Tribulus Studies on Infertility, Virility & Ejaculate Quality

Tribulus terrestris (protodioscin) in the treatment of male infertility with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
A. Adimoelja, L. Setiawan, and T. Djojotananjo
Academic Hospital Dr. Soetomo, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
in First International Conference of Medical Plants for Reproductive Medicine in Taipei, Taiwan (1995)

SUMMARY

Tribulus terrestris L (TTL) extract is a natural remedy that has been successfully tested clinically for its use in the treatment of idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OTA). Here, we conducted a double blind study of 45 infertile, married men with OTA. 36 men were treated with 500 mg purified TTL (Libilov) 3 times daily for 3 months. Composing the controlled group, 9 men were given placebo (sugar pills) for the same period of time. Spouses of 8 of the men in the treated group successfully achieved pregnancies after treatment of their husbands, whereas no pregnancies occurred in the spouses of the men in the control group. An improvement in the sperm morphology, including that observed under conventional phase contrast microscopy as well as improvements in acrosome morphology and reaction, seemed to account for the increased fertility after treatment. In addition, TTL was also shown to increase the level of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and might also contribute to the activation of cell membrane receptors and the production of weak androgens. These, in turn, might additionally improve fertility by increasing the level of spermatogenesis.

Effect of protodioscin on the quantity and quality of sperms from males with moderate idiopathic oligozoospermia
K.M. Arsyad
Medical Biology Division of Andrology, University of Sriwijaya, Indonesia (1996)
Medika 22 (8): 614-618 (1996)

SUMMARY

This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a certain dosage and period of administration of Libilov (protodioscin) on sperm quality and quantity in men with moderate idiopathic oligozoospermia. This study also evaluated protodioscin's effect on libido, erection, ejaculation and orgasm. Lastly, We also determined the length of time that the beneficial effects of the treatment lasted after administration of the preparation was stopped.

Our result showed that oral Libilov treatment with the dose of 3 x 2 tablets per day for 60 days could:
- increase sperm quantity and quality in men diagnosed with moderate idiopathic oligozoospermia
- restore and enhance libido, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm of sexual intercourse, as compared to before the treatment. This result was obtained in more than 80% of the treated patients.

Tribulus terrestris L. extract improves spermatozoa motility and increases the efficiency of acrosome reaction in subjects diagnosed with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
L. Setiawan
Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia (1996)

SUMMARY

Here we investigated the effects of Tribulus terrestris L. on sperm morphology and acrosome reaction in subjects with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed with 30 primary and secondary infertile men. Half received oral Tribulus (Libilov, 500mg dose) three times per day for 60 days, and the rest were given sugar pills. The ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, morphology, acrosome reactions, and other parameters were evaluated before and after treatment.

A significant increase in the percentage of slow or sluggish progressive motile sperm in the treated group was observed when compared to the control group. The percentage of the sperm with normal acrosome reaction was also increased, whereas the percentage of immotile sperm decreased significantly.

The frequency of sexual intercourse was also increased significantly in the Tribulus group. No side effect was observed. We concluded that Tribulus terrestris L., given at 500mg three times a day for 60 days proved to be effective in restoring some of the sperm functions, such as motility and acrosome reactions.

Trials of Tribulus Terrestris (Protodioscin) on Oligozoospermia
N. Moeloek, A. Adimoelja, T. Tanojo, and W. Pangkahila
Proceedings of the VIth National Congress and IIIrd International Symposium on New Perspectives of Andrology on Human Reproduction National Congress of Indonesian Association of Andrologs. Scientific Meeting VI in Manado (1994)

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)