Quality and Efficacy of Tribulus terrestris as an Ingredient for Dermatological Formulations

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) is an annual plant commonly known as Puncture vine. It is dramatically gaining interest as a rich source of saponins. T. terrestris is a promising ingredient for many industries and recent patents on dermatological applications support the use of this plant for cosmetics and hygiene. Nonetheless problems arise in the selection of the material to be used. The extracts of different origins may differ substantially. Natural speciation processes normally influence 'variations' in wild-crafted medicinal plants. The genus Tribulus is emblematic. Taxonomic status of T. terrestris is complicated by the wide geographical distribution leading to high levels of genetic polymorphism. Being aware of such variability we selected 3 commercial Tribulus extracts and compared their biological effect on Candida albicans with the effect produced by an extract from local plants (South of Apulia, Italy). One of the commercial extracts with the best anti-candida performance was used to substitute triclosan in a detergent formulation and it proved to improve the product performance in the control of potentially pathogenic skin flora such as C. albicans.

Development and Validation of a UV Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Dioscin in Tribulmon Tablets

“…Validation is a concept that is fundamental to good manufacturing practice and any quality assurance program [13]. Some of the major pharmacopeias contain monographs that set out standards for herbal medicines.…”

Gallic Acid-Loaded Gel Formulation Combats Skin Oxidative Stress: Development, Characterization and Ex Vivo Biological Assays

“…In line with this, there has been great interest in the use of gel formulation formed by acryloyldimethyl taurate polymer due to both the gelling and biocompatible properties of this polymer, which make it an interesting candidate for the GA-loaded gel formulation [ 18 , 19 ]. The early stages of the product design include the evaluation of the fundamental and functional properties of active compounds to identify their potential effects [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Once an active substance and the cosmetic product are characterized, it is necessary to ensure its biological viability.…”

Ethnomedicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Calotropis procera and Tribulus terrestris

“…Plant extracts from the whole plant or fruits are currently used in various applications ranging from skin care to human hormones regulation. Other biological activities of Tribulus terrestris extract include anti-bacterial, antivirus, anti-inflammation activities 16 . The purpose of this work is to review the biological activities and phytochemistry of two important medicinal plants: Calotropis procera and Tribulus terrestris.…”