Skip to content
EN
D Not recommended · Performance

Testosterone Boosters (Tribulus & Similar)

Also known as: tribulus terrestris, test boosters, natural testosterone boosters, D-aspartic acid, fenugreek

Testosterone boosters such as tribulus show little evidence of raising testosterone or muscle in healthy people. The category also has a high contamination risk.

Not recommended. This product category is graded D: it is banned in sport, carries a real safety risk, or is often contaminated with undeclared drugs. We give no dosing information on purpose. If you're considering it, talk to a doctor first.

Why grade D?

Graded D as a product category. Individual herbal ingredients such as tribulus have little meaningful evidence (C level) for raising testosterone or improving performance in healthy men. The category is graded D because testosterone and muscle-building products are among the most frequently found to be contaminated or adulterated with anabolic agents, prohormones or other prohibited substances, which poses health and anti-doping risks.

At a Glance

Testosterone Boosters (Tribulus & Similar)
EvidenceD
RatingNot recommended
CategoryPerformance
Side effects listed2

Grades follow the style of the Australian Institute of Sport Sports Supplement Framework. Summary of published research, not advice.

How it works

These products usually contain herbal extracts (tribulus, fenugreek, tongkat ali, ashwagandha), amino acids such as D-aspartic acid, or minerals such as zinc and magnesium, claiming to stimulate the body's own testosterone production. Mineral supplements may help testosterone only when someone is genuinely deficient. Controlled studies of tribulus in healthy men have generally found no meaningful change in testosterone, strength or body composition. Some products that do have strong effects have turned out to contain undeclared steroids or prohormones, which can suppress your natural hormone production and carry serious health risks.

Claimed effects

  • Little meaningful evidence that tribulus raises testosterone or improves strength or body composition in healthy men
  • Some herbs such as fenugreek or ashwagandha have small studies showing modest effects on strength or libido, but findings are inconsistent
  • Zinc or vitamin D may support normal hormone levels only in people who are deficient

Side effects

  • Stomach upset and sleep disturbances have been reported with some herbal products
  • Contaminated products may contain steroids or prohormones that can cause acne, mood changes, liver strain, suppressed natural testosterone, fertility problems and cardiovascular effects

Cautions

  • High risk of contamination or deliberate adulteration with anabolic agents; athletes could fail a drug test
  • Men with symptoms of low testosterone (fatigue, low libido, loss of muscle) should see a doctor rather than self-treat
  • Not appropriate for adolescents, or for anyone with hormone-sensitive conditions, without medical advice
  • May interact with medications including those for diabetes, blood pressure and blood clotting
  • Athletes subject to anti-doping rules should only use products certified by an independent third-party testing program for banned substances; certification lowers, but does not eliminate, the risk of contamination.

Food sources

No direct food equivalent; zinc (oysters, red meat), vitamin D (oily fish) and adequate total energy support normal hormone status.

Frequently asked questions

Does tribulus increase testosterone?

Controlled studies in healthy men generally show no meaningful increase in testosterone, strength or muscle mass from tribulus.

Are natural testosterone boosters safe?

Many contain herbs with limited safety data, and this category is frequently found contaminated with undeclared steroids or prohormones. That creates both health and anti-doping risks.

What actually helps maintain healthy testosterone levels?

Research points to enough sleep and total calories, regular resistance training, a healthy body fat level, limited alcohol and fixing any nutrient deficiencies.

Sources & further reading

  1. Pokrywka A, Obmiński Z, Malczewska-Lenczowska J, et al. (2014). Insights into supplements with Tribulus terrestris used by athletes . J Hum Kinet
  2. Geyer H, Parr MK, Mareck U, et al. (2004). Analysis of non-hormonal nutritional supplements for anabolic-androgenic steroids - results of an international study . Int J Sports Med
  3. Maughan RJ, Burke LM, Dvorak J, et al. (2018). IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete . Br J Sports Med · doi:10.1136/bjsports-2018-099027
  4. Australian Institute of Sport (2021). AIS Sports Supplement Framework . Australian Sports Commission