Aphrodisiac activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in experimental models in rats

Tribulus terrestris Linn. is a flowering plant belongs to the family of zygophyllaceae, native to warm temperate and tropical regions of southern Asia, Africa and Australia. It is commonly known as Ghokhru and is constituent in many traditional medicine formulations for its medicinal properties. It has been used traditionally as aphrodisiac due to its putative positive influence on sexual performance in humans. In the present study, the lyophilized powder of the dried fruits of Tribulus terrestris was studied for sexual behavior effects of acute and subchronic administration in male albino rats, and comparison has been made with standard sexual stimulant drug, sildenafil citrate. The animals were evaluated on various parameters of sexual behavior, anabolic effects, testosterone level and in-vitro sperm counts. Oral administration of 100 mg/kg of test drug has proven anabolic effect as evidenced by body weight gain in the body and reproductive organs. Improvement in sexual behavior of male rats was characterized by increased amount and intromission frequency. Penile erection index (PEI) was also considerably enhanced without any noticeable toxicity, and the testosterone level and sperm count also significantly increased, and the results are comparable to that of standard drug, sildenafil citrate. Findings of the present study validate the traditional use of Tribulus terrestris for its role in enhancing sexual behavior and potential to be used in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). (c) 2011 WPMH GmbH. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.