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.
| Also known as | Gokshuradi Guggulu, GokshuradiGuggulu |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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 (protodioscin, diosgenin) from Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) increase renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, promoting diuresis
- Anti-lithiatic action: 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 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 mechanisms
- Kidney function support validated through enhanced renal blood flow and glomerular filtration mechanisms
- Diabetic nephropathy management supported by anti-inflammatory, 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 may interact with antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications due to its diuretic and hypoglycemic potential; 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 from Trikatu further enhances absorption. Protodioscin from 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), 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 Vati
- Punarnavadi Kashayam
- Varunadi Kashayam
- Shilajatu
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 5:3 (GOKSURADI GUGGULU), which cites Sarngadharasamhita, Madhyamakhanda, Adhyaya 7; 84-86. Names, parts and quantities are transcribed as printed and checked row by row against the book. Manufacturers' versions of a classical formulation can differ from the formulary.
| # | Ingredient | Part | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goksura * | fruit | 1.344 kg |
| 2 | Water for decoction * | 8.064 l reduced to 4.032 l | |
| 3 | Pura (guggulu)-suddha (guggulu) | exudate | 336 g |
| 4 | Sunthi * | rhizome | 48 g |
| 5 | Marica * | fruit | 48 g |
| 6 | Pippali | fruit | 48 g |
| 7 | Haritaki * | pericarp | 48 g |
| 8 | Bibhitaka * | pericarp | 48 g |
| 9 | Amalaki * | pericarp | 48 g |
| 10 | Musta * | rhizome | 48 g |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
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