Free serum testosterone level in male rats treated with Tribulus alatus extracts

Int Braz J Urol. 2007 Jul-Aug;33(4):554-8; discussion 558-9. doi: 10.1590/s1677-55382007000400015.

Abstract

Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Tribulus alatus extracts on free serum testosterone in male rats.

Materials and methods: Free serum testosterone level was measured in male rats treated with alcoholic extracts of the aerial part without fruits, fruits of Tribulus alatus and their fractions.

Results: All tested extracts showed significant increase in the level of free serum testosterone when compared to that of corresponding control, p < 0.05. Statistical comparison of all groups revealed that the maximum level was found in groups treated with chloroformic and ethanolic fractions of fruits extract.

Conclusion: Tribulus alatus extract appears to possess aphrodisiac activity due to its androgen increasing property.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aphrodisiacs / chemistry
  • Aphrodisiacs / pharmacology*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Male
  • Penis / blood supply
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Components, Aerial / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Random Allocation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Testosterone / blood*
  • Tribulus / chemistry*

Substances

  • Aphrodisiacs
  • Plant Extracts
  • Testosterone