Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS LINN: A SYSTEMIC REVIEW

Lubna Fatima MS (U) *, Arshiya Sultana MD (U), Saad Ahmed, MD(U) and Shabiya Sultana MD(U)

ABSTRACT

Objective:The usage of medicinal plants for disease management has become a therapeutic modality. Tribulus terrestris Linn (Gokhru) is one of the traditional herbs with immense medicinal properties. It has long been in use for different ailments of musculoskeletal, urogenital, gastrointestinal, central nervous and Integumentary systems as it possesses diuretic, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, and aphrodisiac properties. Hence, aim of the present study was to evaluate pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris L. by performing a review of data available in order to compile information and guide for future research. Material and Methods: Literature search for medicinal plants texts and computerized databases such as Medline, Pubmed, Ovid SP, Google Scholar and Science direct were searched to identify all experimental and clinical trials carried to prove the pharmacological activities of T. terrestris. All studies published in English language were included. Results: Total of twenty eight studies was recognised, twenty three were experimental and five were clinical trials. These studies prove the effect of T. terrestris on urogenital, musculoskeletal, nervous and cardio-vascular system. Its antihypertensive, vasodilator, analgesic, anti-cholestrolemic, anticholinergic, antispasmodic, depressant, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, antioxidant, diuretic, antibacterial, anti-tumor, hypoglycaemic, smooth and skeletal muscle relaxant activities are proven in experimental animal models. Its spermatogenetic effect, effect on lower urinary tract symptoms, cardiotonic, gonadotrophic and immunologic properties is proven in clinical trials. Conclusion: T. terrestris is a wonderful herb proven for its various pharmacological activities which can be safely used for various ailments. However, future studies are needed to prove its efficacy in clinical trials.

Keywords: Tribulus terrestris; pharmacological studies; aphrodisiac; systemic review.