Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris L.) affects the proliferation, apoptosis, and ghrelin response of ovarian cells

The objective of our study was to examine the direct effects of the medicinal plant Tribulus terrestris L. (puncturevine) on the basic functions of ovarian cells, including their proliferation, apoptosis, and response to the physiological hormonal stimulator ghrelin. In the first series of experiments, porcine ovarian granulosa cells were cultured with or without puncturevine extracts at concentrations of 0, 1, 10, or 100 μg/ml. In the second...