CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE MAGAZINE
3 min read
Tribulus Terrestris Testosterone Booster
Alicja Kowalska
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Diets Premium Medical Expert • 19.03.2026
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Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian:
This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.
| CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE MAGAZINE CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE MAGAZINE | min read 3 min |
| Diets Premium Medical Expert Alicja Kowalska | Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 19.03.2026 |
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Key Takeaways
The hormonal system plays an extremely important role in regulating the rate at which muscle tissue degrades. It also affects the effectiveness of metabolic and anabolic processes. Hormones, in a sense, regulate the functioning of all of our body's systems, so it's worth taking care of their proper levels. Symptoms of problems with hormone management include a decrease in muscle mass, an increase in fat tissue levels, deregulation of lipid profile and a reduction in bone mineral density.
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What is Tribulus terrestris?
Tribulus terrestris is the Latin name for the plant, which is also known as the terrestrial thorny grass. It originates from the tropical regions where it was used thousands of years ago. Tribulus terrestris gained popularity in ancient Greece, China, and India, where it has been employed as a natural aphrodisiac and tonic. Even in modern times in many parts of the world, the terrestrial thorny grass is used to enhance libido, combat inflammatory diseases, and reinforce the circulatory system. In Poland, access to this plant may be restricted, but its extracts are available on the market under the name Tribulus terrestris. The effectiveness of this remedy is most likely attributed to saponins, which theoretically impact cell membranes, cholesterol, and testosterone synthesis.
Scientific research on the effectiveness of compounds
A 2016 study at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice examined the effects of consuming a certain compound in men aged 45 to 60 years. The experimental phase lasted 12 weeks. 14 men were assigned to two groups. During the first 6 weeks, one group received three tribulus capsules per day (900 mg) distributed throughout the day. During the remaining 6 weeks, the dose was doubled. The second group received placebo capsules during this time. Both groups participated in a structured exercise program that involved two strength training sessions and two aerobic training sessions each week. Men receiving Tribulus terresteris noted a significant increase in the levels of the most important anabolic hormones, such as growth hormone, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor IGF-1. At the same time, an increase in the pro-health fraction of HDL cholesterol and a decrease in harmful LDL cholesterol were observed. As expected, the increase in levels of anabolic hormones was accompanied by an improvement in body composition indicators, such as weight loss, reduction of fat tissue, and increase in dry mass (usually muscle mass). The only negative effect of administering the buzdygan extract was the accumulation of water in the body. However, the participants of this study were men of middle age, in whom a decrease in hormone levels was already noticeable.
Verified mechanism of action
The exact mechanism of action of Tribulus terrestris remains unknown. As previously mentioned, the main active component is believed to be steroidal saponins, which may decelerate the action of critical enzymes responsible for the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Limiting the production of unwanted substances allows for raising the overall level of testosterone in the body and amplifying its effects in the muscles. Some researchers suggest that the ergogenic effects of saponin are primarily associated with the increase in the level of the luteinizing hormone, which stimulates testosterone secretion in the testes. However, the precise mechanism of interaction of Tribulus terrestris with the IGF-1 hormone and its binding proteins remains unknown.
Alicja Kowalska
Diets Premium Medical Expert
Member of the Diets Premium clinical editorial board. Specializes in medical diet therapy, metabolic health, and nutritional planning.
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