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.