Trials of Tribulus terrestris (protodioscin) on oligo-zoospermia

SUMMARY

Tribulus terrestris L. is a natural, non-hormonal herbal preparation. This trial focuses on determining the effect of this preparation on the fertility of men with oligozoospermia.

A three-centered study in Indonesia (the cities of Jakarta, Surabaya, and Denpasar) include 45 subjects. Thirty six of these men compose the experimental group, and are administered Tribulus terrestris L. (Libilov), whereas 9 are given placebo (control group).

The study includes analyses of three phases:
- Before treatment
- During treatment (9 weeks)
- After treatment (3 weeks after treatment)

RESULT

The findings of the study are:

1. There is no clear difference in semen volume and sperm mobility after treatment. However, there are improvement in sperm concentration and morphology.

2. There is no change in the level of sex hormones in both the experimental and control group.

3. There are 8 pregnancies in the experimental group, whereas there is no pregnancy achieved in the control group.