Classical Siddha Literature and Scientific Concordance of Tribulus terrestris Linn (Nerunjil) –A Systematic Review

Abstract

Tribulusterrestris is an annual plant in the caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae) widely distributed around the world. It is adapted to grow in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive. It is native to warm temperate and tropical regions in southern Eurasia, Africa, North America, and Australia. An aggressive and hardy invasive species, T. terrestris is widely known as a nuisance. Siddha system of medicine which is the oldest practice prevailed in India and Sri Lanka also is having numerous treatment methods as the form of stanzas in manuscripts. The aim of this review is to emphasize on Siddha’s quotations / stanzas about the general character of “T.terrestris (Nerunjil)” which mentioned in the selected Siddha literatures with the current scientific research evidences. The Siddhars wrote their knowledge in palm leaves manuscripts as the form of poems / quotations, which were denoted many medicinal uses of plants, metals and minerals. The primary Objective of this study is to collect and document the scientific evidences from various research sources to correlate the Siddha stanzas regarding the medicinal properties of Nerunjil.  The Siddha quotations express the therapeutic value of T.terrestrismatched with current research findings. The stanzas indicate theT.terrestris is the valuable herb to cure fever, anurea, urinary calculi, leucorrhea, burning micturition, excessive thirst, excessive inner body heat, oliguria, wounds and vatha disease. In the meantime  the current scientific researches reveals that the T.terrestris shows the Antipyretic, Diuretic, Lithotriptic, Cooling / Demulcent, Wound healing, Analgesics, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Aphrodisiacactivities. The overall research findings corroborate and validate the stanzas of T.terrestris activity which has been traditionally ascribed by the Siddhars. Therefore the ancient concepts have been scientifically proof by comparing the modern concept.