Tribulus Terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

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#diosgenin #drugs-chinese-herbal #female #humans #plant-extracts

Tribulus Terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

Martimbianco et al., 2020 | Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet | Systematic Review

Citation

Martimbianco Ana Luiza Cabrera, Pacheco Rafael Leite, ... Riera Rachel. Tribulus Terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2020-Jul;42(7):427-435. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1712123

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review to assess the effectiveness and safety of Tribulus terrestris to treat female sexual dysfunction (FSD). DATA SOURCES: We performed unrestricted electronic searches in the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS, CINAHL, PsycINFO, WHO-ICTR, Clinicaltrials.gov and OpenGrey databases. SELECTION OF STUDIES: We included any randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared T. terrestris versus inactive/active interventions. After the selection process, conducted by two reviewers, 5 RCTs (n = 279 participants) were included. DATA COLLECTION: Data extraction was performed by two reviewers with a preestablished data collection formulary. DATA SYNTHESIS: Due to lack of data and clinical heterogeneity, we could not perform meta-analyses. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed with Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE). RESULTS: After 1 to 3 months of treatment, premenopausal and postmenopausal women randomized to T. terrestris had a significant increase in sexual function scores. Three months of treatment with T. terrestris showed a significant increase in the serum testosterone levels of premenopausal women. There was no report of serious adverse events, and none of the studies assessed health-related quality of life. The certainty of the evidence was very low, which means that we have very little confidence in the effect estimates, and future studies are likely to change these estimates. CONCLUSION: More RCTs are needed to support or refute the use of T. terrestris. The decision to use this intervention should be shared with the patients, and the uncertainties around its effects should be discussed in the clinical decision-making process.Number of Protocol registration in PROSPERO database: CRD42019121130.

Key Findings

After 1 to 3 months of treatment, premenopausal and postmenopausal women randomized to T. terrestris had a significant increase in sexual function scores. Three months of treatment with T. terrestris showed a significant increase in the serum testosterone levels of premenopausal women. There was no report of serious adverse events, and none of the studies assessed health-related quality of life. The certainty of the evidence was very low, which means that we have very little confidence in the ef

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 279
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Diosgenin
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts
  • Postmenopause
  • Premenopause
  • Saponins
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
  • Testosterone
  • Tribulus

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: tribulus-fertility

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09