TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS LINN.: A PHYTO-PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

Plants have a significant role in maintaining human health and improving quality of life. gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) one of such plants, is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for various therapeutic properties like balya (strengthening), brimhana (nutritive), rasayana (rejuvenator), mootrala (diuretic), shothahara (anti-inflammatory), vajikarana (aphrodisiac) etc. and useful in the management of mutrakrichhra (dysurea), ashmari (renal calculi) etc. It is a perennial plant, grown predominantly in India and Africa. Its extract contains alkaloids, saponins, resins, flavanoids and nitrates. Considering its therapeutic values, a review has been done to gather information on different aspects of gokshura. Besides Ayurvedic references, the present paper also emphasizes on recent researches carried out on this plant for its clinical and pharmacological evaluation.