Antioxidant Activity of <i>Tribulus terrestris</i>: A Comparative Study Between Extract and Homoeopathic Mother Tincture in Male Infertility

Background: Phytochemical constituents and its therapeutic potential of Tribulus terrestris, has been extensively studied. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition of T. terrestris, extensively examining both in its extract form and homoeopathic mother tincture. Aim: The objective is to identify, quantify, compares and assess the phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of both in T. terrestris ethanolic extract and homoeopathic mother tincture. Methods: Phytochemical screenings were performed to identify and quantify the compounds in the ethanolic extract and homoeopathic mother tincture. Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH, nitric oxide scavenging, and FRAP assays, with IC50 values calculated to compare efficacy. Results: Phytochemical screenings confirmed the presence of various compounds like alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, and glycosides, though saponins were found only in the ethanol extract, not in the mother tincture. The ethanol extract showed the lowest IC50 values of 3.957 μg/ml in the DPPH assay, while the homoeopathic mother tincture had an IC50 value of 35.343 μg/ml, indicating competitive antioxidant activity. Similarly, in the nitric oxide scavenging assay, the ethanol extract exhibited IC50 values of 11.069 μg/ml and the mother tincture showed 30.737 μg/ml, highlighting potent nitric oxide scavenging activity. Additionally, the ethanol extract demonstrated competitive FRAP values with an IC50 of 30.216 μg/ml, and the mother tincture had 31.557 μg/ml, showcasing antioxidant potential. The presence of diverse phytochemical constituents in both its extract and homoeopathic mother tincture is noted. The comparison of antioxidant activity between the two samples consistently favors the mother tincture, indicating its efficacy in scavenging free radicals and mitigating oxidative damage. Conclusion: T. terrestris is a promising homoeopathic remedy for male infertility, especially in improving sperm parameters, supported by its rich phytochemical components and potential antioxidant effects. The comprehensive analysis, including the comparison between extract and homoeopathic mother tincture, provides valuable insights for future research. Major Findings: The study found that the homoeopathic mother tincture of Tribulus terrestris contains key phytochemicals with significant antioxidant activity. It effectively scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. These findings suggest its potential role in improving sperm health and treating male infertility, supporting its therapeutic use in homoeopathic medicine.