Tribulus terrestris Extract Improves Human Sperm Parameters In Vitro

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.