• doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.125530

•  Rev. 2014 Jan-Jun; 8(15): 45–51

Saurabh Chhatre, Tanuja Nesari, Gauresh Somani,¹ Divya Kanchan,¹ and Sadhana Sathaye

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris (family Zygophyllaceae), commonly known as Gokshur or Gokharu or puncture vine, has been used for a long time in both the Indian and Chinese systems of medicine for treatment of various kinds of diseases. Its various parts contain a variety of chemical constituents which are medicinally important, such as flavonoids, flavonol glycosides, steroidal saponins, and alkaloids. It has diuretic, aphrodisiac, antiurolithic, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, absorption enhancing, hypolipidemic, cardiotonic, central nervous system, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, anticancer, antibacterial, anthelmintic, larvicidal, and anticariogenic activities. For the last few decades or so, extensive research work has been done to prove its biological activities and the pharmacology of its extracts. The aim of this review is to create a database for further investigations of the discovered phytochemical and pharmacological properties of this plant to promote research. This will help in confirmation of its traditional use along with its value-added utility, eventually leading to higher revenues from the plant.

Keywords: Pharmacology, saponin, tribulus terrestris

INTRODUCTION

The genus Tribulus, belonging to family Zygophyllaceae, comprises about 20 species in the world, of which three species, viz. Tribulus cistoides, Tribulus terrestris, and Tribulus alatus, are of common occurrence in India.[1] Among them, T. terrestris (TT) is a well-patronized medicinal herb by Ayurvedic seers as well as by modern herbalists.[2] The plant is used individually as a single therapeutic agent or as a prime or subordinate component of many compound formulations and food supplements. It is an annual shrub found in Mediterranean, subtropical, and desert climate regions around the world, viz. India, China, southern USA, Mexico, Spain, and Bulgaria.

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931200/