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Tribulus terrestris L.
{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita
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|keywords= Tribulus terrestris L., Gokshura, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,
|description= Tribulus terrestris L. (family Zygophyllaceae), commonly known as Gokshura, is an annual Mediterranean-climate herb widely utilized in traditional Ayurvedic and Asian medicine systems.
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
}}
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribulus_terrestris Tribulus terrestris L.]


{{Infobox
{{Infobox
Line 7: Line 16:
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Tribulus terrestris L.
|data2 = Tribulus terrestris L.
|label3 = Contributors
|label3 = Family
|data3 = --
|data3 = Zygophyllaceae
|label4 = Year of publication  
|label4 = Availability
|data4 =  2021
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Publisher  
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data5 = [[Team Dravyaguna]]
|label6 = DOI  
|label6 = Year of publication  
|data6 = Awaited
|data6 =  2026
|label7 = Publisher  
|data7 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|label8 = DOI  
|data8 = Awaited
}}
}}
'''''Tribulus terrestris''''' L. (family Zygophyllaceae), commonly known as '''Gokshura''', is an annual Mediterranean-climate herb widely utilized in traditional Ayurvedic and Asian medicine systems. The therapeutic profile of Gokshura is driven by its bioactive constituents, predominantly steroidal saponins (furostanol and spirostanol glycosides), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin derivatives), and trace alkaloids. Protodioscin, a primary furostanol saponin, serves as the principal biomarker for standardizing pharmaceutical extracts.


==English name ==  
==English name ==  


Land caltrops, Puncture vine
Land caltrops, Puncture vine
==Therapeutic use==
* '''Gokshura (root)'''-
Mainly used in Urinary disorders, dysuria (mutrakrichhra), premature ejaculation, dyspnoea with bronchial asthma (shwasa), heart diseases(hridroga), cough (kasa), diseases due to vata dosha, abdominal colic (shularoga),  renal calculi (ashmari)
* '''Gokshura (Fruit)'''-
Abdominal colic (shula roga), dyspnoea(shwasa), hemorrhoids (arsha), generalized weakness(daurbalya), heart diseases (hridroga), cough(kasa), difficulty in micturition (mutrakrichhra), renal calculi (ashmari), obstinate Urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus (prameha)<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of
Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:25,26</ref>
== Other varieties/ Other botanical names ==
* Tribulus terrestris var. bicornutus
* Tribulus terrestris var. inermis
* Tribulus terrestris var. robustus
* Tribulus terrestris var. terrestris
== Identification Characters ==
* '''Chanadruma''' – Herbaceous plant with leaves resembling leaves of Chana (Bengal gram).
* '''Gokantaka''' – Fruits of Gokshura has spines which pricks grazing cattle.
* '''Kshuraka''' – The fruits bears sharp spines.
* '''Shvadamshtra''' – Fruits of Gokshura has spines resembling canines of dog.
* '''Trikantaka''' – Fruits bears three spines.
* '''Kantaphala''' – Fruits have spines.
== Types ==
# Brihat Gokshura – Pedalium murex
# Laghu Gokshura – Tribulus terrestris


== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==


Shwadanshtra, Kshurak, Trikantaka, Svadukantak, Gokantak, Gokshurak, Vanshrugant, Palankasha, Ikshugandhika
Shwadanshtra, Kshurak, Trikantaka, Svadukantak, Gokantak, Gokshurak, Vanshrugant, Palankasha, Ikshugandhika
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Properties
|-
! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
|-
| 1 || Taste ([[rasa]])  || Sweet (madhura)
|-
| 2 || Potency ([[veerya]]) || Cold (sheeta)
|-
| 3 || Post digestion effect ([[vipaka]]) || Sweet (madhura)
|-
| 4 || Qualities ([[guna]])|| Heavy (guru), Unctuous (snigdha)
|-
| 5 || Actions ([[karma]]) || Pacify [[vata]] and [[pitta]]
|}


== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==  
== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==  
Line 32: Line 94:
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity  
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity  
|-
|-
| 1 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]. 2/12 || Asthapana (herb used in therapeutic enema).
| 1 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 2/12 || Asthapana(herb used in therapeutic enema)
|-
|-
| 2 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]. 2/22 || Mutrakrichha Yavagu (gruel for dysuria).
| 2 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 2/22 || Mutrakrichhrahara yavagu(gruel for dysuria)
|-
|-
| 3 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]. 4/9(15) || Krimighna mahakashaya
| 3 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(15) || Krimighna(anthelmintic)  mahakashaya
|-
|-
| 4 || [[ Sutra Sthana ]] 4/9(26) || Anuvasanopag mahakashaya
| 4 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(26) || Anuvasanopaga (sub – unctuous enema)  mahakashaya
|-
|-
| 5 || Sutra sthana 4/9(35) || Mootravirechaniya mahakashaya
| 5 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(35) || Mootravirechaniya (sub – unctuous enema) mahakashaya
|-
|-
| 6 || [[ Sutra Sthana ]] 4/9(38) || Shwayathuhara mahakashaya
| 6 || Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(38) || Shwayathuhara(reducing edema)  mahakashaya
|-
|-
|7
|7
|Ch Vi 8/139
|Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/139
|Madhur skanda
|Madhura skandha (group of sweet drugs)
|-
|-
|8
|8
|Ch Su 23/12
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 23/12
|Santarpanajanya  vikar chikitsa
|Santarpanajanya  vikara (over nutrition and it’s disorders) chikitsa
|-
|-
|9
|9
|Ch Su 23/15
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 23/15
|Santarpanajanya  vikar chikitsa
|Santarpanajanya  vikar(over nutrition and it’s disorders)  chikitsa
|-
|-
|10
|10
|Ch Su 25/40
|Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40
|Agrya Sangraha
|Agrya Sangraha(from the collections of best food articles, factors and drugs in various conditions)
|-
|-
|11
|11
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa sthana
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]
 
1/1/42
1/1/42
|In formulation of brahma rasayana
|As an ingredient of Brahma rasayana
|-
|-
|12
|12
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/26
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/1/26
|Ingredient in Bruhaniya Gutika
|Ingredient in Brumhaniya Gutika
|-
|-
|13
|13
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 2/2/5
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/2/5
|Ingredient in Apatyakari  Shashtikadi Gutika
|Ingredient in Apatyakari  Shashtikadi Gutika
|-
|-
|14
|14
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 2/3/8
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/3/8
|Ingredient in Apatyakar  Kshir Yog
|Ingredient in Apatyakar  Kshir Yoga
|-
|-
|15
|15
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana  2/3/14
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/3/14
|Ingredient in Vrushyapayas  Yog
|Ingredient in Vrushyapayas  Yoga
|-
|-
|16
|16
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana  2/4/28
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/4/28
|Ingredient in Apatyakar  Ghrit
|Ingredient in Apatyakar  Ghrita
|-
|-
|17
|17
|Cha.sa.Chi.3/182
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/182
|Used as peya with where jwara is associated with  Parshvashoola, Bastishoola, sirashoola.
|Used as peya with where jwara is associated with  Parshvashoola, Bastishoola, shirashoola.
|-
|-
|18
|18
|Cha.Sa.Chi.3/224
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/224
|As an ingredient of
|As an ingredient of Baladi Ghrita
 
Baladi Ghrita.
|-
|-
|19
|19
|Cha.sa.Chi.3/236  
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/236  
|Used as ksheerpaka in varch-mutra vibandha and  sopha.
|Used as ksheerpaka in varch-mutra vibandha(constipation)  and  shopha(edema)
|-
|-
|20
|20
|Cha.Sa.Chi.3/234
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/234
|Used as Panchamuli shruta paya in Kasa, Svasa,  Sirashoola, Parshvashoola, Jwara.
|Used as Panchamuli shruta paya in Kasa, Shvasa,  Shirashoola, Parshvashoola, Jwara
|-
|-
|21
|21
|Cha.Sa.Chi.3/241
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/241
|As an ingredient of Patoladi niruha basti.
|As an ingredient of Patoladi niruha basti
|-
|-
|22
|22
|Cha.Sa.
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/267
 
|As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila
Chi.3/267
|As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila.
|-
|-
|23
|23
|Cha.Sa.Chi.4/84
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/84
|As an ingredient of Drakshadi yoga.
|As an ingredient of Drakshadi yoga
|-
|-
|24
|24
|Cha.Sa.Chi.4/85  
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/85  
|Used in Mutragata raktapitta.
|Used in Mutragata raktapitta (bleeding from urinary tract)
|-
|-
|25
|25
|Cha.Sa.Chi 5/67
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/67
|To increase effect of Trayushanaadi  ghrit
|To increase effect of Trayushanaadi  ghrita
|-
|-
|26
|26
|Cha.Sa.Chi 5/97
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/97
|Mixed with Shilajit prayog
|Mixed with Shilajit prayoga
|-
|-
|27
|27
|Cha.Sa.Chi5/143
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/143
|Ingredient in Bhallatakadya Ghrit for Kaphaj Gulma
|Ingredient in Bhallatakadya Ghrita for Kaphaj Gulma(abdominal lumps)
|-
|-
|28
|28
|Cha.Sa.Chi 5/149
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/149
|Ingredient of Mishrak Sneha
|Ingredient of Mishrak Sneha
|-
|-
|29
|29
|Cha.Sa.Chi 5/167
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/167
|Panak in Kaphaj Gulma
|Panak in Kaphaj Gulma(abdominal lumps)
|-
|-
|30
|30
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana7/65
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/65
|Ingredient in Mustadi Churna  
|Ingredient in Mustadi Churna  
|-
|-
|31
|31
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana7/81
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/81
|Ingredient in Triphalasav
|Ingredient in Triphalasava
|-
|-
|32
|32
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 9/52
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 9/52
|Ingredient in Apara  lasunadya Ghrit
|Ingredient in Apara  Lasunadya Ghrita
|-
|-
|33
|33
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 10/18
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/18
|Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya  Ghrit
|Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya  Ghrita
|-
|-
|34
|34
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 12/50
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/50
|Ingredient in Kansaharitaki  Avaleh
|Ingredient in Kansaharitaki  Avaleha
|-
|-
|35
|35
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/65  
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 13/65  
|In treatment of vatodara for anuvasan basti
|In treatment of Vatodara for anuvasan basti(oily enema)
|-
|-
|36
|36
|Cha. Sa.Chikitsa
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 13/113
 
|As an  ingredient of Panchakola ghrita
Sthana13/113
|As an  ingredient of panchakola ghrit
|-
|-
|37
|37
|Cha.Sa.Chi15/82
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/82
|As an  ingredient of dashmuladya ghrita  
|As an  ingredient of Dashamuladya ghrita  
|-
|-
|38
|38
|Cha.Sa.Chi 15/156
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/156
|As an  ingredient of Mulasava
|As an  ingredient of Mulasava
|-
|-
|39
|39
|Cha.Sa.Chi15/173
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/173
|As an  ingredient of Pipallimuladhya Kshara
|As an  ingredient of Pipallimuladya Kshara
|-
|-
|40
|40
|Cha. Sa.Chikitsa
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 17/94
 
Sthana17/94
|Used in yusha  preparation for hikka svasa
|Used in yusha  preparation for hikka svasa
|-
|-
|41
|41
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]
 
17/102
17/102
|Used in yavagu preparation  for hikka svasa
|Used in yavagu(dietary gruel)  preparation  for hikka svasa
|-
|-
|42
|42
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]
 
17/96
17/96
|Used in yusha  preparation for hikka svasa
|Used in yusha  preparation for hikka svasa
|-
|-
|43
|43
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]
 
17/105
17/105
|Dasamula kwath is  used in condition of trishna in terms of patients of hikka svasa.
|Dasamula kwath is  used in condition of trishna(thirst) in terms of patients of hikka svasa
|-
|-
|44
|44
|Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 17/140
 
|As an ingredient of  Dashamuladhya ghrita
17/140
|As an ingredient of  dashamuladhya ghrit
|-
|-
|45
|45
|Cha.sa.chi.18/89
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/89
|As an ingredient  of leha yoga in treatment of pittaja kasa.
|As an ingredient  of leha yoga in treatment of Pittaja kasa
|-
|-
|46
|46
|Cha.sa.chi.18/127
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/127
|As an ingredient  of kantakari ghrita.
|As an ingredient  of Kantakari ghrita
|-
|-
|47
|47
|Cha.sa.chi19/21,
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/21  
|As a pramathya dravya
|As a pramathya(decoction) dravya
|-
|-
|48
|48
|Cha.sa.chi 19/26  
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/26  
|As a Ingridient of dipaniya and sangrahi gana
|As a Ingridient of dipaniya(digestive stimulant)  and sangrahi gana(constipationg)
|-
|-
|49
|49
|Cha.sa.chi19/50
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/50
|As a yavagu dravya
|As a yavagu dravya(ingredient of a dietary gruel)
|-
|-
|50
|50
|Cha.sa. Chi.25/78
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/78
|Used for parisechana in Daha & shoola.
|Used for parisechana (pouring) in Daha (burning sensation) & shoola (pain)
|-
|-
|51
|51
|Ca.Sa.Chi.27/41  
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/41  
|As an ingredient  of Piluparnyadi Yoga
|As an ingredient  of Piluparnyadi Yoga
|-
|-
|52
|52
|Ca.Sa.Chi.27/56
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/56
|As an ingredient  of Shyonakdi Parisheka and Pralepa
|As an ingredient  of Shyonakdi Parisheka(poring)  and Pralepa(external application)
|-
|-
|53
|53
|Cha.Sa.Chi.28/146
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/146
|As an ingredient of Shvdamstra taila.
|As an ingredient of Shvdamstra taila
|-
|-
|54
|54
|Cha.Sa.Chi.28/168
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/168
|As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila.
|As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila
|-
|-
|55
|55
|Cha.Sa.Chi.28/161
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/161
|As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila.
|As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila
|-
|-
|56
|56
|Cha.Sa.Chi.28/173
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/173
|As an ingredient of Mulaka taila.
|As an ingredient of Mulaka taila
|-
|-
|57
|57
|Cha.Sa.chi.29/76
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 29/76
|As an ingredient of Sthiradi Ghrita/Taila.
|As an ingredient of Sthiradi Ghrita/Taila
|-
|-
|58
|58
|Cha.Sa Chi.30/57
|Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/57
|Kshirapana in yoni shula.
|Kshirapana in yoni shula(pain in vagina)
|}
|}


== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==  
==Dose==
* '''Gokshura (root)'''
20 – 30 gm of the drug for decoction.
* '''Gokshura (fruit)'''
* 3 – 6 gm of the drug in powder form.
20 – 30 gm of the drug for decoction.<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of
Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:25,26</ref>
 
==Important formulations==
As per A.P.I.<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of
Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:25,26</ref>
 
'''Gokshura (root)'''
*Sahacharadi taila
*Dashamula kwatha churna
*Dashamulakatutraya kwatha churna
*Dasamulapanchakoladi kwtha churna
'''Gokshura (fruit)'''
* Gokshuradi guggulu
* Trikantaka ghrita
* Drakshadi churna


{| class="wikitable"
|+ Properties
|-
! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
|-
| 1 || Taste ([[rasa]])  || Sweet (madhura)
|-
| 2 || Potency ([[veerya]]) || Cold (sheeta)
|-
| 3 || Post digestion effect ([[vipaka]]) || Sweet (madhura)
|-
| 4 || Qualities ([[guna]])|| Heavy (guru), Unctuous (snigdha)
|-
| 5 || Actions ([[karma]]) || Pacify [[vata]] and [[pitta]]
|}
 
== Current availability==  
== Current availability==  


Available  
Available  
*In India – West Rajasthan and Gujarat.
*Out of India – Afghanistan, Algeria, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Austria, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, United states, Australia, New Zealand.


== Current researches ==
== Current researches ==
== Therapeutic indications and mechanisms ==
=== Sexual dysfunction and reproductive health ===
The most thoroughly investigated application of ''T. terrestris'' is its pro-erectile and androgenic-modulating activity. Extract administration enhances intracavernous pressure (ICP) and penile erection via nitric oxide (NO)/nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathways, relaxing corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in animal models.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Do |first1=J. |last2=Choi |first2=S. |last3=Choi |first3=J. |last4=Hyun |first4=J. S. |date=2013 |title=Effects and Mechanism of Action of a Tribulus terrestris Extract on Penile Erection |journal=Korean Journal of Urology |volume=54 |issue=3 |pages=183 |doi=10.4111/kju.2013.54.3.183}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gauthaman |first1=K. |last2=Adaikan |first2=P. G. |last3=Prasad |first3=R. N. V. |date=2002 |title=Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats |journal=Life Sciences |volume=71 |issue=12 |pages=1385–1396 |doi=10.1016/s0024-3205(02)01858-1}}</ref> Bioactive saponins like protodioscin also exert protective effects against toxin-induced gonadal toxicity, mitigating testicular oxidative stress and preserving androgenic parameters.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pavin |first1=N. F. |last2=Izaguirry |first2=A. P. |last3=Soares |first3=M. B. |last4=Spiazzi |first4=C. C. |last5=Mendez |first5=A. S. L. |last6=Leivas |first6=F. G. |date=2018 |title=Tribulus terrestris Protects against Male Reproductive Damage Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Mice |journal=Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity |volume=2018 |pages=5758191 |doi=10.1155/2018/5758191}}</ref>
=== Urolithiasis and renal function ===
Gokshura demonstrates clear anti-urolithiatic and nephroprotective efficacy. ''In vitro'' and ''in vivo'' models show that aqueous extracts diminish calcium oxalate crystallization, inhibit crystal nucleation, and reduce oxalate-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Aggarwal |first1=A. |last2=Tandon |first2=S. |last3=Singla |first3=S. K. |last4=Tandon |first4=C. |date=2010 |title=Diminution of oxalate induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury and inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro by aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris |journal=International Braz J Urol |volume=36 |issue=4 |pages=480–489 |doi=10.1590/s1677-55382010000400011}}</ref> Co-administration strategies incorporating ''T. terrestris'' significantly reduce urinary oxalate excretion and prevent renal parenchymal calcification.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Afkari |first1=R. |last2=Feizabadi |first2=M. M. |last3=Ansari-Moghadam |first3=A. |last4=Safari |first4=T. |last5=Bokaeian |first5=M. |date=2019 |title=Simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria and herbal extract to reduce the urinary oxalate in a rat model: A new strategy |journal=International Braz J Urol |volume=45 |issue=6 |pages=1249–1259 |doi=10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2019.0167}}</ref>
=== Cardiovascular and vascular endothelial protection ===
Beyond urogenital targets, ''T. terrestris'' exerts vascular protective and anti-inflammatory activity. In hypertensive renal impairment, the herb protects glomerular endothelial cells by upregulating microRNA-155 (miR-155-5p) expression and downregulating target histone H2AC6 networks.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pei |first1=H.-J. |last2=Yang |first2=J. |last3=Hu |first3=F.-X. |last4=Chen |first4=Y.-Z. |last5=Yang |first5=C.-H. |date=2021 |title=Tribulus terrestris L. protects glomerular endothelial cells via the miR155-H2AC6 interaction network in hypertensive renal injury |journal=Annals of Translational Medicine |volume=9 |issue=21 |pages=1626 |doi=10.21037/atm-21-5641}}</ref>
== Safety and clinical considerations ==
While standard doses of standardized extracts are well tolerated in clinical settings, excessive consumption or concentrated botanical water remedies pose acute safety risks. Isolated clinical reports highlight potential toxicities under unstandardized overuse, including severe nephrotoxicity and acute kidney injury.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Talasaz |first1=A. H. |last2=Abbasi |first2=M.-R. |last3=Abkhiz |first3=S. |last4=Dashti-Khavidaki |first4=S. |date=2010 |title=Tribulus terrestris-induced severe nephrotoxicity in a young healthy male |journal=Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation |volume=25 |issue=11 |pages=3792–3793 |doi=10.1093/ndt/gfq457}}</ref> Standardized dosing and monitoring remain critical during therapeutic administration.
== References ==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
[https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Tribulus%20terrestris IMPPAT database]
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
  This article is under development ..

Revision as of 06:44, 19 August 2026

Tribulus terrestris L.

Gokshura
Section/Chapter Herb database/Gokshura
Botanical name(s) Tribulus terrestris L.
Family Zygophyllaceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Tribulus terrestris L. (family Zygophyllaceae), commonly known as Gokshura, is an annual Mediterranean-climate herb widely utilized in traditional Ayurvedic and Asian medicine systems. The therapeutic profile of Gokshura is driven by its bioactive constituents, predominantly steroidal saponins (furostanol and spirostanol glycosides), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin derivatives), and trace alkaloids. Protodioscin, a primary furostanol saponin, serves as the principal biomarker for standardizing pharmaceutical extracts.

English name

Land caltrops, Puncture vine

Therapeutic use

  • Gokshura (root)-
Mainly used in Urinary disorders, dysuria (mutrakrichhra), premature ejaculation, dyspnoea with bronchial asthma (shwasa), heart diseases(hridroga), cough (kasa), diseases due to vata dosha, abdominal colic (shularoga),  renal calculi (ashmari)
  • Gokshura (Fruit)-
Abdominal colic (shula roga), dyspnoea(shwasa), hemorrhoids (arsha), generalized weakness(daurbalya), heart diseases (hridroga), cough(kasa), difficulty in micturition (mutrakrichhra), renal calculi (ashmari), obstinate Urinary disorders including diabetes mellitus (prameha)[1]

Other varieties/ Other botanical names

  • Tribulus terrestris var. bicornutus
  • Tribulus terrestris var. inermis
  • Tribulus terrestris var. robustus
  • Tribulus terrestris var. terrestris

Identification Characters

  • Chanadruma – Herbaceous plant with leaves resembling leaves of Chana (Bengal gram).
  • Gokantaka – Fruits of Gokshura has spines which pricks grazing cattle.
  • Kshuraka – The fruits bears sharp spines.
  • Shvadamshtra – Fruits of Gokshura has spines resembling canines of dog.
  • Trikantaka – Fruits bears three spines.
  • Kantaphala – Fruits have spines.

Types

  1. Brihat Gokshura – Pedalium murex
  2. Laghu Gokshura – Tribulus terrestris

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

Shwadanshtra, Kshurak, Trikantaka, Svadukantak, Gokantak, Gokshurak, Vanshrugant, Palankasha, Ikshugandhika

Ayurvedic pharmacological properties

Properties
Sr.no. Pharmacological criteria Properties
1 Taste (rasa) Sweet (madhura)
2 Potency (veerya) Cold (sheeta)
3 Post digestion effect (vipaka) Sweet (madhura)
4 Qualities (guna) Heavy (guru), Unctuous (snigdha)
5 Actions (karma) Pacify vata and pitta

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/12 Asthapana(herb used in therapeutic enema)
2 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/22 Mutrakrichhrahara yavagu(gruel for dysuria)
3 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(15) Krimighna(anthelmintic) mahakashaya
4 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(26) Anuvasanopaga (sub – unctuous enema) mahakashaya
5 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(35) Mootravirechaniya (sub – unctuous enema) mahakashaya
6 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(38) Shwayathuhara(reducing edema) mahakashaya
7 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/139 Madhura skandha (group of sweet drugs)
8 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 23/12 Santarpanajanya vikara (over nutrition and it’s disorders) chikitsa
9 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 23/15 Santarpanajanya vikar(over nutrition and it’s disorders) chikitsa
10 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40 Agrya Sangraha(from the collections of best food articles, factors and drugs in various conditions)
11 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana

1/1/42

As an ingredient of Brahma rasayana
12 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/1/26 Ingredient in Brumhaniya Gutika
13 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/2/5 Ingredient in Apatyakari Shashtikadi Gutika
14 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/3/8 Ingredient in Apatyakar Kshir Yoga
15 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/3/14 Ingredient in Vrushyapayas Yoga
16 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/4/28 Ingredient in Apatyakar Ghrita
17 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/182 Used as peya with where jwara is associated with Parshvashoola, Bastishoola, shirashoola.
18 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/224 As an ingredient of Baladi Ghrita
19 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/236 Used as ksheerpaka in varch-mutra vibandha(constipation) and shopha(edema)
20 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/234 Used as Panchamuli shruta paya in Kasa, Shvasa, Shirashoola, Parshvashoola, Jwara
21 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/241 As an ingredient of Patoladi niruha basti
22 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila
23 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/84 As an ingredient of Drakshadi yoga
24 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/85 Used in Mutragata raktapitta (bleeding from urinary tract)
25 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/67 To increase effect of Trayushanaadi ghrita
26 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/97 Mixed with Shilajit prayoga
27 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/143 Ingredient in Bhallatakadya Ghrita for Kaphaj Gulma(abdominal lumps)
28 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/149 Ingredient of Mishrak Sneha
29 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/167 Panak in Kaphaj Gulma(abdominal lumps)
30 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/65 Ingredient in Mustadi Churna
31 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/81 Ingredient in Triphalasava
32 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/52 Ingredient in Apara Lasunadya Ghrita
33 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/18 Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya Ghrita
34 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/50 Ingredient in Kansaharitaki Avaleha
35 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/65 In treatment of Vatodara for anuvasan basti(oily enema)
36 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/113 As an ingredient of Panchakola ghrita
37 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/82 As an ingredient of Dashamuladya ghrita
38 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/156 As an ingredient of Mulasava
39 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/173 As an ingredient of Pipallimuladya Kshara
40 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/94 Used in yusha preparation for hikka svasa
41 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana

17/102

Used in yavagu(dietary gruel) preparation for hikka svasa
42 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana

17/96

Used in yusha preparation for hikka svasa
43 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana

17/105

Dasamula kwath is used in condition of trishna(thirst) in terms of patients of hikka svasa
44 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/140 As an ingredient of Dashamuladhya ghrita
45 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/89 As an ingredient of leha yoga in treatment of Pittaja kasa
46 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/127 As an ingredient of Kantakari ghrita
47 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/21 As a pramathya(decoction) dravya
48 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/26 As a Ingridient of dipaniya(digestive stimulant) and sangrahi gana(constipationg)
49 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/50 As a yavagu dravya(ingredient of a dietary gruel)
50 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/78 Used for parisechana (pouring) in Daha (burning sensation) & shoola (pain)
51 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/41 As an ingredient of Piluparnyadi Yoga
52 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/56 As an ingredient of Shyonakdi Parisheka(poring) and Pralepa(external application)
53 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/146 As an ingredient of Shvdamstra taila
54 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/168 As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila
55 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/161 As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila
56 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/173 As an ingredient of Mulaka taila
57 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/76 As an ingredient of Sthiradi Ghrita/Taila
58 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/57 Kshirapana in yoni shula(pain in vagina)

Dose

  • Gokshura (root)
20 – 30 gm of the drug for decoction.
  • Gokshura (fruit)
  • 3 – 6 gm of the drug in powder form.
20 – 30 gm of the drug for decoction.[2]

Important formulations

As per A.P.I.[3]

Gokshura (root)

  • Sahacharadi taila
  • Dashamula kwatha churna
  • Dashamulakatutraya kwatha churna
  • Dasamulapanchakoladi kwtha churna

Gokshura (fruit)

  • Gokshuradi guggulu
  • Trikantaka ghrita
  • Drakshadi churna

Current availability

Available

  • In India – West Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • Out of India – Afghanistan, Algeria, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Austria, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, United states, Australia, New Zealand.

Current researches

Therapeutic indications and mechanisms

Sexual dysfunction and reproductive health

The most thoroughly investigated application of T. terrestris is its pro-erectile and androgenic-modulating activity. Extract administration enhances intracavernous pressure (ICP) and penile erection via nitric oxide (NO)/nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathways, relaxing corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in animal models.[4][5] Bioactive saponins like protodioscin also exert protective effects against toxin-induced gonadal toxicity, mitigating testicular oxidative stress and preserving androgenic parameters.[6]

Urolithiasis and renal function

Gokshura demonstrates clear anti-urolithiatic and nephroprotective efficacy. In vitro and in vivo models show that aqueous extracts diminish calcium oxalate crystallization, inhibit crystal nucleation, and reduce oxalate-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury.[7] Co-administration strategies incorporating T. terrestris significantly reduce urinary oxalate excretion and prevent renal parenchymal calcification.[8]

Cardiovascular and vascular endothelial protection

Beyond urogenital targets, T. terrestris exerts vascular protective and anti-inflammatory activity. In hypertensive renal impairment, the herb protects glomerular endothelial cells by upregulating microRNA-155 (miR-155-5p) expression and downregulating target histone H2AC6 networks.[9]

Safety and clinical considerations

While standard doses of standardized extracts are well tolerated in clinical settings, excessive consumption or concentrated botanical water remedies pose acute safety risks. Isolated clinical reports highlight potential toxicities under unstandardized overuse, including severe nephrotoxicity and acute kidney injury.[10] Standardized dosing and monitoring remain critical during therapeutic administration.

References

  1. ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:25,26
  2. ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:25,26
  3. ↑ Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:25,26
  4. ↑ Do, J.; Choi, S.; Choi, J.; Hyun, J. S. (2013). "Effects and Mechanism of Action of a Tribulus terrestris Extract on Penile Erection". Korean Journal of Urology. 54 (3): 183. doi:10.4111/kju.2013.54.3.183. 
  5. ↑ Gauthaman, K.; Adaikan, P. G.; Prasad, R. N. V. (2002). "Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus Terrestris extract (Protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats". Life Sciences. 71 (12): 1385–1396. doi:10.1016/s0024-3205(02)01858-1. 
  6. ↑ Pavin, N. F.; Izaguirry, A. P.; Soares, M. B.; Spiazzi, C. C.; Mendez, A. S. L.; Leivas, F. G. (2018). "Tribulus terrestris Protects against Male Reproductive Damage Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Mice". Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2018: 5758191. doi:10.1155/2018/5758191. 
  7. ↑ Aggarwal, A.; Tandon, S.; Singla, S. K.; Tandon, C. (2010). "Diminution of oxalate induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury and inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization in vitro by aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris". International Braz J Urol. 36 (4): 480–489. doi:10.1590/s1677-55382010000400011. 
  8. ↑ Afkari, R.; Feizabadi, M. M.; Ansari-Moghadam, A.; Safari, T.; Bokaeian, M. (2019). "Simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria and herbal extract to reduce the urinary oxalate in a rat model: A new strategy". International Braz J Urol. 45 (6): 1249–1259. doi:10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2019.0167. 
  9. ↑ Pei, H.-J.; Yang, J.; Hu, F.-X.; Chen, Y.-Z.; Yang, C.-H. (2021). "Tribulus terrestris L. protects glomerular endothelial cells via the miR155-H2AC6 interaction network in hypertensive renal injury". Annals of Translational Medicine. 9 (21): 1626. doi:10.21037/atm-21-5641. 
  10. ↑ Talasaz, A. H.; Abbasi, M.-R.; Abkhiz, S.; Dashti-Khavidaki, S. (2010). "Tribulus terrestris-induced severe nephrotoxicity in a young healthy male". Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 25 (11): 3792–3793. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfq457. 

External links

IMPPAT database

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