Synonyms: Bai Ji Li, Ci Ji Li, Goat's Head, Gokshura, Ji Li Dze, Ji Li Zi, Land Caltrops, Pai Chi Li, Puncture Vine, Small Caltrops, Tribuli Fructus
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Genus species: Tribulus terrestris, Tribulus lenuginosus, Tribulus zeylanicus
Type: Annual trailing plant
Part Used: Fruit
Location: China, India, Japan, Madras, Sri Lanka
Actions: Abortifacient, alterative, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antihypertensive, antilithic, aperient, aperitif, aphrodisiac (promotes semen production), astringent, blood purifier, carminative, coronary vasodilator, demulcent, digestive, diuretic, galactogogue, hepatic, improves vision, nutritive, oxytocic, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic, tonic, vasopressomimetic, vermifuge
Indications: Agalactia, anemia, asthma, bladder stones, blurred vision, Bright's disease, calculi, cancer, chronic cystitis, congestion, coronary heart disease, cough, depression, dysuria, flatulence, genitourinary diseases, gleet, gonorrhea, gout, headache, heart disease, hepatitis, hypertension, impotence, inappetence, infertility (male), inflammation, kidney disorders, kidney stone, labor disorders, leprosy, leukorrhea, liver disorders, lumbago, malnutrition, neurasthenia, ophthalmia, phosphaturia, polyuria, poor circulation, premature ejaculation, psoriasis, scabies, sore throat, spermatorrhea, stomatitis, suppression of urine, tinnitus aurium, urinary calculi, urogenital disorders, uterine disorders after labor, vertigo, vision disorders
Chemicals & Nutrients: Fats (4%), Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid
Preparation & Dosages:
Decoction: 5-10 g, in 2-3 doses
Powder: 0.5-1 g
Tincture: 1:5 in 60% alcohol, dose; 30-40 drops 2x/day
Contraindications: Pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of antihypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with diuresis and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics.