Dose-dependent effect of tribulus terrestris dry extract on reproductive organs of growing male rabbits

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different doses of the Bulgarian product VemoHerb-T (dry extract of Tribulus terrestris L.) on the development of reproductive organs in growing male rabbits. In the experiment 35 male rabbits (White New Zealand breed) between 40 and 82 days of age were randomly divided into five groups –a control and four experimental groups. Different doses of VemoHerb-T (2.5,5,7.5 and 10mg/kg body weight for II, III, IV and V group, respectively) were added to the drinking water for the experimental groups. It was found that Tr. terrestris affects the body and testicular weight of male growing rabbits in dose-dependent manner. The dose 2.5mg/kg of the tested product can be recommended for use in rabbit breeding as the most appropriate and harmless. The higher doses of the extract induced negative histological changes in the rabbits’ reproductive organs.