less UTIs to better sex. I searched the document you linked to and they don’t mention anything about sex. Still, its an interesting study so thanks.
I have to say I’ve tried Ultimate TestosteroGROW 2 HP, which supposedly has an estrogen blocker to prohibit it from rising with your T-levels but also has other ingredients in it as well. I noticed some decent effects (increased libido, minor acne and increased energy) after about a week or two. But I believe it does take a while before you can actually notice any differences.
Also, at the time I was working and hitting the gym pretty hard, not to mention, taking other supplements (non testosterone related). I’ve heard similar reports from friends on similar products such as T-Bomb. My platoon sergeant at the time (in Iraq) swore by his “special” Bulgarian Tribulus but having always done, at the very minimum, a little research I went after the TestosteroGROW. I do have to say that tribulus isn’t something that is strong and some people I’ve been around say they don’t even notice anything.
I just used it because I was looking for something better than protein and creatine. I later switched to an original formula of T-911 and had some very interesting effects. I’ve had two bottles of the stuff but the one is supposed to be an original banned formula. And when I let the pill dissolve under my tongue my heart starts to race and some parts of my mouth feel numb for about 20 minutes. Similar to a coke high. I still have the bottle and would love to know what is really in each pill. I’ve heard of studies being done and illegal drugs being found as well as dangerous chemicals. Has anyone else experienced this?
Interesting, I’ve never heard of T911.
I’ve tried Tribulus in the past (whole bottle) with the same results – nothing! But I didn’t experience any withdrawals either.
Ken, thanks for letting me know. I’m not sure what caused my “withdrawal.” The scientist in me wants to try it again to try to replicate my problems but I dont think that will happen.
@Cale
Thx for the comment. But I thought DHT is what made men so much more vulnerable to prostate cancer. I thought DHT was a kind of corrupted form of testosterone. I’m not a medical expert, just saying what I have come across in various books and (reputable) websites. I appreciate your comment and will go back to check this out.
Heh Joe, sorry for not responding quicker. The Tribulus product I used was called Tribulus Raw Power made by a company called Life Smart Labs Inc. I now have experimented with D- Aspartic Acid, and it is in my opinion WAY superior than Tribulus!
Gabe, interesting, thanks for the update!
I have also tried D-Aspartic Acid for about 2 months now and my energy levels, strength and libido are WAY up.
The products that I’ve been trying are from Prima Force and AI Sports Nutrition.
I combined this with 10 mg of DHEA and a supplement to decrease estrogen.
@GeorgeNJ
DHT is not dangerous. It is essential male hormone.
Joe
can a person still post on the plexus slim site. i posted today and nothing showed up. really, really enjoyed that site.
Pete, yes of course. I never close comments. I think I posted something from you this afternoon. I’ll double check now
Heh Joe, just stumbled across your website, and I do enjoy it. I like hearing other people’s real life experiences with supplements. Just wanted to give you what I noticed from my recent experiment with Tribulus. First off, I am a healthy 34 year old male who workouts 3-4 days a week. My only supplements that I do use consistently are protein and vitamins and steroid free. I never have had my T-levels checked however.
My first experiment with Tribulus actually started about 12 years ago with the same dosage you tried and had no luck. Fast forward 12 years and I revisited a new Tribulus product. This one however was Tribulus EXTRACT. I researched a little and found that a lot of companies were just using plain tribulus. This one particular company was using pure extract from Trubulus. Each pill contained 200,000mg of extract with a bottle containing 90 pills (3 month supply).
What I noticed by week 3 was bigger pumps at the gym (nitrogen retention??); increased sex drive; minor strength gains; and definitely increased energy. How much of this was a placebo effect? Not sure, but I do feel by the third month everything kind of tapered off or plateaued. I will try again after a month or two break.
I think the key to Tribulus, is to find a product that uses extract close to 2g/day, but I’m no expert.
Gabe that’s interesting. What was the name of the product you tried? Just curious in case I get the urge to try it again (no promises). I’m glad you found my website 🙂
Here is a study that tested a group of males ages 30-58. It found that total testosterone was unaffected by supplementation, but free testosterone was increased by 37%. The main purpose of the test was to see if dht and estrogen could be decreased by supplementation. Tribulus terristris was the largest amount of supplement, and the others all look to be ones that have a reputation for blocking estrogen and dht conversion.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11601567
Mark, thanks for the study. I glanced at the study and noticed that the supplement they gave the 56 men contained androsteonedione as well as other things, one of which was tribulus. The only problem with this type of study is that we don’t what caused the effects seen. was it andro or some other ingredient or a combination? I also saw that the supplement caused an 11% decrease in HDL levels (not good!).
No, I was not seeing a doctor for it at the time. It is strictly based on gains that I saw in strength and muscle size while at the gym. I hit the highest strength level of my life while taking a trib-based supplement. After stopping it, strength went down. During use of Androgel, another testosterone gel whose name escapes me now, and the shots I have been taking the last 4 months, I have never been able to get close to that same strength level. Diet and workout intensity have remained the same. I am due for bloodwork in a few weeks again. I am considering taking such a supplement again after that blood test to see what the effects will be, as long as my doctor is ok with it.
It would be interesting to see what your values are before taking the supplement and again after a month or so to see if anything changed. I wish some college student reading this would due such a study. Colleges have the resources to do this type of study and it would not be difficult to do.
I wouldn’t conclude that this stuff doesn’t work because you didn’t feel different after 2 weeks. If you haven’t been feeling a drop in energy, strength, concentration, or sex drive before using it, then it would most likely take significant test injections to make you feel any different. I am 48 and went to an hrt doctor last year. My test levels were within normal range for my age, but toward the lower end of the range. I started on weekly injections of test of 175mg. It increased my total test levels about 20% and free test by more than that.
That helped me feel more energy and concentration, but had no effect on sex drive and little effect on strength during workouts. My estrogen levels were low, but that makes a huge difference in how well you feel additional testosterone. If you tend to be a person who keeps weight around the waist, you may have high estrogen levels which will make additional testosterone feel like nothing. I used a couple of the more popular natural test boosters which primarily use tribulus as the main ingredient a couple of years ago. They provided me with greater increases in strength and stamina than the test shots I am taking now. But they take time to build up in your system.
Mark, did you have your T levels tested before tribulus use? Thats what Im really curious about because I dont see much evidence that it does that. True 2 weeks may not be enough time and that’s why Ill leave the door open until someone does a better study.
Joe,
This is off-topic, but I was wondering if you have heard or come across a product called CircuZyme- its supposed to improve micro-circulation to the extremities (subsequently improving erections also). Great site, and keep up the good work!
Hi Ed, I have not heard of CircuZyme but did do a quick search for it for you. Its got arginine, which I would expect to see in something touted to promote better circlation and erections. Arginine helps us make nitric oxide which opens up blood vessels. I cant yet comment on its other ingredients but Id guess many might have similar effects. If CircuZyme expands blood vessels, it might cause a drop in blood pressure which might be noticeable in people who take medications for high blood pressure. Thats my thoughts based on a quick pass over of its ingredients.
Resting ECG doesn’t diagnose arrhythmia. Long time (Holder) measurements are needed. So why would you post the wild anecdotal story without proper documentation?
Dr Hertenstein, you are right and this was discussed but about a day after the resting ECG, the skipped heart beats stopped and I did not follow through with the Holder. I posted what I did because I never experienced this before and the only thing that changed in my routine was using tribulus – and the skipped heart beats stopped about 5 days after I stopped taking it. I have never seen any research connecting tribulus and skipped heart beats before and because of that I thought it might be worth mentioning it in case anyone else had experienced similar outcomes. So that was my reasoning. I am very open to the possibility that that what I experienced could be due to some aspect of processing and not tribulus itself. It might even be a strange coincidence? So,anecdotal yes. I am not ready to say this is a real phenomenon, but as we both know anecdotal “evidence” can sometimes be the jumping off points for real research and discussion.
I have experienced the same. I know It’s been a lot since you posted but for other people I’ll write anyway. I’m very healthy person and take care about my health and body since childhood; by the way I’m 32 now.
I wanted to try this product and after three weeks i did experience arrhythmia which took me a few weeks to get rid of. I did both the Holter and ECG and it was diagnosed arrhythmia. The only thing that changed in my routine was using tribulus as well as Joe did. However I’m not going to use tribulus ever again i feel fine after almost a year since this happened.
kiki, thank you for sharing and for corroborating what I experienced. I really wish some grad student/scientist reading this would do a study on tribuuls and heart rhythm.
Kiki, since its been a year since you tried tribulus, how is your heart rhythm now? I’ve suffered no lingering effects since I tried it. How about you?
A year ago, I tried Tribulus for a week or so and found zero results, as you found. However I didn’t get the arrhythmia you experienced. I stopped using it when I discovered that it is supposed to raise not only T, but also estrogen levels. If this is true, then it is very dangerous for those of us with a strong family history of prostate cancer, since estrogen converts T into the dangerous DHT.
(BTW, I just discovered your website today and love it immensely.)
GeorgeNJ, I’m glad you found me too! Feel free to pass me along to your friends. I have a LOT more reviews in the works 🙂
Bunch of junk being sold today.
I agree with other positive comments. I am 40 and Tribulus helped me in all aspects. maybe problem was that tablet producers can put anything into tablets. You should plant tribulus yourself and make a tea from it. Or buy dried plant not tablets. many people can confirm good results.