RESUMO
The effect of Tribulus terrestris [TT] on serum glucose and lipid levels was investigated in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus in rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into control, TT-treated control, diabetic, glibenclamide-treated, and TT-treated diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, streptozotcin [STZ] was administered [60 mg/Kg]. Meanwhile, TT-treated groups received TT mixed with standard pelleted food at a weight ratio of 6.25% for 6 weeks. Serum glucose and lipid levels were determined before the study and at the 3 rd and 4 th week after the study. Serum glucose was significantly lower in TT-treated diabetic rats at 3 rd and 6 th weeks as compared to untreated diabetics [p<0.01 and p<0.005, respectively]. In addition, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol showed a significant reduction in TT-treated diabetic rats as compared to untreated diabetics [p<0.05]. On the other hand, HDL-cholesterol level did not change significantly in TT-treated diabetic group as compared to untreated diabetic group. Oral administration of TT has a significant hypoglycemic effect and in long term leads to appropriate changes in serum LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, but does not affect HDL-cholesterol levels in diabetic rats