A Comprehensive Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Properties of Tribulus terrestris L.

Tribulus terrestris L. is a well-recognized medicinal plant with a long-standing history in traditional healing systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine. It is widely known for its therapeutic efficacy in enhancing reproductive health, regulating lipid metabolism, and supporting liver and kidney functions. This review compiles and analyzes the existing scientific evidence on the pharmacological potential of T. terrestris, drawing from databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus. The review covers in vitro, in vivo as well as clinical investigations of different plant parts, highlighting a wide range of biological activities, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiurolithiatic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, anticancer, reproductive, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Key bioactive constituents identified include flavonol glycosides, steroidal saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, protodioscin, terrestrosins A and E, gitonin, β-sitosterol, tigogenin, spirosta-3,5-diene, diosgenin, stigmasterol, hecogenin, and kaempferol. These compounds collectively contribute to the plant’s broad pharmacological profile. The abundance of potent phytoconstituents underscores the remarkable therapeutic promise of T. terrestris, positioning it as a valuable candidate for future exploration in drug discovery, industrial utilization, and the broader medicinal and commercial sectors.