# Gokshuradi Guggulu

> Gokshuradi Guggulu is a classical Ayurvedic guggulu, a resin-based preparation. Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I; monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); Gokshura (Tribulus|Tribulus terrestris) fruit individually listed in API Part I.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I; monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); Gokshura (Tribulus|Tribulus terrestris) fruit individually listed in API Part I

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Gokshuradi [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)|Gokshuradi Guggulu |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sharangdhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 7); also referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Mutrakrichra/Ashmari Chikitsa)

## How does it work?

- Glomerular filtration enhancement: Steroidal [saponins](/reference/saponins/) ([protodioscin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#protodioscin), [diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin)) from [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (Tribulus terrestris) increase renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, promoting diuresis
- Anti-lithiatic action: [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) constituents inhibit calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation, helping dissolve small calculi and preventing stone formation
- Anti-inflammatory and joint protection: Guggulsterones modulate cytokine pathways (NF-kB inhibition) to reduce inflammation in joints and urinary tract
- Urinary tract tonification: The cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and anabolizing (Brimhana) effect of [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) nourishes and strengthens urinary tract tissues, reducing proteinuria and restoring kidney blood flow

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Urinary stone (Ashmari) prevention validated in pilot study showing 40% decrease in stone recurrence over 6 months
- Urinary tract health improvement (dysuria, burning micturition, UTI) supported by anti-inflammatory and [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) mechanisms
- Kidney function support validated through enhanced renal blood flow and glomerular filtration mechanisms
- Diabetic nephropathy management supported by anti-inflammatory, [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/), and renoprotective properties of combined ingredients

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally well tolerated; may cause mild GI discomfort; patients with kidney disease should use under medical supervision; avoid in pregnancy and lactation
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) may interact with [antihypertensive](/glossary/pharmacology/#antihypertensive) and [antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) medications due to its diuretic and hypoglycemic potential; [guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) component may interact with anticoagulants

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Guggulu (resinous pill/tablet), Modern compressed tablet, Capsule (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 250-500 mg twice or thrice daily with warm water, as per AFI Part I

**Bioavailability:** Guggulu resin acts as yogavahi — enhances bioavailability of co-formulated herbs. Guggulsterones are well-absorbed orally. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) from [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) further enhances absorption. Protodioscin from [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) has moderate oral bioavailability enhanced by guggulu matrix.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals, twice or thrice daily, for Mutrakrichra (urinary disorders) and Ashmari (calculi)

**Shelf Life:** 3 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for Guggulu preparations

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Temperature not exceeding 30°C. Guggulu preparations become harder with age — some texts say this improves potency.

**Marker Compounds:** Z-Guggulsterone, E-Guggulsterone, Protodioscin, Diosgenin (from [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/)), Piperine, Gallic acid

**Quality Parameters:** Weight variation (±5%), hardness, friability (<1%), disintegration time (<45 min), moisture (<6%), Z-guggulsterone and E-guggulsterone content by HPLC, protodioscin from Gokshura, piperine, HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits, heavy metals

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm water or Punarnavadi Kwath for urinary conditions

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Chandraprabha](/herb/chandraprabha/) Vati
- Punarnavadi Kashayam
- [Varunadi Kashayam](/formulation/varunadi-kashayam/)
- Shilajatu

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/gokshuradi-guggulu/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.