GOKSHURA (TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS LINN.) A REVIEW

Abstract

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) Family: Zygophyllaceae is a procumbent herb commonly known as Small Caltrops, occurs naturally throughout India, specially warm regions. As this is having Guru, Snigdha Guna, Madhura Rasa, Madhura Vipaka, Shita Virya. By the virtue of above property this is Vatapittashamaka. Gokshura contains a number of bioactive chemicals, including saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins. The fruits of Laghu Goksura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) are useful as alterative, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, anti-arthritic, cooling, tonic, demulcent, expectorant and conceptive (root of white flower-variety). It is useful as calculus affections, kidney diseases, painful micturition and urinary discharges. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed focus on its botanical details, phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic importance and its pharmacological studies.