Protodioscin is a steroidal saponin compound found predominantly in the plant Tribulus terrestris, which has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for enhancing libido and treating sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED). The rationale for its use is primarily based on historical anecdotal reports that Tribulus terrestris boosts sexual performance and vitality. Scientific studies evaluating protodioscin's effects on ED are limited in both number and quality. Some animal studies have suggested that protodioscin may increase androgen levels (such as testosterone and DHEA) and enhance nitric oxide release, which could potentially improve erectile function. However, human clinical trials are sparse, with most research either showing little to no significant effect on erectile function or being too small and methodologically weak to draw firm conclusions. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of Tribulus terrestris and its constituents, including protodioscin, generally find insufficient or inconsistent evidence to support its efficacy for ED in humans. Thus, while protodioscin is used for ED primarily due to tradition and historical use, scientific validation remains limited and inconclusive.