Tribulus alatus, a plant related to the more widely studied Tribulus terrestris, has been traditionally used in some regions as an aphrodisiac and for male reproductive health. Recent scientific studies have begun to investigate its potential effects on testosterone and male fertility. Preliminary animal studies, such as those published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2008, 2012), indicate that extracts from Tribulus alatus may increase serum testosterone and improve sperm quality in rats. The proposed mechanisms involve stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and antioxidant properties that may protect Leydig cells, which produce testosterone.

However, direct clinical evidence in humans is very limited. Most of the data come from animal models, and the effects observed cannot be confidently extrapolated to human populations. There are also few well-designed, peer-reviewed human trials assessing Tribulus alatus specifically for treating low testosterone. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and initial preclinical evidence for its use, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is low. Caution should be exercised in interpreting these findings, and further research, especially human clinical trials, is needed to determine efficacy and safety.