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Abstract

Background and Objective Tribulus terrestris, a plant of Zygophyllaceae family have been widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of urinary stones, circulatory system problem, intestinal parasitic worms and for skin disorders and many other body ailments. In Sudan, it is traditionally used to remove the urinary tract stones. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential toxicity of T. terrestris fruits on Wister rats by using three different doses in 8 weeks. Materials and Methods The rats were allocated into 4 groups, each of 6 rats. Group 2,3 and 4 rats were fed a diet containing different concentrations of Tribulus terrestris plant. The mortality and weight gain, sero-biochemical and hematological parameters were recorded in addition to determination of lipid profile and pathological changes. In addition, the anti-microbial activity of T. terrestris fruits methanolic extract were tested against two Gramve bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtitles, three Gram-ve bacteria Salmonella sp., Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Results The results showed no significant changes observed in all the measured parameters including serum lipid profile, hematological and sero-biochemical parameters, they were not significantly different from the control group. In addition, histopathological examination revealed no lesions observed on the vital organs namely, liver, kidney and intestine. Methanolic extracts from the fruits of T. terrestris showed a broad spectrum of anti-microbial activity against tested pathogens. Conclusion The characteristic traits of T. terrestris fruits are not toxic and found to be a save alternative to be used in the treatment of various diseases.