Evaluation of effect of tribulus terrestris extract on sex hormones in male rats after treatment with cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide, anti-cancer drugs which are used in chemotherapy. Purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on sex hormones in male rats after treatment with cyclophosphamide. In this experimental study 56 adult male rats weighing 200-220 g and aged 10-12 week were randomly divided into: control, sham and experimental groups. Experimental group 1 received 5 mg cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally and Experimental groups 2 and 3 received 20 and 40 mg Tribulus terrestris extract orally. Experimental groups 4 and 5 received cyclophosphamide and Tribulus terrestris extract. After 8 weeks Sex hormones concentrations were measured. ANOVA test was used for data analysis. The results showed that serum concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone in the cyclophosphamide group compared with the control group were decreased significantly. but the concentration of these hormones in experimental groups 2 and 3 were received Tribulus terrestris extract compared with the control group were increased. Also the serum concentrations of these hormones in groups 4 and 5 were received cyclophosphamide and Tribulus terrestris extract compared with cyclophosphamide group were increased. Tribulus terrestris extract causes a reduction of cyclophosphamide effects on cells are producing sex hormone. This effect is probably due to the antioxidant property of Tribulus Terrestris.