A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Gokshura.
Latin Name: Tribulus terrestris Linn.
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka: Mutravirachaniya (diuretic), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Krimighna (anthelmintic), Anuvasanopaga (enema adjuvant)
Sushruta: Vidarigandhadi, Veeratarvadi, Laghupanchamula, Kantakapanchamula, Vatashmari-Bhedana (stone-breaking)
Sanskrit Synonyms: Shvadanshtra, Svadukantaka, Trikantaka, Vanashringataka, Kshuraka
Regional Names:
Hindi / Marathi: Gokharu
Tamil: Cherunerinche, Neringi
Telugu: Pallerumullu, Nirunji
Malayalam: Nerunjil, Nerinnil
English: Small Caltrops
Morphology: A procumbent, spreading herb, 0.5-0.75 meters long, with branches growing in all directions. Stems and branches are pilose (hairy). Leaves are opposite, pinnate with 3-6 pairs of leaflets. Flowers are small and yellow. The fruit is pale greenish-yellow, with 5-12 compartments, each containing a seed, and is covered with sharp spines. The root is 10-15 cm long, smoky in color, with a mild, pleasant fragrance.
Part Used: Fruit, Root (Panchanga - whole plant may also be used)
Purification (Śodhana): Specific Śodhana processes for Gokshura are not detailed in the provided text. Classical purification might involve washing and soaking to reduce any potential irritant effects of the spines or specific processing to enhance diuretic properties. Further reference is recommended.
Preservation: Dried fruits and roots should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to preserve potency.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Information not explicitly stated in the provided text for Gokshura. Classical texts describe it as Madhura (sweet).
Guṇa (Quality) Information not explicitly stated. Classical texts describe it as Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous).
Vīrya (Potency) Information not explicitly stated. Classical texts describe it as Sheeta (cooling).
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Information not explicitly stated. Classical texts describe it as Madhura (sweet).
(Note: The source text provides extensive therapeutic uses but omits the basic pharmacological attributes for Gokshura. The classical properties from standard texts are noted above for completeness, as they are essential for understanding its actions.)
Dosha Karma: Based on its primary actions as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory, it is primarily Vata-Kaphaghna (pacifies Vata and Kapha). Its cooling nature (as per classical texts) suggests it would not aggravate Pitta significantly.
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary System): This is its primary domain. It is a potent Mutravirajana (diuretic) and Ashmari-Bhedana (stone-breaking). It is used in Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria), Ashmari (urinary calculi), and Puyameha (urinary tract infections). The modern research cited confirms its diuretic activity due to high potassium content.
Purishavaha & Annavaha Srotas (Digestive System): As part of the Laghupanchamula group, it helps in Vatanulomana (correcting the downward movement of Vata), useful in Vibandha (constipation) and Gulma (abdominal lumps).
Shukravaha & Artavavaha Srotas (Reproductive System): It is considered Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) and is used in male and female reproductive disorders.
Rasavaha & Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory/Blood System): Its Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) property makes it useful in edema and inflammatory conditions.
Primary Actions: Mutravirajana (Diuretic), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac), Ashmari-Bhedana (Antilithiatic), Vatanulomana (Carminative).
Dosage (Mātrā): Not explicitly stated in the provided text. Standard classical dosage for fruit powder is 3-6 grams.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Water, Milk.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Not listed in the provided text, but it is a key ingredient in many classical formulations like Gokshuradi Guggulu, Chandraprabha Vati, and Dashamoolarishta.
Contraindications (Nivārita): Generally safe. Caution may be advised in cases of extreme polyuria or dehydration.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Not mentioned. The text notes that modern research shows alcoholic and aqueous extracts can cause hypotension and depressed respiration in animal studies, suggesting high doses should be avoided.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): Not specified.
Chemical Composition: The fruits are known to contain steroidal saponins (e.g., protodioscin), alkaloids, and flavonoids. The diuretic effect is attributed to its high potassium content.
Research Notes:
Decoction and water extract of the fruits produce moderate diuretic activity.
Alcoholic and aqueous extracts can produce hypotension and depress respiration in rats and dogs.