Gokshura
Tribulus terrestris L.
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.
| Botanical name | Tribulus terrestris L. |
|---|---|
| Family | Zygophyllaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Zygophyllales |
| 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. |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5421116 · Wikidata Q235889 · NCBI Taxonomy 210369 |
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 (dominant steroidal saponin) binds to androgen receptors and/or enzymes that metabolize androgens.
- Increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, leading to augmented secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
- 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. Nutrients. PMID 40219032 · doi: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|Gokshuradi Guggulu: 2-4 tablets twice daily
Bioavailability: Tribulus terrestris fruit contains steroidal saponins (protodioscin, protogracillin - collectively ‘Tribulus saponins’), flavonoids, and alkaloids (harmine, harmaline). Protodioscin has moderate oral bioavailability (15-30%) with conversion to 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; SNEDDS for saponin-rich fraction.
Optimal Timing: Before meals with warm water for urinary conditions; with milk at bedtime for reproductive health and 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, Quercetin, 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 in Gokshuradi Guggulu for urinary and renal conditions
- With Punarnava for diuretic and nephroprotective synergy
- With Ashwagandha for vitality and reproductive health
- With Shilajit for strength-building and adaptogenic combination
- With Varuna (Crataeva) for urinary stone management
- With Kapikacchu (Mucuna) for reproductive and dopaminergic synergy
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses4
- 2026. Tribulus terrestris for management of patients with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trialsInternational journal of impotence research. PMID 40360723 · doi:10.1038/s41443-025-01086-7
- 2025. Effects of Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.) Supplementation on Erectile Dysfunction and Testosterone Levels in Men-A Systematic Review of Clinical TrialsNutrients. PMID 40219032 · doi:10.3390/nu17071275
- 2024. Do "testosterone boosters" really increase serum total testosterone? A systematic reviewInternational journal of impotence research. PMID 37697053 · doi:10.1038/s41443-023-00763-9
- 2023. Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational UseNutrients. PMID 37686709 · doi:10.3390/nu15173677
Randomised controlled trials2
- 2021. The Effects of 6 Weeks of Tribulus terrestris L. Supplementation on Body Composition, Hormonal Response, Perceived Exertion, and CrossFit® Performance: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled StudyNutrients. PMID 34836225 · doi:10.3390/nu13113969
- 2017. Combined Lifestyle and Herbal Medicine in Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Randomized Controlled TrialPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 28685911 · doi:10.1002/ptr.5858
Other clinical studies and reviews6
- 2021. Puncture vine (Tribulus Terrestris L.) in control of health and reproductionPhysiological research. PMID 35199550 · doi:10.33549/physiolres.934711
- 2020. A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties of Tribulus terrestris LBiomolecules. PMID 32408715 · doi:10.3390/biom10050752
- 2019. Supplements with purported effects on muscle mass and strengthEuropean journal of nutrition. PMID 30604177 · doi:10.1007/s00394-018-1882-z
- 2019. Beyond tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.): The effects of phytotherapics on testosterone, sperm and prostate parametersJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 30790614 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.02.033
- 2018. Herbal medicine for sports: a reviewJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. PMID 29568244 · doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0218-y
- 2018. Role of Tribulus terrestris in Male Infertility: Is It Real or Fiction?Journal of dietary supplements. PMID 29261340 · doi:10.1080/19390211.2017.1402843
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