THTLE: EVALUATION OF EFFECT OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS EXTRACT ON SEX HORMONES IN MALE RATS AFTER TREATMENT WITH CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE

Introduction: Cyclophosphamide is an anti-cancer medication used in chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Tribulus terrestris on sexual hormones in male rats after treatment with cyclophosphamide. Material and Method: In this experimental study, 56 male rats weighing 200-220 g and aged 10-12 weeks were randomly divided into control, sham control and experimental groups. Experimental group 1 received daily cyclophosphamide 5 mg/kg of body weight intraperitoneally and experimental groups 2 and 3 received daily 20 and 40 mg/kg of body weight Tribulus terrestris extract orally, respectively, and experimental groups 4 and 5 received cyclophosphamide and Tribulus terrestris extract. After eight weeks, sexual hormones were measured and the data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Results: The results showed that serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone in a group that had received cyclophosphamide decreased compared to the control group, but they significantly increased in experimental groups 2 and 3 that had received Tribulus terrestris extract compared to the control group. The serum levels of these hormones in experimental groups 4 and 5 that had received cyclophosphamide and Tribulus terrestris extract increased compared to cyclophosphamide group. Conclusion: Tribulus terrestris extract lowered complications of cyclophosphamide on sex hormone producing cells. This effect can be attributed to the antioxidant property of Tribulus terrestris.