Liquefaction Time Research Articles

Waktu Optimum Hidrolisis Pati Limbah Hasil Olahan Ubi Kayu (Manihot esculenta Crantz var. Lahumbu) Menjadi Gula Cair Menggunakan Enzim α-Amilase Dan Glukoamilase

This study aims to determine optimum time of action of the enzyme α-amylase and glucoamylase needed in hydrolyze of starch from waste processed cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz var. Lahumbu). This research was conducted through three main stages, namely the gelatinization, liquefaction and saccharification. The method was used method are liquefaction and saccharification. The variation time of the stage liquefaction: 12; 24; 36; 48; 60; and 72 minutes and the saccharification stage are: 9; 18; 27; 36; 45; 54; and 63 hours. The results showed that the optimum time required for stage liquefaction using α-amylase enzyme is 48 minutes on the condition of a temperature of 80 oC with a value of 0.09% amylose levels were measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The optimum time required for saccharification step using a glucoamylase which is 54 hours on the conditions of a temperature of 50oC with the amount of reducing sugar concentration of 9.186 g/L as measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer.

Men without Sperms

Introduction: Men without sperm (azoospermic) make up about 15% of all infertile men in reproductive age of fatherhood. Male infertility is a health and social problem in many communities. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study was carried from 2010 to 2015. Initially, 907 men were included in the study among whom 109 (12.02%), 346 (38.15%) and 452 (49.83%) were azoospermic, oligospermic and normospermic, respectively. This study only investigated the association between age, BMI, semen volume, liquefaction time and pus cells among normospermic and azoospermic men. Standard semen analysis was performed and subjects were categorized by age into Results: The 562 subjects of the study had means (±sd) age of 42.6 (±7.10) years and BMI of 27.0 (4.1) kg/m2 respectively. In all, 109 (19.4%) were azoospermic. Overweight and obese men were, respectively, more than 1½ and about 2½ times more likely to be azoospermic compared to normal weight men. Azoospermic men were significantly heavier than men with normal sperm count (t = -0.34; P-value = 0.003). Among those with normal weight, liquefaction time was significantly shorter (t = 5.49, P-value = 0.000001) in azoospermic (28.70 min.) than in men with normal sperm count (31.82 min.). Obese azoospermic men were about 4 times as likely to have high pus cells in semen than normal weight azoospermic men (OR = 3.82; 95% CI: 0.39, 37.01). Multivariate regression analysis shows a strong but negative coefficient correlation between sperm concentration and BMI (coef. = -0.48, Std Err. = 0.25, P-value = 0.05, 95% CI: -0.96, 0.10). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high BMI is associated with azoospermia. Azoospermia also did not seem to negatively impact liquefaction time.

Evaluation of the semen quality of patients attended in a clinical analyzes in the Cascavel municipality, Brazil

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of altered spermograms of individuals living in a municipality in the west of Paraná and attended at a private laboratory for clinical analysis, as well as the main alterations found in this study. Methods: We analyzed electronic reports of patients undergoing sperm examination in a private laboratory located in the municipality of Cascavel, Paraná, from January 2014 to December 2016. Results: It was verified that of 888 tests analyzed, only 1% presented all parameters analyzed within normality, while 99% of the cases presented some type of alteration. There was a change in the following parameters with statistical significance between the number of reports analyzed: time of liquefaction, sperm concentration, head anomalies, tail abnormalities, number of spermatocytes and spermatids (p <0.0001), viscosity (p = 0.1098), live forms (p = 0.0524), progressive motility (p = 0.0010) and total motility (p = 0.0013). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of altered spermograms and a great number of alterations were observed, which requires the need for complementary tests to determine the causes of these alterations.

Influence of Semen Parameters and Malondialdehyde on Infertile Males in Iraq

Seventy samples were collected from male individuals suffering from infertility either primary or secondary, as well as 35 samples were collected from fertile persons served as a control group. Criteria referred to by WHO for semen parameter were applied through-out the course of the study, these criteria includes: Age, volume of the specimen, total sperm count/mL, morphology of sperm, pH of the specimen, liquefaction time, and activity of sperm. The effect of oxygen reactive species was estimated by measuring of the concentration of malondialdihyde. Computerized system (General Sperm Analyzer, motic type) was used to determine semen parameter mentioned above. Seminal plasma of liquefied samples were collected from all samples by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 7 min, plasma were stored frozen (-80°C) utile use. Enzyme Linked Immune-Sorbent Assay technique (Elisa) was used to detect MDA level in seminal plasma.

Rectal Suppository of Mucoadhesive Microspheres of Alverine Citrate for İrritable Bowel Disease: In vitro Evaluation

The aim of present investigation was to develop chitosan based mucoadhesive microspheres of alverine citrate (ALV) for rectal delivery. Mucoadhesive microspheres of alverine citrate were prepared by simple emulsification crosslinking technique and evaluated for surface morphology, particle size, equilibrium swelling degree, drug content, in vitro bioadhesion and in vitro drug release. The suppositories of optimized batch of microspheres (AM5) were prepared by fusion method using cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 2000, PEG 4000 alone or in combinations with different ratios and evaluated for weight variation, hardness, drug content uniformity, liquefaction time, micro-melting range, in vitrodissolution and compatibility study by Attenuated total reflectance- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Chitosan based mucoadhesive microspheres of all batches of ALV except AM3 and AM4 showed spherical shape and particle size in the range of 76.56 to 294.32µm. All the formulations showed drug encapsulation efficiency in the range of 43.91 to 98.36% and bioadhesion in the range of 58.25 to 82.65%. AM5 batch showed 94.65% drug release at the end of 10h. Formulations of solid suppositories showed all the physical parameters within prescribed pharmacopoeial standard limits. Drug content of all the batches of suppositories was found to be in the range of 70.94 to 91.65%. All the batches of suppositories retarded the release of drug at the end of 10h. Suppository batch E showed 86.33% drug release at the end of 10h. Developed rectal formulation of ALV could be able to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel disease and may overcome the disadvantages of oral delivery.

Variation of Pore Water Pressure in Tailing Sand under Dynamic Loading

Intense vibration affects the pore water pressure in a tailing dam, with the tendency to induce dam liquefaction. In this study, experiments were performed wherein model tailing dams were completely liquefied by sustained horizontal dynamic loading to determine the effects of the vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, and tailing density on the pore water pressure. The results revealed four stages in the increase of the tailing pore water pressure under dynamic loading, namely, a slow increase, a rapid increase, inducement of structural failure, and inducement of complete liquefaction. A lower frequency and smaller amplitude of the vibration were found to increase the time required to achieve a given pore water pressure in dense tailings. Under the effect of these three factors—vibration frequency and amplitude and tailing density—the tailing liquefaction time varied nonlinearly with the height from the base of the tailing dam, with an initial decrease followed by an increase. The pore pressure that induced structural failure also gradually decreased with increasing height. The increase in the tailing pore pressure could be described by an S‐shaped model. A complementary multivariate nonlinear equation was also derived for predicting the tailing pore water pressure under dynamic loading.

Exposure to Leather Tanning Factories Lowers Semen Quality in Mongolian Men

Objectives: To examine the difference in semen qualities of male workers in leather tanning factories and of those in other industries. Methods: Eighty reproductive aged male workers from six leather tanning factories and eighty-five from non-tanning workplaces participated in the study as the exposed subjects and non-exposed subjects, respectively. Each subject was given a physical examination, required to complete a questionnaire, and asked to supply a semen specimen. Semen analysis on fresh specimens followed the latest World Health Organization guideline. Semen parameters were compared between the exposed and non-exposed subjects using tabulation and chi-square test for categorical variables and t-test or rank-sum test for continuous variables. Multiple linear or logistic regression models were constructed to examine the independent effects of exposure. Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, exposed subjects had significantly higher percentages of grade C motility (p=0.008), mid-piece defect (p=0.009), and tail-defect (p=0.029) in their spermatozoa compared to non-exposed subjects. Liquefaction time was also longer (p=0.046). Conclusion: Leather tanning workers have significantly higher percentages of grade C motility, mid-piece defect, and tail-defect in their spermatozoa.

Preparation and characteristics of polyurethane made with polyhydric alcohol‐liquefied rice husk

ABSTRACTThe limited availability of fossil resource is causing the urgent need to get renewable chemicals. Solvent liquefaction can convert rice husk into bio‐based chemicals. Rice husk was liquefied in polyhydric alcohol catalyzed by sulfuric acid under atmospheric pressure. The viscosity, residue content, and weight average molecular weight (Mw) of liquefied rice husk were 3089 cps, 23.6% and 4100, respectively. Prolonging the liquefaction time decreased the residue content and increased the average molecular weight. Polyurethane (PU) foams were successfully prepared from the liquefied rice husk with different molar ratios of NCO to OH (NCO/OH). The mechanical properties of PU foams showed that the compressive strength in the vertical direction is higher than that in the horizontal direction. With Increase of the NCO/OH molar ratio from 1.0 to 2.0, compressive strength in the vertical direction of PU foams increased from 70.6 to 114.7 kPa at 10% strain. Thermal analysis results showed that thermal stability of liquefied rice husk‐based PU resins was better than that of fossil‐ and liquefied wood‐ based PU resins. Increasing the NCO/OH molar ratio and inorganic residue of rice husk can help to increase thermal stability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45910.

Bioethanol production from cassava starch by enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation and ex-situ nanofiltration.

Cassava starch were liquefied and saccharified by alpha-amylase and gluco-amylase, respectively, before fermentation for bioethanol production. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the condition of liquefaction and saccharification on sugar concentrations. The effects of amount of enzyme, liquefaction temperature and liquefaction time on dextrin concentrations and the effects of amount of enzyme, saccharification temperature and saccharification time on glucose concentrations were measured and studied. Maximum glucose content was 273.1g/l when cassava starch (30 %w/v) was liquefied by 0.9 mg/g of alpha-amylase/starch at 85 °C for 180 min and saccharified by 1.5 mg/g of gluco-amylase/starch at 60 °C for 90 min. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) and Zymomonas mobilis (Z. mobilis) were studied in batch mode to prove ethanol efficiency. The batch culture was inoculated at 30±1 °C and agitated at 70 rpm with a Rushton turbine in 2-liter and 10-liter working volume baffled bioreactors. Microbial cells and ethanol solutions were then separated from fermentation broths using microfiltration (membrane Model M-M1812PS20) and nanofiltration (membrane Model M-N1812A5 and M-N1812A9), respectively. The batch mode results showed that the log phase was approximately 16h. Maximum ethanol produced after 72h period of fermentation by S. cerevisiae in 10-liter bioreactor was 43.5 g/l, resulted in an ethanol yield of 0.44 with a fermentation efficiency of 85.4 %.

Effects of ultrasound and high pressure on physicochemical properties and HMF formation in Turkish honey types

In industrial production, thermal processing of honey at 50 °C commonly induces liquefaction, i.e. it reduces the crystal count and viscosity and delays any subsequent crystallization. Unfortunately, thermal treatment can generate toxic 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), thereby resulting in quality reduction. Considering this, the present work aims at evaluating the influence of (two) processing technologies as alternatives to thermal processing of honey, namely high hydrostatic pressure (HHP; P = 220–330 MPa, T = 50/60 °C, t = 23/106 min), and ultrasound processing (US; at 24 kHz). The quality parameters evaluated for honey included liquefaction time, HMF content, diastase number, colour and viscosity. The best process conditions for maximising liquefaction were found to be P = 220 MPa, T = 50 °C, t = 106 min for HHP, and a 7 mm probe with 0.5 cycles (batch) for US treatment. US treatment is recommended over thermal processing owing to the convenience, shorter processing times, and less quality loss. Likewise, HHP treatment was shorter and with lower HMF values than thermal processing. In conclusion, ultrasound and HHP are both potential alternatives to thermal processing for liquefaction of honey crystals.

The Study of Liquefaction Time Stages due to a Short Duration Shaking

During the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake, liquefactions were massively found in Opak River, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Learning from those events, an experimental study of liquefaction using shaking table was performed, especially to investigate the effect of short shaking duration to liquefaction potential. Several experimental tests were performed under varied accelerations (0.3g, 0.35g, and 0.4g) and vibration frequencies (1.4 Hz, 1.6 Hz, and 1.8 Hz), with a short shaking duration of 8 seconds. The liquefaction parameter used in this study was the excess pore water pressure ratio. The results revealed that liquefaction occurs in every loading criteria and the short shaking duration applied on each loading influences time stages of liquefaction, i.e. the liquefaction duration, the initial time of liquefaction, and the initial time of pore water pressure dissipation. In addition, the dynamic loads applied in a short duration influenced the maximum excess pore water pressure ratio.

Production, purification and analysis of the isomalto-oligosaccharides from Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) and the prebiotics effects of them on proliferation of Lactobacillus

The synthesis and stimulating effects of isomalto-oligosaccharides from Chinese chestnut starch (CN-IMOs) on Lactobacillus proliferation were investigated in this paper. The synthesis process of CN-IMOs mainly consisted of liquefaction, saccharification and transglycosylation in sequence. The optimal liquefaction time with heat-stable α-amylase and CaCl2 was 120min, and the dextrose equivalent value of the liquefied slurry was 13.8. Saccharification was performed at 60°C for 2h by using a complex enzyme system comprising fungal α-amylase, β-amylase and pullulanase. The hydrolysate was then subjected to transglycosylation with α-transglucosidase for 20h. The syrup contained 30.53% total CN-IMOs, and then was purified by 732 cation exchange resins (Na+). The recovery rate and total content of it was 91.6% and 61.5%, respectively. Moreover, the proliferative effects of CN-IMOs, purified CN-IMOs (CN-IMOs-P), and commercial isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs-50) on Lactobacillus were observed in vitro. CN-IMOs-P was the best effective carbon source for Lactobacillus growth at an optimal dosage of 2.0% in the medium. All the results showed that Chinese chestnut could be a potential raw material for IMOs production, which was a new further processing area of chestnut utilization, and CN-IMOs-P can be explored as a novel prebiotic healthcare product for human gastrointestinal health.

Additives enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass

Linked to the development of cellulolytic enzyme cocktails from Myceliophthora thermophila, we studied the effect of different additives on the enzymatic hydrolysis yield. The hydrolysis of pretreated corn stover (PCS), sugar cane straw (PSCS) and microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) was performed under industrial conditions using high solid loadings, limited mixing, and low enzyme dosages. The addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG4000) allowed to increase the glucose yields by 10%, 7.5%, and 32%, respectively in the three materials. PEG4000 did not have significant effect on the stability of the main individual enzymes but increased beta-glucosidase and endoglucanase activity by 20% and 60% respectively. Moreover, the presence of PEG4000 accelerated cellulase-catalyzed hydrolysis reducing up to 25% the liquefaction time. However, a preliminary economical assessment concludes that even with these improvements, a lower contribution of PEG4000 to the 2G bioethanol production costs would be needed to reach commercial feasibility.

Mechanism and optimization for plasma electrolytic liquefaction of sawdust

In this work, plasma electrolytic technology was successfully employed to achieve fast liquefaction of sawdust when polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200) and glycerol were used as liquefacient in the presence of the catalyst sulfuric acid. Results showed that H ions could heat the solution effectively during the plasma electrolytic liquefaction (PEL) process. The influence of some key parameters including liquefaction time, catalyst percentage, liquefacient/sawdust mass ratio, and PEG 200/glycerol molar ratio on the liquefaction yield were investigated. Based on the results of single factor experiments, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the liquefaction process. Under the optimal conditions that is liquefaction time of 5.10min, catalyst percentage of 1.05%, liquefacient/sawdust mass ratio of 7.12/1 and PEG 200/glycerol molar ratio of 1.40/1, the liquefaction yield reached 99.48%. Hence, it could be concluded that PEL has good application potential for biomass fast liquefaction.

Validation of a laboratory-developed test of human sperm capacitation.

Sperm must undergo capacitation to become fertilization competent. Here we validated that monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) localization patterns, which were assessed in the Cap‐Score™ Sperm Function Test, reflect a capacitated state in human sperm. First, we defined patterns representing sperm that do or do not respond to stimuli for capacitation. Sperm with “capacitated” patterns had exposed acrosomal carbohydrates and underwent acrosome exocytosis in response to calcium ionophore (A23187). Precision was evaluated by percent change of the Cap‐Score measured for 50, 100, 150, and 200 sperm. Changes of 11%, 6%, and 5% were observed (n ≥ 23); therefore, we counted ≥150 sperm per condition. Variance within and between readers was evaluated using 20 stitched image files generated from unique ejaculates. Two trained readers randomly resampled each image 20 times, reporting an average standard deviation of 3 Cap‐Score units and coefficient of variation of 13% when rescoring samples, with no difference between readers. Semen liquefaction times ≤2 hr and mechanical liquefaction with Pasteur or wide‐orifice transfer pipettes did not alter Cap‐Score values. However, liquefaction with chymotrypsin (p = 0.002) and bromelain (p = 0.049) reduced response to capacitating stimuli and induced membrane damage, while counterintuitively improving sperm motility. Together, these data validate the Cap‐Score assay for the intended purpose of providing information on sperm capacitation and male fertility. In addition to its clinical utility as a diagnostic tool, this test of sperm function can reveal the impact of common practices of semen handling on the ability of sperm to respond to capacitation stimuli.

The effect of cell phone usage on semen quality and fertility among Jordanian males

Abstract Background and objective Cell phones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation are prejudicial to human fertility. The objective was to study the effect of cell phone usage on semen quality and men's fertility. Materials and methods A cross-sectional observational study conducted on 159 men attending infertility clinics at North, Middle and South Governorates in Jordan and undergoing infertility evaluation were divided into two groups according to their active cell phone use: group A: ≤1 h/day and group B: >1 h/day. No interventions were given to patients and semen samples were collected by masturbation in a sterile container after an abstinence period of 5 days. The main outcome measures were sperm volume, liquefaction time, pH, viscosity, count, motility and morphology. Results There were no statistical significance differences (p > 0.05) between both groups regarding sperm quality parameters according to cell phone use, but there were statistical differences in the frequencies of sperm concentration, volume, viscosity, liquefaction time and means of immotile sperms and abnormal morphology. In addition, time spend on watching television and using wireless phones were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with decreasing mean percentages of normal morphology. The distance from telecommunication tower was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with decreasing sperms volume. Meanwhile, the time spend on sending or receiving messages was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with decreasing sperms count and carrying mobile phone in trouser pocket was significantly associated with increasing means of immotile sperms. Conclusion Cell phone use might have a negative effect on semen quality parameters and further research is needed.

Preparation of Biopolyol from Empty Fruit Bunch Saccharification Residue Using Glycerol and PEG#300-Mediated Liquefaction for Application to Bio-Polyester and Bio-Polyurethane Production

Utilization of empty fruit bunch (EFB), a by-product of the palm oil production, needs to be developed because of the expanding palm oil production scale. EFB saccharification residue was obtained as a by-product of the enzymatic preparation of sugar from EFB. The liquefaction of EFB saccharification residue was performed using a mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG) #300 and glycerol as a solvent and sulfuric acid as a catalyst. The liquefaction conditions such as liquefaction solvent ratio, liquefaction temperature, catalyst loading, and liquefaction time were optimized, and up to 90% of biomass conversion of the EFB saccharification residue was obtained. The biopolyol with approximately 890 mg KOH/g hydroxyl number was used for the synthesis of bio-polyurethane and bio-polyester, and the polymerized products were confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy analysis. Basic thermal characteristics such as glass transition temperature and thermal decomposition temperature were determined to be 93.6 and 200°C using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively.

Optimization of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Waste Bread before Fermentation

Finding of optimal hydrolysis conditions is important for increasing the yield of saccharides. The higher yield of saccharides is usable for increase of the following fermentation effectivity. In this study optimal conditions (pH and temperature) for amylolytic enzymes were searched. As raw material was used waste bread. Two analytical methods for analysis were used. Efficiency and process of hydrolysis was analysed spectrophotometrically by Somogyi-Nelson method. Final yields of glucose were analysed by HPLC. As raw material was used waste bread from local cafe. Waste bread was pretreated by grinding into small particles. Hydrolysis was performed in 100 mL of 15 % (w/v) waste bread particles in the form of water suspension. Waste bread was hydrolysed by two commercial enzymes. For the liquefaction was used α‑amylase (BAN 240 L). The saccharification was performed by glucoamylase (AMG 300 L). Optimal conditions for α‑amylase (pH 6; 80 °C) were found. The yield of total sugars was 67.08 g∙L-1 (calculated to maltose). As optimal conditions for glucoamylase (pH 4.2; 60 °C) were found. Amount of glucose was 70.28 g∙L1. The time of waste bread liquefaction was 180 minutes. The time of saccharification was 90 minutes. The results were presented at the conference CECE Junior 2014.

RESOLVING THE ENIGMA OF EFFECT OF MOBILE PHONE USAGE ON SPERMATOGENESIS IN HUMANS IN SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION

Objective: This study was aimed at to evaluate the possible risk of radiofrequency and electromagnetic waves of mobile phones on spermatogenic impairment and functional capacity of the spermatozoa along with oxidative stress, DNA damages, and hormone profile among mobile phone users.Methods: Mobile phone users were classified into three groups are 1-5, 6-10, and above 10 hrs/day, respectively, based on the exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Blood and semen samples are collected with informed consent letter. The semen samples used to carry out to the physical examination such as volume, liquefaction time, color, odor, pH, and viscosity, and functional status of the spermatozoa was carried out such as nuclear chromatin decondensation test, hypo-osmotic swelling test, and acrosomal intactness test. Seminal plasma was used for to evaluate the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Blood serum was used to estimate the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. DNA collected from blood used for DNA ladder assay.Results: In the present investigation, both physical and microscopic examinations were negatively correlated with mobile phone usage. No variation exists in functional status of spermatozoa. Oxidative stress markers such as the presence of ROS, enzymatic scavengers such as SOD and TAC showed no statistical variations between control group and mobile phone users and even no variations in hormone profile such as testosterone, FSH, and LH of users of mobile phone compared to normal reference values. Conclusion: In conclusion, though the literature has suggested that mobile phone use alters semen parameters, functional status of spermatozoa, increased oxidative stress, with subsequent sperm DNA damage in humans. The present study deviates from previous study stating nil impact of mobile phones on spermatogenetic impairment in humans.Keywords: Association of mobile phone usage, Male infertility.

Effect of oral administration of Tribulus terrestris extract on semen quality and body fat index of infertile men.

Male fertility can be evaluated through complete semen analysis. Plants belonging to the Tribulus genus are known for their role in enhancing sex hormone levels and semen quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of T.terrestris on semen quality and physiological parameters. Sixty-five men with abnormal semen evaluation were included in this study, in which they were prescribed with oral administration of Androsten® (250mg of Tribulus terrestris dried extract per capsule). Body fat percentage, lean muscle mass gain, fluctuation in steroid hormone levels and all semen parameters were analysed during the period of treatment. The results demonstrated that decrease in the percentage of body fat and increase in lean mass were significant, as well as increase in dihydrotestosterone levels. Complete semen analysis evaluated at the end of treatment showed significant enhancement in sperm concentration, motility and liquefaction time. Protodioscin, the main phytochemical agent of the Tribulus genus, acts on sertoli cells, germ cell proliferation and growth of seminiferous tubules. This component is known to convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which plays important roles in male attributes. Our results indicate the therapeutic use of Tribulus terrestris by men presenting altered semen parameters, and/or undergoing infertility treatment.