Tribulus terrestris, Linn.

Family: Zygophyllaceae

Vernacular Names:-
English – Puncture Vine, Small Caltrops, Land Caltrops, Goat’s Head
Malayalam – Nerunjil
Tamil – Nerunjil
Sanskrit – Gokshura
Hindi – Gakhru

Synonyms (Tamil):- Thirikandam, Thirikandakam, Thirithandam, Nerunjiputhum, Aswachattiram, Suvathattam, Kokandam, Kamarasi, Suvathukandam, Kittiram, Kondam, Sutham.

Varieties Of Nerunjil:-
1. Sirunerunjil
2. Perunerunjil
3. Seppunerunjil

Parts Used:- Entire Plant

Taste:- Astringent, Sweet
Potency:- Cold

Division:- Sweet

Actions:-
1. Diuretic (agent that increases amount of urine)
2. Lithontriptic (Having the quality of, or used for, dissolving or destroying stone in the bladder or kidneys)
3. Aphrodisiac (An agent that is allaged to increase libido or interest in sex or the duration of sexual activity)
4. Anthelmintic (An agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms)
5. Anti-fungal (An agent that suppress the growth or reproduction of fungi)
6. Cytotoxic (An agent that is directly toxic to cells, preventing their reproduction or growth)
7. Anti-microbial (An agent that is active against microorganisms)
8. Reproductive tonic
9. Tonic (Tonifies the body)

Uses:-
1. Decoction of entire plant and dried spiny fruits is efficacious for :-
Anuria (absence or defective excretion of urine)
Oliguria(Secretion of a diminished amount of urine in relation to the fluid intake)
Burning micturation
Tribling
Obstruction due to calculus
Obstruction due to growth
Urinary tract infections
The decoction is given with Silasathu Parpam, gives better results in the above said diseases.

2. Decoction or infusion of the entire plant is useful for correcting the erectile dysfunction in impotency, improving the sperm count in oligospermea or impotency and enhancing the desire in sex. The same drug is considered as a wonderful drug for gonorrhoea and spermatorrhoea.

3. Medicine prepared from the dried spined fruits can be prescribed for cardiac oedema and in the combination with Ayachendooram in jaundice.

4. The herb tribulus terrestris shows remarkable qualities in naturally increasing the level of luteinizing hormone levels (LH) thereby improving the manufacture of testosterone in the body – a level of up to 30% is claimed. It is furthermore used by people doing serious bodybuilding.

5. Research evidence suggests that the herb may also be useful for lowering cholesterol through its action on liver.

6. Tribulus Terrestris also has phenomenal anti-aging effects. Our testosterone levels decline as we get older, leading to many of the physiological problems associating with aging such as loss of muscle, increased bodyfat, decreased sexual drive & function etc. Tribulus Terrestris will restore your testosterone back to youthful levels, thus eliminating many of the physical signs of aging. Tribulus Terrestris is now used by people engaged in body building as it helps in gaining muscle mass.

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