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Overview
Tribulus terrestris, commonly known as Gokshura or Puncture Vine, is a herbaceous plant widely used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditionally, it has been associated with urinary, reproductive, and cardiovascular support, as well as general vitality.
The fruit is the primary medicinal part, though roots and aerial parts are also examined in pharmacological research.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874120330397
Phytochemical Composition
The pharmacological activity of Tribulus terrestris is attributed primarily to its steroidal saponins, alongside flavonoids and alkaloids. Key compounds include:
Protodioscin (dominant steroidal saponin)
Dioscin and related furostanol and spirostanol saponins
Flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin derivatives)
Alkaloids and phenolic acids
Saponin content varies significantly depending on geographic origin, plant part, and extraction method, which contributes to variability in study outcomes.
https://bmcchem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13065-017-0289-x
Antioxidant & Cellular Effects
Experimental studies demonstrate that T. terrestris extracts exhibit antioxidant activity, including free-radical scavenging and reduction of oxidative stress markers. These effects are largely attributed to polyphenols and saponins, which help mitigate lipid peroxidation and cellular damage under oxidative conditions.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5452224/
Physiological & Systemic Research
Research on Tribulus terrestris has focused primarily on urogenital, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems. Preclinical studies suggest potential roles in endothelial function, smooth muscle modulation, and metabolic regulation.
Human clinical evidence remains mixed and context-dependent, particularly regarding endocrine outcomes, with results influenced by extract composition, dosage, and population studied.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13668-023-00481-0
Anti-Inflammatory & Antimicrobial Activity
Extracts of Tribulus terrestris demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects in experimental models, including downregulation of inflammatory mediators and oxidative inflammatory pathways.
Moderate antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial strains has been reported, though this is not considered a primary therapeutic domain of the plant.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7578430/
Safety & Toxicological Profile
Traditional use and toxicological assessments indicate that Tribulus terrestris is generally well tolerated when used within customary ranges. However, variability in commercial preparations and saponin concentration necessitates quality control.
Isolated reports of adverse effects underscore the importance of standardized extracts and cautious use in individuals with underlying conditions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30512447/
