Tribulus Peptide
Protodioscin (Tribulus terrestris Active Peptide)
Overview
Protodioscin is the primary bioactive steroidal saponin from Tribulus terrestris that has been studied for testosterone enhancement sexual function and athletic performance. While the whole-plant extract evidence for testosterone elevation is inconsistent protodioscin-standardized extracts have shown more consistent effects on luteinizing hormone and sexual function in clinical studies. This entry covers the bioactive peptide and saponin fractions of Tribulus that have demonstrated the most consistent biological activity.
Mechanism of Action
Protodioscin and related furostanol saponins from Tribulus terrestris are proposed to stimulate LH secretion from the pituitary through effects on hypothalamic neurotransmitters increasing endogenous testosterone production. In vitro studies show protodioscin stimulates testosterone production in Leydig cells directly through a mechanism involving androgen receptor activation. Additional mechanisms include PDE5 inhibition in penile tissue (contributing to erectogenic effects) and nitric oxide release. The aphrodisiac effects documented in animal studies appear mediated through CNS effects on dopaminergic and opioidergic pathways. Clinical evidence is mixed with some standardized extract studies showing significant improvements in sexual function and mild testosterone increases while others show no effect — likely due to inconsistent protodioscin content in different preparations.
Dosage Information
Typical Dose
250-1500 mg daily (standardized to 40-60% saponins)
Frequency
Divided into 2-3 doses daily with meals
Administration
Oral capsule
Notes
Standardization to protodioscin content is essential — unstandardized products show highly variable results. Bulgarian variety (Tribulus terrestris from Eastern Europe) has the strongest clinical evidence.
Where does Tribulus Peptide sit?
See how this peptide compares across all 111 peptides in our database.
Evidence Score
0.09
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C51H84O22
Molecular Weight
1049.20 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2S,3R,4R,5R,6S)-2-[(2R,3S,4S,5R,6R)-4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[[(1S,2S,4S,6R,7S,8R,9S,12S,13R,16S)-6-hydroxy-7,9,13-trimethyl-6-[(3R)-3-methyl-4-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxybutyl]-5-oxapentacyclo[10.8.0.02,9.04,8.013,18]icos-18-en-16-yl]oxy]-5-[(2S,3R,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-3-yl]oxy-6-methyloxane-3,4,5-triol
PubChem CID
441891Potential Side Effects
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Quick Facts
- Administration
- Oral capsule
- Typical Dose
- 250-1500 mg daily (standardized to 40-60% saponins)
- Frequency
- Divided into 2-3 doses daily with meals
- References
- 0 curated + 0 from PubMed
- Evidence Score
- 0.1 / 100