THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS L. ON CELLULAR PARAMETERS AND STEROIDOGENESIS IN VITRO

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris L. is an herbaceous plant native to India, widely used as a natural sexual stimulant by traditional medicine in China, India, and Greece, and also for the treatment of various diseases for example low blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, kidney, and skin diseases, etc. Tribulus extracts are rich in numerous biologically active compounds, such as steroidal saponins, alkaloids, lignan amides, and flavonoids, which are useful for the effective treatment of sexual performance, hormonal and sexual problems. The main goal of our in vitro study was to demonstrate the potential consequences of Tribulus terrestris L. extract on TM3 cell parameters such as cell viability, membrane integrity, lysosomal activity, and steroid hormone secretion. The extract was applied to mice Leydig cells at various concentrations (ranging from 37.5 µg/mL to 600 µg/mL) for 24 h. Based on the obtained data, we may claim statistically significant inhibition of cell viability at 300 µg/mL (P < 0.0001) and 600 µg/mL (P < 0.0001). At the same concentrations, there was a statistically significant decline in both cell membrane integrity (P < 0.05; P < 0,0001) and lysosomal activity (P < 0.05; P < 0.001). Hormone secretion was significantly increased at 200 µg/mL (P < 0.05). To better understand how Tribulus terrestris L. affects the reproductive systems of animals or humans, further research must be done.