Evaluation of the effect of aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris on some reproductive parameters in female mice

The aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris was evaluated for its activity on the reproductive system of mature albino female mice. Two experiments involved maternal treatment with the extract (orally) for two and four weeks with two dose levels (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) at each period were conducted. Different ovarian and uterine parameters were studied in addition to determination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone( LH) and estradiol hormone levels during the estrus phase. The two weeks period experiment revealed no significant differences in maternal body weight or reproductive organs weight. A significant increase in the number of growing follicles, diameter of mature follicles, endometrial lining cells height and endometrial glands diameter was obtained in both dose levels. The four weeks period experiment showed a remarkable increase in body weight and reproductive organs weight in both dose levels. No significant differences on the levels of ovarian parameters, whereas, a significant increase was obtained in the endometrial lining cells height on both dose levels and a significant increase in endometrial glands diameter in the highest dose level. As concerning the levels of reproductive hormones, although the differences were not significant, but an obvious increase was obtained in FSH and LH and a decrease in estradiol was detected in both dose levels. In conclusions, although there was some fluctuation, a dose dependent activity was obtained with the two weeks period seems to be more effective on both ovarian and uterine parameters, whereas the four weeks period was more effective on uterine parameters