Gokshura

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 studies 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.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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: 2-4 tablets twice daily

Optimal Timing: Before meals with warm water for urinary conditions; with milk at bedtime for reproductive health and Rasayana effect

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

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), traditionally used for urinary stones
• With Kapikacchu (Mucuna) for reproductive and dopaminergic synergy