Ghazala Shaheen

Monograph of Tribulus terrestris

Tribulus terrestris has long been used as a tonic and aphrodisiac, and a diuretic in Unani system of medicine. The diuretic effect was attributed to the presence of potassium salts in high concentration. So many studies have been done on pharmacological activities of T. terrestris. The major constituents of these plants are steroidal saponins namely: terrestrosins A, B, C, D and E, desgalactotigonis, Fgitonis, desglucolanatigoneis, gitnin etc. The biological activity exhibited by saponins include: pisicidal, antimicrobial, molluscicidal, haemolytic, antiviral, cytotoxic, antihepatotoxic, spermicidal, insecticidal, antioedematous, antiulcer analgesic, immunomodulatory, and sedative effects.