Ruxandra Stefanescu
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania
Title: Tribulus terrestris an anti-hyperglycemic agent or an anabolic enhancer?
Biography
Biography: Ruxandra Stefanescu
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris (TT) is a very controversial plant, used for many purposes, mainly for its presumed anabolic effects, but with inconclusive scientific results. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of TT in diabetic male rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection with 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. Rats received Tribulus terrestris extract for twelve weeks. Glucose level, body weight, cataract development and sexual behavior were monitored during the experiment. In the fourth week of the experiment oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Sexual behavior with receptive females was monitored (mount and intromission frequencies). At the end of the experiment sperm parameters like morphology and motility were evaluated. TT treated group had a significant increase in body weight and a significant decrease in blood glucose. Differences were observed in sexual behavior in TT treated group compared with the diabetic control group. Evaluation of sperm parameters revealed a number of differences in treated group but with no statistical significance. In conclusion, our study suggests the possibility of including Tribulus terrestris in supplements for diabetic male patients, but further studies are necessary for elucidating the presumed mechanisms of actions.