Phytopharmacology of Tribulus terrestris

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2016 Jul-Sep;30(3):785-788.

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris is an annual herb which belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. This plant has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases for hundreds of decades. The main active phytoconstituents of this plant include flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, lignin, amides, and glycosides. The plant parts have different pharmacological activities including aphrodisiac, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. T. terrestris is most often used for infertility and loss of libido. It has potential application as immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, anthelmintic and anticarcinogenic activities. The aim of the present article is to create a database for further investigation of the phytopharmacological properties of this plant to promote research. This study will definitely help to confirm its traditional use along with its value-added utility, eventually leading to higher revenues from the plant.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asia
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Mammals
  • Medicine, Traditional
  • Methanol
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry
  • Tribulus / chemistry*
  • Water

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Water
  • Methanol