A study in Nutrients 2025 analysed ten clinical trials of men aged 16 to 70 years taking Tribulus terrestris extracts. The authors noted that in several studies of men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, supplementation was associated with an appreciable improvement in erectile function, while the increase in testosterone was small and only appeared in men with clearly low levels.
These results are of interest to many men who notice changes in their sexual response with age, stress or fatigue. The central message is that Tribulus terrestris seems to relate more to erection quality and overall sexual response than to a large increase in testosterone, and that its effect makes sense when integrated into a lifestyle that takes care of circulation, energy and metabolic health.
What the review of Tribulus terrestris in men with erectile dysfunction showed
The systematic review collected ten clinical studies, nine controlled trials and one quasi-experimental study, with a total of 483 men. It included healthy participants, men with erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, oligozoospermia and infertility without clear cause, and durations of one to three months of supplementation.
Five studies specifically assessed erectile dysfunction with validated questionnaires. In three of these, which included men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, erectile function scores improved markedly with doses of 400-750 milligrams per day of Tribulus terrestris extract. In contrast, testosterone increased only slightly in two studies of men with hypogonadism, and the magnitude of change was modest, in the order of 60-70 nanograms per decilitre.
The authors point out that the methodological quality of half of the studies was limited and that no relevant effects were observed in men with normal testosterone. Even so, the pattern that recurs is interesting – the benefit is concentrated on erectile function and sexual satisfaction in men with some degree of dysfunction, rather than massive hormonal changes.
How Tribulus terrestris can affect erection and sexual response
Tribulus terrestris is a plant rich in steroidal saponins, plant compounds that interact with receptors and enzymes involved in hormone and vascular signalling. The review notes that these saponins can modulate hormones such as testosterone and luteinising hormone, although this effect was only discreetly observed in men with a clear androgen deficiency.
Beyond testosterone, the relevant physiological focus is on two pathways, nitric oxide production and neurosteroid modulation. Nitric oxide is a key vasodilator molecule for erection, because it relaxes the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum and allows blood to fill the penile tissue. Several studies suggest that saponin-rich extracts from Tribulus increase nitric oxide synthesis and enhance endothelium-dependent relaxation.
The other pathway is that of neurosteroids. Some components of Tribulus raise levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, a steroid that acts on the central nervous system and can modulate receptors for gamma aminobutyric acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This fine-tuning of inhibition and neural arousal may facilitate desire, sexual response and perception of pleasure, even without large changes in testosterone.
Taken together, the study suggests that the main effect of Tribulus terrestris relies on improving vascular signalling and sensitivity of brain circuits involved in male sexuality. This fits with the experience of many men who describe improved rigidity, easier erection maintenance and greater overall satisfaction, without noticing abrupt changes in other physical aspects.
Lifestyle habits that support male sexual function and the action of phytonutrients
The review makes it clear that Tribulus terrestris does not replace medical treatments for severe erectile dysfunction or hormone therapy when indicated. Rather, it fits as physiological support for men with mild to moderate dysfunction and for those who want to take care of their sexual health in the long term. In this context, daily habits make an important difference.
Erection is highly dependent on vascular health. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure range, a balanced lipid profile and adequate body weight reduces endothelial damage and facilitates nitric oxide production. Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling, is associated with improved endothelial function and better erectile response.
Diet also plays a role. A pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and olive oil supports blood vessel flexibility and reduces low-grade inflammation. Limiting smoking and moderating alcohol is key, because both substances damage the microcirculation and nerves involved in erection.
Finally, chronic stress and lack of quality rest elevate hormones such as cortisol and alter the response of the autonomic nervous system. Simple techniques such as deep breathing, regular exposure to natural light and stable sleep schedules help to balance these axes. In this area, phytonutrients that support circulation, cellular energy and stress response can help.
How Nutribiolite’s Alpha, a plant-based supplement and coenzyme Q10, aligns with this male physiology
Although the Nutrients study focuses on Tribulus terrestris as the sole protagonist, today’s focus on male sexual health looks beyond a single plant. The combination of plant extracts with vascular, adaptogenic and antioxidant action, along with nutrients that support cellular energy, seeks to comprehensively support the physical and mental vitality that sustains sexual function.
Alpha by Nutribiolite is a food supplement based on plants and coenzyme Q10, designed for adults who want to look after their physical and mental well-being, their daily vitality and, in this context, their sexual function. The presence of Tribulus terrestris in the formulation is directly linked to the evidence reviewed, as it addresses the same physiological axis studied, the improvement of erectile function and sexual response in men with mild to moderate dysfunction.
In practice, a well-standardised Tribulus extract provides a defined quantity of saponins, the active compounds involved in modulating nitric oxide synthesis and neurosteroids. This makes it possible to work in the same area as clinical studies, penile circulation and nerve signalling associated with sexual desire and satisfaction, but in a formula that also takes into account other pillars of male vitality.
Coenzyme Q10 adds a key component, cellular bioenergetics. This nutrient is involved in the electron transport chain in the mitochondria, where most of the cellular energy is produced in the form of ATP. A good state of mitochondrial function is associated with improved physical performance, reduced fatigue and improved responsiveness of tissues with high energy demands, such as cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle and erectile tissue itself.
The combination of plants with action on circulation and neuroendocrine balance, together with coenzyme Q10 to support energy production, creates a synergy that goes beyond the sum of ingredients. It addresses the physiological basis of male sexual function, good blood perfusion, adequate nerve signal, sufficient energy and a vital state of mind. This holistic approach is of particular interest to men who already take care of their diet and physical activity and are looking for additional, clean, evidence-consistent support.
Nutribiolite Alpha supports male physical and mental vitality with a combination of plants and coenzyme Q10 aligned with sexual physiology.
Practical summary, what this study implies for everyday life
The Nutrients review indicates that Tribulus terrestris extracts can improve erectile function in men with mild to moderate dysfunction, while their impact on testosterone is small and limited to men with low levels. This fits with a modern view of male sexual health, where circulation, energy and nervous system balance matter as much as hormone numbers.
For everyday life, the message is clear – looking after vascular health, stress management and physical energy creates the ground on which phytonutrients can make sense. Formulations such as Nutribiolite’s Alpha, which integrate Tribulus terrestris with other vitality-oriented components, represent a way of accompanying that physiology in a coherent and evidence-based way.
This content is informative and does not replace the advice of a health professional.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly did the study on Tribulus terrestris and erectile function show?
The review looked at ten clinical studies and found that, in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, doses of 400 to 750 milligrams per day of Tribulus extract for one to three months were associated with a clear improvement in erectile function scores. The effect on testosterone was modest and limited to men with low baseline levels.
Who might a Tribulus terrestris supplement make most sense for?
The evidence is most relevant for adult men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction and for those who notice a decline in sexual vitality without an identified serious medical cause. In this context, a supplement that includes Tribulus terrestris and other circulation- and energy-oriented ingredients can be supportive within a healthy lifestyle routine.
Does the study support the use of Tribulus terrestris as a testosterone booster?
The data do not support a large increase in testosterone in men with normal testosterone levels. Only two studies in men with hypogonadism showed modest increases, of about 60-70 nanograms per decilitre. The main effect seems to focus on erectile function and sexual response, rather than intense hormonal changes.
How does Nutribiolite Alpha fit in with what was seen in the review?
Alpha by Nutribiolite includes Tribulus terrestris within a formula that also incorporates coenzyme Q10 and other plants aimed at physical and mental vitality. This allows it to act on the same axes described in the review, circulation and neuroendocrine signalling, while supporting cellular energy production and general well-being, key aspects of good sexual function.
Is taking a supplement enough to improve male sexual function?
Studies show that Tribulus extracts can support erectile function in certain men, but the outcome also depends on factors such as vascular health, stress management, rest and physical activity. A supplement like Nutribiolite Alpha makes the most sense when integrated into a lifestyle that already takes care of these pillars and seeks additional physiological support.
