A Phytochemical Review on Tribulus terrestris Linn

Tribulus terrestris (Linn) is an herb distributed through India and popularly known as Gokhru belonging to the family Zygophyllaceae. The entire plant but more particularly the fruits are used in medicine. In china, Tribulus terrestris (Linn) is used in number of conditions affecting the liver and kidney as well as the cardiovascular and immune system. It is known in ayurveda for its anti-urolithiatic, diuretic and aphrodisiac properties. Leaves are diuretic, tonic, increase the menstrual flow, and cure gonorrhea. The fruit is diuretic removes gravel from the urine and stones in the bladder. The root is good stomachic and appetizers. Various steroidal saponins, alkaloids, furostanal glycosides, flavanoids have been reported. Thus extensive works on the phytochemical investigations have been done to show importance of Tribulus terrestris (Linn).