considering folkloric use of tribulus terrestris ( t. terrestris ) in diabetes and proven anti - hyperglycemic and anti - hyperlipidemic effects of t. terrestris in animal studies , we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the hydro alcoholic extract of t. terrestris on the serum glucose and lipid profile of women with diabetes mellitus . ninety - eight diabetic women were randomly allocated to receive the t. terrestris ( 1000 mg / day ) or placebo for three months . the patients were evaluated in terms of the fasting blood glucose , 2-hour postprandial glucose , glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile . t. terrestris showed a significant blood glucose lowering effect in diabetic women compared to placebo ( p<0.05 ) . also , the total cholesterol and low - density lipoprotein of the t. terrestris group was significantly reduced compared with placebo , while no significant effect was observed in the triglyceride and high - density lipoprotein levels .