Tribulus terrestris L. - a review

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris L. is an annual herb, known worldwide as a noxious weed or as medicinal plant. Phytochemicals from Tribulus terrestris are well known in area of fitness suplements for muscle gain, in medicine, where those phytochemicals are used to treat cancer, obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory diases and especially fertility in both women and man. Animal studies showed an increase in ovulation, an improvement in spermatogenesis and increase in the number of sperm, lowering serum glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol in diabetic mice.

Keywords

• saponins
• protodioscin
• diosgenin
• biologically active substances