Abstract

TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS (PUNCTUREVINE), A FRIEND OR A FOE? AN EXTENSIVE REVIEW

Abdullatif Azab*

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris is an annual plant with thorny fruits that protect them from herbivores. All species of the Tribulus genus were investigated by modern research for medicinal and other properties, but Tribulus terrestris was studied way more than each one of the others. Numerous research articles about these properties were published, including ethnomedicinal and ethnobotanical uses. In fact, research and review articles about Tribulus terrestris are being continuously published and it is most likely that we might overlook some of them that will be published while finalizing this review article. Some of the review articles are excellent, but to the best of our knowledge and literature search, our article is the most comprehensive. Finally, we will present some archeological evidence of the use of this human by ancient humans, ethnobotanical uses, modern research results and extensive discussion of these results, in relation with other findings. In the last section of conclusions, some recommendations for future actions will be presented.

Keywords: Tribulus terrestris, ethnobotany, anti-inflammatory, brain, chemical composition, reproductive system, nephroprotective, sports, toxicity, review articles.