Gokshura: Benefits, Uses, Side-Effects, And More

Reviewed By Experts

Gokshura, also known as Tribulus Terrestris Linn, is a respected plant that, for centuries together, has been put to use as an effective medicine for treating a variety of health conditions. [1] Finding its origins in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine, the gokshura plant possesses several properties, including immunity-boosting, aphrodisiac, and rejuvenating.

It is known for several gokshura benefits such as antimicrobial, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, aphrodisiac, antidiabetic, anti-tumor, hepato-protective, and antioxidant, among several others.[1]

Gokshura benefits for males include enhancing sexual health by improving libido and sexual performance and reducing symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It may also help improve liver health by restoring it and treating fullness in the chest.[2] In this blog, we will talk about the general benefits and gokshura uses in greater detail.

Nutritional value of gokshura

Here’s the nutritional value of 100g of gokshura powder.

Gokshura Benefits and Uses

Gokshura uses are commonly found in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions. Let’s see some of the gokshura benefits.

1. Managing urinary tract disorders

The dried fruit of the gokshura plant is a key component in gokshuradi guggul which is a strong folk medicine that aids in the proper functioning of the genitourinary tract as well as in getting rid of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.[2]

2. Boosting testosterone levels and sexual health

Yet another potent gokshura benefit for males is its ability to enhance testosterone production in men.[2] This, in turn, can help achieve increased muscle mass, strength, and libido.

3. Supporting cardiovascular health

Traditionally, gokshura has also been used to improve cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels, regulating blood pressure, and improving circulation.[2]

4. Diuretic benefits

The massive amounts of nitrates and essential oil in the gokshura fruits and seeds lend them immense diuretic properties. There are also significant concentrations of potassium salts in them that enhance the gokshura benefits and make them effective as an anti-hypertensive agent.[2]

5. Aphrodisiac properties

The gokshura benefits also include an aphrodisiac activity brought about fundamentally because of its two main components. These are protodioscin and protogracillin, which also bring forth many gokshura benefits for male. [2]
This leads to stimulation and an increase in sex drive as well as in the production of red cells from bone marrow and muscle development. [2]

6. Antidiabetic benefits

Other gokshura benefits include its ability to significantly reduce blood glucose and lipid levels through its antioxidant features and because of the presence of saponin in it.[2] This proves highly advantageous in treating angina pectoris and other cardiac complications arising from diabetes.

7. Benefits in cases of cardiac disorder

Other important gokshura benefits include the plant’s effect in the treatment of a variety of cardiac diseases. [2] These include conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary disease, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and cerebral thrombosis. Apart from this, the gokshura plant also has the immense ability to protect the heart cells and can even take care of the resumed functioning of the heart if one has suffered a heart attack. [2]

8. Anti-inflammatory benefits

The gokshura plant offers a lot of relief when it comes to various inflammatory conditions. The plant’s ethanolic extract helps to inhibit the expression of mediators that lead to inflammation and the expression of inflammatory cytokines. [2]

9. Anticancer and Antibacterial benefits

The root and fruit of the gokshura plant bear a chemopreventive ability that can be used as a therapeutic inducement against liver cancer cells. [2] Moreover, all parts of the gokshura plant, including the fruits, stems, leaves, and roots, have been seen to be active against bacterial infestations. [2]

Properties of gokshura

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) exhibits the following properties in accordance with Ayurvedic principles. [4]

1. In terms of taste (rasa), it is madhura, signifying a sweet flavor. 
2. The herb possesses specific qualities (guna) described as guru (heavy) and snigdha (unctuous). 
3. Its potency (virya) is denoted as sita, reflecting a cooling nature. 
4. The herb’s diverse actions (karma) contribute to its therapeutic versatility, including vatahara (alleviating vata dosha), kaphahara (pacifying kapha dosha), rocana (enhancing appetite), dipana (stimulating digestion), bhedana (promoting bowel movement), svarya (beneficial for the reproductive system), hṛidya (heart tonic), and vṛisya (aphrodisiac).

Uses of gokshura

Here are key applications of gokshura in traditional medicine.

1. Vrisya and rasayana properties

Gokshura has vrisya (aphrodisiac) and rasayana (rejuvenative) qualities. These attributes contribute to its role in enhancing reproductive health and promoting vitality. As a rasayana drug, it has rejuvenating effects on various bodily tissues. [1]

2. Mutravaha srota diseases

Gokshura is a drug of choice for conditions related to the mutravaha srota (urinary system). Its efficacy is particularly notable in addressing urinary tract infections and other issues affecting the urinary pathways. [1]

3. Vatavyadhi (diseases of the nervous system)

Gokshura showcases effectiveness in the treatment of vatavyadhi, including disorders related to the nervous system. Its application in addressing conditions associated with vata dosha makes it valuable in the therapeutic approach to neurological ailments. ^[1]

4. Sannipatik disorders

The adaptability of gokshura is further accessible in its application in sannipatik disorders, where multiple Doshas are involved. This makes it a versatile remedy in cases where Doshas contribute to various health issues. ^[1]

How to use and recommended dosage of gokshura

Here are some points to know about the appropriate dosage of gokshura. 

1. Gokshura is commonly available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and extracts. 
2. The recommended dosage may vary based on the specific formulation and the individual’s health condition. 
3. In general, for gokshura powder, a typical dosage ranges from 1 to 3 grams per day, either divided into multiple doses or taken as a single dose with warm water. 
4. Capsule formulations often suggest a dosage of 250 to 500 milligrams, with a frequency determined by healthcare providers based on the therapeutic goal. 
5. It is crucial to follow the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals or Ayurvedic practitioners when determining the appropriate dosage, as individual responses may vary.

Precautions to know about gokshura

While Gokshura has potential therapeutic benefits, it is essential to exercise caution and adhere to the following precautions when incorporating it into your wellness regimen. 

1. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, like kidney disorders or hormonal imbalances, should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using Gokshura. 
2. Pregnant or lactating women must seek medical guidance before using gokshura.
3. Individuals allergic to plants within the zygophyllaceae family, to which gokshura belongs, should exercise prudence and consider alternative remedies. 
4. As with any herbal supplement, it is crucial to adhere strictly to recommended dosages and guidelines provided by healthcare practitioners to mitigate the risk of adverse effects.

Interactions with other drugs

Here are some points to know about the potential interactions between gokshura and other drugs. 

1. Individuals concurrently using medications, particularly those affecting the cardiovascular system or renal function, should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating gokshura into their regimen. 
2. The potential for interactions arises from gokshura’s influence on various physiological systems, including its impact on hormonal balance and potential diuretic effects.
3. Interactions may alter the efficacy or safety profiles of both gokshura and co-administered medications. 
4. Regular communication with a healthcare provider is necessary to manage harmful effects.

Are there any side effects to the use of gokshura?

While generally considered safe, potential gokshura side effects, including headaches and dizziness, are not entirely unknown.[3] Gokshura side effects have been a matter of study for years, and it has been seen there have been certain mildly adverse effects on some patients who have been treated with it. Some of the gokshura side effects that have been observed include headaches, giddiness, insomnia, palpitation, and swelling.[3] However, it has also been observed that the various symptoms reduce drastically with continued treatment and therapy.[3]

FAQs

Conclusion

The immense benefits of gokshura in Ayurvedic medicine cannot be denied, particularly in its ability to boost immunity, act as a potent aphrodisiac, or exhibit huge rejuvenating properties. In the above article, we have discussed its uses, especially the gokshura benefits for male and how it is extensively used to manage sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction. The gokshura uses also go beyond this, especially in cardiovascular, genitourinary, and various other fields. However, you must consult a doctor before incorporating the medicine into your routine to steer clear of the known gokshura side effects and enjoy its maximum benefits.

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is not intended to replace professional advice or treatment.

References:

1. A comprehensive overview of Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris Linn.)
2. Phytopharmacological overview of Tribulus Terrestris
3. Anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris Linn.) – A clinical study
4. A LITERARY REVIEW OF GOKSHURA