Evaluation of Tribulus terrestris effect on kidney and liver function in healthy mice

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the pharmacological efficacy of aqueous spine extracts of Tribulus terrestris (TT) on liver and kidney function through physiological, biochemical, haematological, and histological assessments. Tribulus terrestris is renowned for its therapeutic benefits in traditional medicine practices in China, India, Pakistan, and Sudan for treating various chronic ailments. The study employed 5 weight per volume percentage (% w/v) of TT aqueous spines extract. BALB/c mice, both male and female, aged 4-6 weeks, were maintained in controlled ecological conditions (temperature: 22-24°C, humidity: 50-70%, light/dark cycle: 12-h). The mice were divided into two groups: the control group received normal tap water throughout the experimental period, while the other group was administered 5% (w/v) TT spines solution for 15 days. The outcomes of BALB/c mice treated with 5% Tribulus terrestris were compared with the control group after 15 days, revealing no significant difference in the drug's efficacy. The physiological results indicated reduced body weight, food intake, and adverse effects in the biochemical profile, including urinary and serum electrolyte levels, liver function tests, increased random blood glucosem, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin (BIL), cholesterol (CHO), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TRI). Similarly, kidney function tests showed increased Urinary Nitrogen and creatinine plasma levels, with low blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, no significant difference was observed in haematological profile readings. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the aqueous spine extract of Tribulus terrestris does not demonstrate beneficial effects on liver and kidney function, indicating that this study supports the notion that the plant cannot be utilized as a medicinal remedy.