Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is commonly known as Gokshur, Gokhru, puncture-vine, and belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae. It is distributed worldwide and grows in a dry climate along a wide geographic perimeter. It is found all over India. The spiky fruit of Gokshura looks like the cloven hoof of a cow and, hence, is known as go-ksura (cow-hoof). The main phytoconstituents of Gokshura are saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins.
Traditional Uses of Gokshura
The whole plant of Gokshura is used in folk medicines as a tonic, aphrodisiac, stomachic, diuretic, antiurolithic, urinary disinfectant, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anthelmintic, astringent, antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory. It is also used for enhancing athletic performance, stimulating appetite, and as a mood enhancer. Gokshura has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to treat impotence, venereal diseases, sexual debility and is known as Nature's viagra. It is also used to support the proper functioning of the genitourinary tract and remove urinary stones.Pharmacological Activities of Gokshura
Diuretic activity of Gokshura
Regular consumption of Gokshura can relieve urinary tract ailments, and it has a cleansing effect on the urinary bladder. The diuretic properties of Gokshura are due to the presence of nitrates and essential oil present in its seeds and fruits. The diuretic activity of Gokshura can also be attributed to the presence of a high concentration of potassium salts. The diuretic effect of Gokshura is comparable to that of the drug frusemide and exhibits a potassium-sparing effect. Gokshura is also useful as an antihypertensive agent due to its diuretic properties.Antiurolithic Activity of Gokshura
The fruits of Gokshura have long been used in traditional medicine to treat various urinary diseases and kidney stones. The major type of crystal found in kidney stones is calcium oxalate. The antiurolithic activity of Gokshura is attributed to its GOX inhibition, which is one of the principal enzymes involved in the pathway of oxalate synthesis, converting glycolate to glyoxylate by oxidation and finally to oxalate. The aqueous extract of Gokshura elicits a positive diuresis and increases the tonicity of the smooth muscles, which helps in the propulsion of stones along the urinary tract. After oral administration of the extract, various other biochemical parameters in urine, including the levels of citrate, oxalate, proteins, and glycosaminoglycan, decrease significantly, and the histopathology of the urinary bladder is restored.Aphrodisiac Role of Gokshura
For centuries, Gokshura has been used as an aphrodisiac agent in different cultures, promoting ovulation and sperm production. Gokshur is also used as a sexual enhancer in managing sexual dysfunction in males. Studies prove that Gokshur extract influences spermatogenesis, increases the nuclear volume, cytoplasmic volume, and individual volume of Leydig cells in males. Another study describes the protective role of Gokshur on male reproductive organs and fertility. A high dosage of gokshura restores sperm count, motility, viability, fertility, seminal vesicular fructose, serum testosterone, antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Gokshura extract enhances male fertility capacity by increasing the total sperm motility, the number of progressively motile spermatozoa, and velocity with significantly improved sperm viability. Analysis of phytochemical and pharmacological studies reveal an essential role for gokshura in treating erectile dysfunction and sexual desire problems. The main components of the saponin fraction of Gokshur extract, namely protodioscin and protogracillin, are responsible for the biological aphrodisiac activity. Protodioscin increases the conversion of testosterone into the potent dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates the sex drive and the production of red cells from bone marrow and muscular developments contributing to the improvement of blood circulation and the oxygen transport systems. Extract of Gokshura also exhibits a protective effect against testicular damage either through inhibition of testicular tissue peroxidation or by stimulating the testosterone production from Leydig cells. Gokshura is an excellent medication for disorders related to prostate glands. It also cures urinary problems or infections caused due to prostate disorders.Libido-Enhancing Activity of Gokshura
Gokshura increases libido in both women and men. It also activates sexual desire and effectively treats sexual problems in postmenopausal women.Gokshura Role for Women suffering from PCOS
Gokshura is very useful for women affected by Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It decreases the size of the cyst and eliminates excessive water. In women affected by PCOS, Gokshura increases the exercise capacity, fights glucose intolerance, and prevents or controls diabetes. Regular consumption of gokshura also controls unwanted weight gain.Gokshura Improves Athletic Ability
Gokshura is beneficial for bodybuilding, and the minerals present in it can improve body composition and muscle strength. To improve athletic ability, various herbs and herbal combinations are used that mimic testosterone effects, epinephrine effects and increase the production of cortisol and corticotropin. Gokshura contains gitonin, protodioscin, and tribulosaponins, which mimic testosterone-like effects in humans because of the similarities of their chemical structures. Gokshura mainly affects the activation of endogenous testosterone production that increases testosterone anabolic and androgenic action. Gokshura prolongs the time of exhaustion and increases body mass, relative mass, and protein levels of muscles. The level of testosterone directly affects the motor ability of the body and its restoration. Gokshura significantly improves exercise performance due to changes in the androgen–AR axis and IGF-1R signaling.Conclusion
The traditional pharmacological activities of Gokshura focus on improving sexual function and cardiotonic properties. Gokshura has the potential for effective blood pressure control due to its diuretic activity (potassium-sparing), antihyperlipidemic activity, and cardioprotective activity. Modern research shows that steroidal saponins and flavonoids found in Gokshura have a prominent anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effect. Gokshura can be utilized as cosmetic plant material on the skin. Though Gokshura has been extensively used over the centuries, current scientific research concerning its pharmacological activities endorses the same.Disclaimer:
This content is for information and educational purposes only and should not be perceived as medical advice. Please consult a certified medical or healthcare professional before making any decision regarding your health using the content above.