Protective effect of an aphrodisiac herb Tribulus terrestris Linn on cadmium-induced testicular damage

Abstract

Aim:The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Tribulus terrestris Linn (TT) could protect the cadmium (Cd)-induced testicular tissue peroxidation in rats and to explore the underlying mechanism of the same.Materials and Methods:In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to know the protective effect of ethanolic extract of TT (eTT) in Cd toxicity. In in vitro studies, total antioxidant and ferrous metal ion chelating activity of TT was studied. In vivo studies were conducted in rats. A total of 40 Wistar strain adult male rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 served as control, while group 2 to 4 received CdCl2 (3 mg/kg b. wt. s/c once a week). In addition to Cd, group 3 and 4 rats also received eTT (5 mg/kg b.wt. daily as oral gavage) and α-tocopherol (75 mg/kg daily by oral gavage), respectively. At the end of 6th week, all the rats were sacrificed and the separated testes were weighted and processed for estimation of tissue peroxidation markers, antioxidant markers, functional markers, and Cd concentration. The testes were also subjected to histopathological screening.Results:In in vitro studies, the percentage of metal ion chelating activity of 50 μg/ml of eTT and α-tocopherol were 2.76 and 9.39, respectively, and the antioxidant capacity of eTT was equivalent to 0.063 μg of α-tocopherol/μg of eTT. In in vivo studies, administration of Cd significantly reduced the absolute and relative testicular weight, antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and functional markers such as LDH and ALP, along with significant increase in peroxidation markers such as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls in testicular tissue. Testes of Cd only-treated group showed histological insults like necrotic changes in seminiferous tubules and interstitium, shrunken tubules with desquamated basal lamina, vacuolization and destruction of sertoli cells, and degenerating Leydig cells. This group also had higher Cd levels in testicular tissue. Co-treatment with eTT and α-tocopherol significantly reduced the Cd burden in the testes along with reversal of the Cd-induced changes.Conclusions:eTT exhibited protective effect against Cd-induced testicular damage. The protective effect appears to be mediated through inhibition of testicular tissue peroxidation by antioxidant and metal chelator activity and also, may be indirectly by stimulating the testosterone production from Leydig cells.

Assessment of Protective and Antioxidant Properties of Tribulus Terrestris Fruits against Testicular Toxicity in Rats

“…This protective effect seemed to be a dose-dependent. These findings were partially in agreement with those previously reported [ 8 - 11 , 14 , 29 , 30 ]. The previous authors concluded that T. terrestris plant acts as a powerful aphrodisiac in rats, mice and humans; improves semen quality and quantity and increases weights of the testis and epididymis.…”

“…Tribulus terrestris plant, popularly known as puncture vine, is a perennial creeping herb with a worldwide distribution. Since ancient times, T. terrestris has a long history as a powerful aphrodisiac [ 8 , 9 ]. In traditional medicine, T. terrestris roots are used for treating male infertility [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Tribulus terrestris ameliorates metronidazole-induced spermatogenic inhibition and testicular oxidative stress in the laboratory mouse

“…The results of the present study suggest that administration of the fruit extract of TT (200 mg/kg BW/day) in mice prevents the free radical generation caused by MTZ and hence oxidative stress, as evidenced by restoring the levels of antioxidative enzymes and LPO to the control values. Protective effects of TT by inhibiting the free radicals generation against cadmium[ 7 ] and cypermethrin[ 8 ]-induced testicular damage have been reported in the rat. The whole plant extract of TT is reported to exhibit antioxidant property.…”

“…Among them, the involvement of TT in the improvement of male sexual dysfunctions is well-established. TT is reported to have a protective effect against cadmium[ 7 ] and cypermethrin[ 8 ]-induced testicular injury in the rat. Hence, based on the aphrodisiac and antioxidant properties of TT, the present study has been carried out with the objective to access the potentiality of the fruit extract of this plant against MTZ-induced changes in the testicular oxidative stress, functional markers, spermatogenesis, and the sperm count.…”

Tribulus terrestris Protects against Male Reproductive Damage Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Mice

“…In a previous study, TT exerted a protective effect against testicular damage induced by cadmium in rats, and this effect seems to be mediated by its antioxidant action and it also stimulates the production of testosterone from the Leydig cells [ 14 ]. Other studies show that TT presented an antioxidant and protective effect in rats with heart disease and diabetes [ 15 , 16 ].…”