CURRENT CONCEPTS ABOUT THE PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF GOATHEAD (TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS L.)
The aim of the work. Critical analysis and synthesis of scientific literature data on the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activity of Tribulus terrestris L.Materials and Methods. Analysis and synthesis of data from scientific periodicals regarding distribution, chemical composition, pharmacological activity and potential of medical use of T. terrestris.Results and Discussion. It was revealed that goathead, or caltrop (T.terrestris), an annual plant of the Zygophyllaceae family, is widely distributed throughout the world in regions with a dry climate, including in the semi-deserts and steppes of southern Ukraine. T.terrestris are used in folk medicine in many countries of the world due to a wide range of pharmacological activity, namely as a diuretic, sedative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory agent, as well as for the treatment of some venereal diseases and sexual weakness. The main groups of natural compounds found in the raw material of T.terrestris include steroidal saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids, tannins, etc., and it is the steroidal saponins and flavonoids that determine the pharmacological activity of T.terrestris. Numerous studies have shown that T.terrestris contribute to the improvement of sexual function, have antisclerotic, cardiotonic and cardioprotective effects, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, fungicidal, antitumor, antispasmodic, antidepressant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, antihelmintic and anticarious activities.Conclusions.The analysis of the world experience of using T.terrestris in traditional medicine, experimental and clinical studies on the phytochemical composition of the plant and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological activity showed that all plant organs can be considered as promising raw materials for further research and development of new phytomedicines with a wide spectrum of pharmacological action.Key words:Tribulus terrestris; plant raw material; chemical composition; pharmacological activity; anti-inflammatory activity; antioxidant activity; erectile dysfunction.