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ABSTRACT
Traditional medicine is the sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness.
Herbal system of medicine is widely accepted and practiced not only in the India but also in the developed countries. In the present review various medicinal uses of Tribulus terrestris TT, an important herb commonly used in the folk medicine of many countries for different purposes have been discussed. It is a perennial plant belonging to Zygophyllaceae family extensively found in warm temperature and tropical regions all over the world.
In traditional medical practice, TT has been used as aphrodisiac, emollient, appetiser, digestive, anti helmenthic, cardiotonic, diuretic, anti-urolithiatic, antimicrobial agent. This herbal drug also exhibits antioxidant, antihypertensive and anti hyperlipedemic activity. This review focuses on the scientific validation of the various therapeutic uses of Tribulis terrestris (Gokhru).
Keywords: Tribulus terrestris, Gokhru, Traditional medicine, Steroidal saponins
INTRODUCTION
Traditional medicine (also known as indigenous or folk medicine) like herbal, unani, ayurvedic etc comprises medical knowledge systems that developed over generations within various societies before the era of modern medicine. Chemical principle from the natural sources i.e. medicinal plants have contributed significantly to the development of new drugs.1-2 Tribulus terrestris L. (TT), commonly known as Gokhru or puncture vine, is a natural herb found in warm temperature and tropical regions.3-4 It is a perennial prostrate herb belonging to Zygophyllaceae family with thin spreading branches and pinnately compound leaves, yellow flowers and stellate shaped carpel fruits.5-6 Each part of TT has been used for various purposes. Roots and fruits have been used as an aphrodisiac, emollient, tonic, appetiser, digestive, anti helmenthic, cardiotonic etc.5 It has also been shown to exhibit diuretic,7 anti-urolithiatic,8 CNS stimulant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antihypertensive and anti hyperlipedemic activity.6,9 10 Leaves are said to be astringent, diuretic, aphrodisiac and tonic. Seeds have been used in epitaxis, hemorrhages and stomatitis.5
Current review discusses the medicinal uses of Tribulus terrestris, and side effects/ toxicity associated with it. Peer reviewed publications (1980-2012) and books on the pharmacological properties, therapeutic uses & adverse effects of Tribulis terristris were reviewed.
Tribulis terristris has therapeutic...