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Morgado A, Tsampoukas G, Sokolakis I, Schoentgen N, Urkmez A, Sarikaya S. Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic review. Int J Impot Res 2024; 36:348-364. [PMID: 37697053 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00763-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone boosters are heavily marketed on social media and marketplaces to men with claims to significantly increase testosterone. Lax industry regulation has allowed sales of supplements to thrive in the absence of verification of their purported benefits. Our primary objective was to systematically review all data published in the last two decades on testosterone boosters and determine their efficacy. Our outcome of interest was total testosterone increase versus placebo in four different populations: male athletes, men with late-onset hypogonadism infertile men and healthy men. Following search and screening, 52 studies were included in our review, relating to 27 proposed testosterone boosters: 10 studies of cholecalciferol; 5 zinc/magnesium; 4 Tribulus terrestris and creatine; 3 Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera; 2 betaine, D-aspartic acid, Lepidium meyenii and isoflavones; while the remainder were single reports. Our findings indicate that most fail to increase total testosterone. The exceptions were β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate and betaine, which can be considered effective for male athletes. Eurycoma longifolia, a blend of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seed extracts (Tesnor™) and purified Shilajit extract (PrimaVie™) can be considered possibly effective for men with late-onset hypogonadism; Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera possibly effective for healthy men; and a non-hormonal aromatase inhibitor (Novadex XT™) possibly effective for male athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afonso Morgado
- Serviço de Urologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal.
| | | | - Ioannis Sokolakis
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nadja Schoentgen
- Urology Department, University Hospital Center Bichat Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Ahmet Urkmez
- Department of Urology, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Selcuk Sarikaya
- Department of Urology, Gülhane Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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2
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Da Silva MHA, Buys-Gonçalves GF, Estrada JHDR, Sampaio FJB, de Souza DB. What is the effect of Tribulus terrestris on testicular morphology and sperm production? An experimental study in the rat model. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:67-70. [PMID: 37695239 PMCID: PMC10846837 DOI: 10.4103/aja202340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate whether treatment with Tribulus terrestris (Tt) has any impact on the testicular morphology and function in a rodent model. Twenty male rats were divided into a control group and a group receiving 100 mg kg -1 body weight of Tt supplementation. After 40 days of experiment, the animals were submitted to euthanasia; epididymal tail spermatozoa were collected; and spermatozoa concentration, motility, and viability were analyzed. In addition, testicles were collected and processed for histomorphometrical analyses. Data were compared using the Student's t -test and considered significant when P < 0.05. Spermatozoa concentration, motility, and viability showed no difference between the groups. Further, testicular weight and volume, seminiferous tubule diameter, tunica propria surface density, seminiferous epithelium surface density, and intertubular compartment surface density were statistically similar between the groups. However, seminiferous epithelium height and tubular lumen surface density were augmented in animals treated with Tt. Treatment with Tt does not cause a major impact on testicular morphology, promoting only subtle modifications. No difference on spermatozoa parameters was observed.
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3
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The Profertility and Aphrodisiac Activities of Tribulus terrestris L.: Evidence from Meta-Analyses. Andrologia 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/7118431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) is a traditional medicinal plant, which belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. TT extracts have been widely used for diuretic, analeptic, aphrodisiac, and profertility properties. To quantitatively evaluate the profertility and aphrodisiac effects of Tribulus terrestris L., we undertook the present meta-analyses on published data. A thorough literature screening was performed to identify articles evaluating the effect of TT on spermatogenesis, male fertility, reproductive, and aphrodisiac parameters. We shortlisted 30 relevant studies conducted on humans and rodents. Meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate the quantitative impact of TT on various fertility parameters. In case of humans, the pooled analysis on 133 subjects showed significant improvements in sperm concentration (
, 95%
to 1.117,
) and sperm motility (
, 95%
to 1.152,
). TT resulted in nonsignificant increases in testosterone and LH and a nonsignificant decrease in FSH. Similar to the above, TT improved sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability in rodents with normal or compromised fertility. The effect on hormone levels was less credible with frequent variations across studies and animal models. The aphrodisiac activity was studied in castrated animal models or normal rodents, both of which showed significant improvements in mounting frequency and intromission frequency and significant declines in mounting latency and intromission latency. These meta-analyses suggested that TT possesses profertility and aphrodisiac activities.
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Aldaddou WA, Aljohani ASM, Ahmed IA, Al-Wabel NA, El-Ashmawy IM. Ameliorative effect of methanolic extract of Tribulus terrestris L. on nicotine and lead-induced degeneration of sperm quality in male rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 295:115337. [PMID: 35605919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The use of herbal and medicinal plants to treat male infertility is well known in history. Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and it is used in folk medicine to vitalize and also improve both physical performance and sexual function in men in addition to the protective effect of the gross saponins of TT against ischemic stroke and its clinical anti-inflammatory property. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effects of methanol extract of T. terrestris on nicotine hydrogen tartrate and lead-induced degeneration of sperm quality in male rats and to identify the volatile bioactive non-polar compounds thought to be responsible for its activity using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of T. terrestris on nicotine hydrogen tartrate and lead-induced infertility was evaluated in male rats. Fifty-four mature male albino rats weighing 220-250 g body weight were used. The rats were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (n = 6). Infertility was induced by administering nicotine hydrogen tartrate (0.50 mg/kg) through peritoneal injection (i.p.) or lead acetate (1.5 g/L) orally with drinking water for sixty days. Two doses (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of the animal) of T. terrestris were also used. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were anesthetized and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected. Hormonal analyses were carried out on the serum. The testicle, epididymis, and accessory sex organs (seminal vesical and prostates) were removed for histopathological analysis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the methanol extract was also carried out to identify major volatile compounds in T. terrestris methanol extract. RESULTS Nicotine and lead toxicity caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the number of sperm, motility, and an increase in the sperm abnormalities such as the reduction in weight and size of sexual organs (testis, epididymis, and accessory sex glands), reduction of diameter and length of seminiferous tubules. The administration of T. terrestris methanol extract, however, improved the semen quantity and quality, sexual organ weights, and fertility of male rats and, thus, ameliorated the adverse effects of nicotine and lead. Ten major compounds were found from the GC-MS analysis of the extract of T. terrestris methanol extract. CONCLUSION Findings showed that T. terrestris plant methanolic extracts ameliorated nicotine hydrogen tartrate and lead-induced degeneration of sperm quality in male rats. The GC-MS analysis of the T. terrestris plant methanolic extracts revealed the presence of several important bioactive compounds which were thought to be responsible for the ameliorative effect. Further isolation and evaluation of the individual components would provide relevant lead to finding new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Ammar Aldaddou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah S M Aljohani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Idris Adewale Ahmed
- Centre for Natural Products Research and Drug Discovery (CENAR), Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Naser A Al-Wabel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M El-Ashmawy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
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5
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Garolla A, Petre GC, Francini-Pesenti F, De Toni L, Vitagliano A, Di Nisio A, Grande G, Foresta C. Systematic Review and Critical Analysis on Dietary Supplements for Male Infertility: From a Blend of Ingredients to a Rationale Strategy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 12:824078. [PMID: 35185789 PMCID: PMC8854851 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.824078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Content Dietary supplements (DS) for male infertility marketed in Italy were evaluated for composition, concentration of ingredients, and recommended daily dose. A systematic review of literature identified ingredients potentially effective on sperm parameters and their minimal effective daily dose (mED). Objective This study was conducted in order to critically evaluate the composition and efficacy of DS marketed in Italy. Design Setting and Participants This was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Evidence Acquisition A formula allowed us to classify the expected efficacy of each DS, based on composition. Each DS was scored and included into three classes of expected efficacy: high, low, and none. Evidence Synthesis Among 24 supplements, 3 (12.5%) fall in high, 9 (37.5%) in lower, and 12 (50.0%) in no expected efficacy class. DS composition showed 36 substances, 18 with no literature on male fertility and 18 showing positive effect on sperm parameters, thus considered potentially active ingredients (PAI). All DS were mixtures of ingredients, containing from 2 to 17 different substances. Fifteen supplements (65.2%) contained at least 1 ingredient without evidence of efficacy and 21 formulations had PAI dosed below mED. Some PAI were associated to the improvement of specific sperm parameters. Conclusions DS were usually blends of many substances that are frequently employed at negligible dose or without any evidence of efficacy on male reproduction. Some ingredients have been demonstrated to be effective on specific sperm parameters by RCTs. We report a list of ingredients with potential efficacy on specific sperm parameters, aimed to allow a tailored use of DS. Patient Summary The market of DS for male infertility offers products with potential efficacy in the improvement of sperm parameters but also many with uncertain effects. Based on current scientific literature, our study can help in the choice of DS that are more likely to be effective on specific sperm alterations, so providing the best supplementation for each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine & Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gabriel Cosmin Petre
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine & Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Luca De Toni
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine & Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madonna della Navicella Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine & Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine & Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine & Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Sirotkin AV, Kolesárová A. Puncture vine (Tribulus Terrestris L.) in control of health and reproduction. Physiol Res 2021; 70:S657-S667. [PMID: 35199550 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris, L. (puncture vine) have been used as a folk medicine for five thousands of years, but its targets, effects, their mechanisms and application requires further studies. This paper reviews the provenance, constituents and properties of Tribulus terrestris, L., its general physiological and health effects, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning its influence on male and female reproductive processes and their dysfunctions. Analysis of the available publications demonstrated the influence of Tribulus terrestris on a wide spectrum of targets and physiological processe and disorders. In particular, Tribulus terrestris can be a stimulator of male and female reproductive processes at the level of central nervous system, sexual behaviour, pituitary and gonadal hormones and their receptors, gonadal functions (including ovarian follicullogenesis and spermatogenesis), improvement of the quality and quantity of gametes (at least of sperm) and fecundity. This ability of puncture vine is applicable for the improvement of man's sexual desire and sperm quality in vivo and in vitro, as well as of women's libido, activation of women's reproductive organs, fecundity, and treatment of infertility, especially that related to the polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Sirotkin
- Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic, 2Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
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7
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Sirotkin AV, Kolesarova A. Puncture vine (Tribulus Terrestris L.) in control of health and reproduction. Physiol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.33549//physiolres.934711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris, L. (puncture vine) have been used as a folk medicine for five thousands of years, but its targets, effects, their mechanisms and application requires further studies. This paper reviews the provenance, constituents and properties of Tribulus terrestris, L., its general physiological and health effects, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning its influence on male and female reproductive processes and their dysfunctions. Analysis of the available publications demonstrated the influence of Tribulus terrestris on a wide spectrum of targets and physiological processe and disorders. In particular, Tribulus terrestris can be a stimulator of male and female reproductive processes at the level of central nervous system, sexual behaviour, pituitary and gonadal hormones and their receptors, gonadal functions (including ovarian follicullogenesis and spermatogenesis), improvement of the quality and quantity of gametes (at least of sperm) and fecundity. This ability of puncture vine is applicable for the improvement of man’s sexual desire and sperm quality in vivo and in vitro, as well as of women’s libido, activation of women’s reproductive organs, fecundity, and treatment of infertility, especially that related to the polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- AV Sirotkin
- Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
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8
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Fernández-Lázaro D, Mielgo-Ayuso J, del Valle Soto M, Adams DP, González-Bernal JJ, Seco-Calvo J. The Effects of 6 Weeks of Tribulus terrestris L. Supplementation on Body Composition, Hormonal Response, Perceived Exertion, and CrossFit ® Performance: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:3969. [PMID: 34836225 PMCID: PMC8623187 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) supplementation have been shown to enhance sports performance in many but not all studies. Moreover, data regarding the potential impact of TT supplementation on CrossFit® endurance is limited. This study aimed to determine whether TT supplementation improve body composition, hormonal response, and performance among CrossFit® athletes. In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a total of 30 healthy CrossFit®-trained males were randomly allocated to receive either 770 mg of TT supplementation or a placebo daily for 6 weeks. Body mass, fat mass, fat composition, testosterone and cortisol levels, and CrossFit® performance (5 common Workouts of the Day: back squat, bench press, dead lift, Grace, and CrossFit® Total) were assessed before and after intervention. There were no significant group x time interactions for the outcomes of the study except for testosterone levels and bench press performance (p < 0.05). TT supplementation did not impact enhance performance or body composition in CrossFit® male athletes. However, TT supplementation may act as a testosterone booster helping the recovery after physical loads and mitigating fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernández-Lázaro
- Department of Cellular Biology, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Soria, University of Valladolid, 42003 Soria, Spain
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain;
| | - Miguel del Valle Soto
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain;
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - David P. Adams
- Dual Enrollment Program, Point University, Savannah, GA 31419, USA;
| | | | - Jesús Seco-Calvo
- Physiotherapy Department, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Campus de Vegazana, University of Leon, 24071 Leon, Spain;
- Visiting Researcher of Basque Country University, Psychology Department, Faculty of Medicine, 48900 Leioa, Spain
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Haghmorad D, Mahmoudi MB, Haghighi P, Alidadiani P, Shahvazian E, Tavasolian P, Hosseini M, Mahmoudi M. Improvement of fertility parameters with Tribulus Terrestris and Anacyclus Pyrethrum treatment in male rats. Int Braz J Urol 2019; 45:1043-1054. [PMID: 31626524 PMCID: PMC6844349 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2018.0843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anacyclus Pyrethrum (AP) and Tribulus Terrestris (TT) have been reported as male infertility treatment in several studies; however, in Iranian traditional medicine these two plants are prescribed simultaneously. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of AP and TT extracts both separately and simultaneously on the male Wistar rat fertility parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS 32 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control, TT, AP, and AT treated groups. Treatment continued for 25 days and rats were weighed daily. Their testes were dissected for histological studies. Sperm analysis including sperm count, viability and motility were performed. Serum was obtained to evaluate testosterone, LH and FSH levels. Histological studies were conducted to study Leydig, and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatid cell numbers, and to measure seminiferous diameter and epithelium thickness. RESULTS Sperm count increased in all the treatment groups. Sperm viability and motility in AT and AP groups were elevated. TT and AT groups showed signifi cantly increased testosterone level compared to control group (P=004, P=0.000, respectively) and TT, AP and AT treatment groups showed increased LH level (P=0.002, P=0.03 and P=0.000, respectively) compared to control, while only AT group showed increased FSH (p=0.006) compared to control. Histological studies showed signifi cant increase of spermatogonia, Leydig and Sertoli cell numbers and epithelial thickness in AT group compared to other groups. All the treatment groups had higher number of Leydig, spermatogonia and spermatid cells. CONCLUSION TT and AP improved sexual parameters; however, their simultaneous administration had higher improving effects on studied parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariush Haghmorad
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | | | - Pardis Haghighi
- Immunology Research Center, BuAli Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
| | - Paria Alidadiani
- Immunology Research Center, BuAli Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
| | - Ensieh Shahvazian
- Immunology Research Center, BuAli Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
| | - Parsova Tavasolian
- Immunology Research Center, BuAli Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
| | - Mahmoud Hosseini
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
| | - Mahmoud Mahmoudi
- Immunology Research Center, BuAli Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
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Semerdjieva IB, Zheljazkov VD. Chemical Constituents, Biological Properties, and Uses of Tribulus terrestris: A Review. Nat Prod Commun 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x19868394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) (puncturevine) is a common weed that grows in many countries worldwide and in some places is considered as a noxious weed. The plant has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicines and is now considered as one of the most popular aphrodisiacs. It is known for its healing properties for sexual difficulties, impotence, and human and animal hormonal imbalance. It is also used as a sexual booster. Because of the plant’s active substances that can be used for curing sexual and other disorders, interest in it is increasing, and it is currently one of the most studied medicinal plants. The products and preparations manufactured from the aboveground plant parts are especially popular among athletes and people with health issues and diseases such as hormonal imbalance, sexual problems, heart problems, and various kidney and skin diseases. The aim of this review is a comprehensive and critical assessment of the scientific publications involving TT, with special reference to its chemical constituents and biological properties that may facilitate current understanding and future studies of this fascinating plant species. The objectives of this review were (1) to find knowledge gaps, (2) to discuss critically relevant publications and issues with materials and methods that may be prerequisites for contradictory results, and (3) to identify research and development areas. It was found that some of the studies on TT extracts as aphrodisiacs are controversial. A significant number of research publications claim that TT extracts and nutritional supplements containing TT improve muscle tone, have a common biostimulating effect, and improve spermogenesis. However, there are a growing number of publications that dispute these claims, as there are no empirical data on commonly accepted mechanisms of action. The main biologically active substances in TT are steroidal saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and lignan amides, the most studied being the steroidal saponins. Multiyear data on the metabolic profile of the species are generally lacking. There are a variety of methods used for extracting plant material, differences in methodologies and saponin analyses, and scientific instruments that were used. Lack of common standards could be a reason for differences in the pharmacological activity and composition of the TT preparations. Development of standard procedures and methods for collection of plant material and analyses are recommended. Selection and breeding efforts and agronomic studies of promising clones of TT would need to be conducted in order to develop TT as a new crop. This will provide consistency of supply and quality of the feedstock for the pharmaceutical industry and could provide a new cash crop for growers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanka B. Semerdjieva
- Department of Botany and Agrometeorology, Agricultural University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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11
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Sanagoo S, Sadeghzadeh Oskouei B, Gassab Abdollahi N, Salehi-Pourmehr H, Hazhir N, Farshbaf-Khalili A. Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic infertility: A systematic review. Complement Ther Med 2019; 42:95-103. [PMID: 30670288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE(S) Tribulus terrestris L. is an herbal plant that has long been used as sex stimulant and to treat male infertility. This systematic review collected the clinical trials and/or quasi-experimental studies on the effect of T. terrestris on sperm parameters in idiopathic male infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS To search the related articles, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ProQuest, Clinicaltrial.gov, WHO, Google Scholar, MEDLINE via Pubmed, Web of Science, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, and Iranmedex databases were used without any time limitation. Words used to search were T. terrestris L., Tribestan, male infertility and sperm parameters based on the MeSH glossary. To assess the eligibility of the articles, the views of the two authors and in cases where there was no agreement, the third person was used. RESULTS Through searching of the databases, 5775 articles were identified, of which 3509 were entered after removing the duplicates. Afterward, 102 articles were screened for inclusion. Finally, 7 articles were included in this systematic review. Only one quasi-experimental without control arm article reported that the use of T. terrestris L. in the treatment of idiopathic male infertility was not effective, In the others, T. terrestris L. was reported to be effective in improving some or all parameters of the sperm, namely number, motility and morphology. CONCLUSION The results of the present systematic review showed that the consumption of T terrestris L., in general, resulted in the improvement of sperm parameters. This result was obtained from 6 out of the 7 articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Sanagoo
- Department of Midwifery, Students Research Committee, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behnaz Sadeghzadeh Oskouei
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Gassab Abdollahi
- Department of Midwifery, Students Research Committee, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hanieh Salehi-Pourmehr
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazanin Hazhir
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Azizeh Farshbaf-Khalili
- Aging Research Institute, Physical medicine and rehabilitation Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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12
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Khaleghi S, Bakhtiari M, Asadmobini A, Esmaeili F. Tribulus terrestris Extract Improves Human Sperm Parameters In Vitro. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2016; 22:407-412. [PMID: 27694560 PMCID: PMC5871152 DOI: 10.1177/2156587216668110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. The object of present study was to investigate the effects of direct addition of Tribulus terrestris extract on human sperm parameters. Design. Semen specimens from 40 healthy men volunteers were divided into 4 groups: one group received no treatment (control group) while the others were incubated with 20, 40, and 50 µg/mL of T terrestris extract (experimental groups). Motility, viability, and DNA fragmentation were assessed in all groups. Results. The incubation of human semen with 40 and 50 μg/mL of T terrestris extract significantly enhanced total sperm motility, number of progressive motile spermatozoa, and curvilinear velocity over 60 to 120 minutes’ holding time (P < .05 or P < < .01). Furthermore, viability was significantly enhanced by using T terrestris extract (P < .01). Conclusions. In vitro addition of the T terrestris extract to human sperm could affect male fertility capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khaleghi
- 1 Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of medical sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mitra Bakhtiari
- 1 Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of medical sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,2 Fertility & Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Sorkheh Lizheh, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Atefeh Asadmobini
- 1 Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of medical sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farzane Esmaeili
- 1 Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of medical sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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