Tribulus parvispinus

Tribulus parvispinus, commonly known as a potent medicinal herb, belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family. Widely distributed in arid regions, this resilient plant is valued in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties. It is frequently studied for its potential bioactive compounds, offering significant benefits for holistic health and wellness.

  • Scientific name: Tribulus parvispinus
  • Family: Zygophyllaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Zygophyllales. Finally, it falls into the family Zygophyllaceae and is identified by the genus Tribulus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Zygophyllales WCVP
Family Zygophyllaceae WCVP
Genus Tribulus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Tribulus parvispinus, is recognized by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the small-spined puncturevine, while in Spanish, it is known as espino de san juan. In Portuguese, the plant is called espinho-de-são-joão, and in Arabic, it is identified as al-khubbaiza.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated within the arid regions of the African continent. In Northern Africa, it can be found growing within the borders of Egypt. Its presence extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it inhabits the landscapes of Djibouti and Eritrea. Furthermore, the species is documented across the territory of Somalia. Finally, its range continues through the expansive regions of both Sudan and South Sudan.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Djibouti WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Eritrea WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Somalia WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Sudan-South Sudan WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
East Tropical Africa Uganda WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Madagascar WCVP
Western Asia Iran WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Tribulus parvispinus, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through the use of its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which include the stems, leaves, and specialized reproductive organs, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for therapeutic applications. By harvesting the aerial parts, practitioners can access the essential phytochemicals distributed throughout the plant's visible growth above the soil line.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Tribulus parvispinus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆