# Gokshura

> Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. No dedicated WHO monograph. Nitric oxide/NOS pathway: enhances relaxation of corpus cavernosum via increased NO release from endothelium and nitrergic nerve endings.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Tribulus terrestris L.
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** No dedicated WHO monograph. Fruits have monograph in Japanese Pharmacopoeia (16th Edition). Referenced in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. DrugBank listing (DB14358) documents pharmacological interactions.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Gokshura |
| Latin/Botanical | *Tribulus terrestris L.* |

## How does it work?

- Nitric oxide/NOS pathway: enhances relaxation of corpus cavernosum via increased NO release from endothelium and nitrergic nerve endings.
- [Protodioscin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#protodioscin) (dominant steroidal saponin) binds to androgen receptors and/or [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) that metabolize androgens.
- Increases cyclic [adenosine](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#adenosine) monophosphate (cAMP) levels, leading to augmented secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/) suppress angiotensin II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via inhibition of intracellular ROS production (antihyperlipidemic/antiatherosclerotic effect).
- Saponins exhibit cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines through multiple pathways.

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Vilar Neto JO, de Moraes WMAM, Pinto DV and others 2025. [Effects of Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.) Supplementation on Erectile Dysfunction and Testosterone Levels in Men-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40219032/). *Nutrients*. PMID [40219032](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40219032/) · [doi:10.3390/nu17071275](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071275)  
  Systematic review of 10 eligible studies (9 clinical trials + 1 quasi-experimental) from 162 screened articles. Jadad score revealed low methodological quality for 50% of studies, highlighting need for higher-quality trials.

*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor: significant role in metabolism of statins and other commonly prescribed medications. Documented case of rhabdomyolysis from atorvastatin-Tribulus interaction.
- Risk of nephrotoxicity: cases of acute tubular necrosis reported following Tribulus terrestris consumption. Steroidal sapogenins form crystals in renal tubules.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances may occur in sensitive individuals due to saponin content.
- Other reported side effects include gynecomastia, excitation, menorrhagia, and insomnia.
- In grazing animals, linked to bile duct injury via steroidal sapogenins forming crystals in bile ducts, though clinically apparent liver injury in humans not convincingly shown.
- Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (fruit powder), Kashayam (decoction), Ghana Vati (solid extract tablet), Capsule, Kwath Ghana, Taila (medicated oil), Component of Gokshuradi formulations

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g fruit powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 500mg-1g extract capsule/tablet twice daily; Gokshuradi [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)|Gokshuradi Guggulu: 2-4 tablets twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Tribulus terrestris fruit contains steroidal saponins (protodioscin, protogracillin - collectively 'Tribulus saponins'), [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), and [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (harmine, harmaline). Protodioscin has moderate oral bioavailability (15-30%) with conversion to [diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin) by gut microbiota. Furostanol saponins are converted to spirostanol forms in the GI tract. The fruit spines contain concentrated saponins. Alkaloid fraction (harmine group) has good oral bioavailability but is present in small quantities. Enhancement: saponin-phospholipid complex (phytosome); co-administration with [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/); SNEDDS for saponin-rich fraction.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for urinary conditions; with milk at bedtime for reproductive health and [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) effect

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized extract NLT 40% total saponins (as protodioscin) by HPLC for concentrated capsules; NLT 20% for standard-strength tablets. Furostanol:spirostanol ratio characterization. Extract ratio 10:1 to 20:1. Kwath Ghana: 8:1 ratio.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (fruit powder); 3 years (standardized extract capsule/tablet); 3 years (Ghana Vati)

**Storage:** Airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture. Saponins are relatively stable under normal storage conditions. Protect extract from excessive humidity which can cause caking.

**Marker Compounds:** Protodioscin, Protogracillin, Diosgenin (aglycone), Tribulosaponin A/B, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Harmine (trace), Tribulusamide A/B

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kashayam)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water)
- Ethanol extraction for saponin-rich fraction
- Spray-dried aqueous extract for Ghana Vati
- Supercritical CO2 for selective saponin extraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) in [Gokshuradi Guggulu](/formulation/gokshuradi-guggulu/) for urinary and renal conditions
- With [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) and nephroprotective synergy
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for vitality and reproductive health
- With [Shilajit](/herb/shilajit/) for strength-building and [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) combination
- With [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) (Crataeva) for urinary stone management
- With Kapikacchu (Mucuna) for reproductive and dopaminergic synergy

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/gokshura/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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.