Qualitative and
Quantitative Analysis of Phytoconstituents and their Therapeutic Potential in Tribulus
terrestris
Bijarnia Ekta, Sharma Bindu, Songer Vijaylaxmi and Meena Vinay Kumar
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 21(2); 200-208;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/212rjbt2000208; (2026)
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris is an aggressive colonizing species widespread in temperate
and tropical regions. The plant is known for its therapeutic potential and has been
used in traditional medicinal systems since ages. It probably originated from the
Sahara Desert region of Africa and later on spread to dry temperate regions of the
world. Tribulus is a perennial, procumbent herb bearing silky hair on green shoot.
The present study aims at finding the therapeutic potential of T. terrestris through
phytochemical analysis. Crude methanolic extract of dried Tribulus fruits was prepared
and stored in powdered form and used for all assays. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC),
Total Phenolic content, Total Flavonoid content, Free Radical Scavenging assay and
GC-MS were carried out for the qualitative and quantitative estimation and identification
of biologically significant phytocomponents.
The results obtained in the current study greatly support the emergence of T. terrestris
(TT) as a source of immense medicinal and therapeutic potential. Different parts
of the plant are widely being used to treat various ailments and there have been
reports of successful animal and clinical trials. However, the shortcomings still
lie in the fact that phytoconstituents of the species vary with changing geographical
and climatic conditions. Hence, further research needs to be carried out for standardization
and gaining deeper insights into molecular diversity.
