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Background & objectives: Terfezia boudieri (TB) has more than 15 types of proteins, gallic acid, catechins, flavonoids, tannins and other compounds such as beta-carotene and linoleic acid. Some of these compounds have antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemia effects. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the antioxidant and protective effects of this fungus on the liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride.

Methods: 30 male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 5 groups (each group containing 6). Group 1 (normal control group) and group 2 (control CCl₄) were given normal saline for 14 days. Group 3, 4 and 5 received 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/ kg doses of methanol extract of TB for 14 days, respectively before the injection of carbon tetrachloride. In the fourteenth day, all groups except group 1 were given 1.5 ml/kg of carbon tetrachloride (V / V 1: 1 dissolved in olive oil). Group 1, instead of carbon tetrachloride, received 1.5 ml/kg of olive oil on the fourteenth day.

Results: Injection of carbon tetrachloride in rats increased serum activity of ALT, AST, ALP and serum degrees of triglycerides, VLDL, LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, glucose, and reduced HDL and total antioxidant capacity (TAC); while pre-treatment with methanol extract of TB significantly reversed the changes.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that methanol extract of TB can protect the liver against oxidants and free radicals produced by carbon tetrachloride metabolism.

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Background & objectives: Terfezia Boudieri (TB) has been used as a sexual stimulant for men in traditional medicine. TB containing fatty acid, flavonoids, beta-carotene, minerals and antioxidants such as, catechin, therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Terfezia Boudieri on sperm and testosterone levels in male rats.
Methods: In this study, 21 adult male Wistar rats, each weighing approximately 250±20g, were randomly divided into three groups (n=7). The first group (control) with no treatment, the second group (sham group) received normal saline (extract solvent) and the third group, was injected intraperitoneally (IP) with 105 mg / kg of methanolic extract of Terfezia boudieri (TBME) (0.2 ml) for 21 days. The blood samples were collected to determine the concentration of testosterone and  finally, the weight and size  of the testicles and epididymis, the number and the  percentage of sperm moving were evaluated Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Turkey's post- hoc tests.
Results: The results of the present study showed that serum levels of testosterone, body weight of rat, testis weight , sperm count and  sperm motility in the experimental group were significantly increased compared with the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that TB at 105 mg/kg dosage can increase the levels of testosterone and improve sperm parameters and therefore, TB can be used to treat sexual impotence and infertility in males.