Botanical name: Tribulus terrestris, Zygophyllaceae
Common names: Gokshura ('cow scratcher') (S); Gokhuru, Gokshri (H), Nerunji (T), Calthrops, Puncture-vine (E), Bai ji li (C)
Botany: Gokshura is a procumbent annual or perennial herb with many spreading slender branches, the immature portions covered in a fine silky hair. The leaves are oppositely arranged, pinnate, with 3-8 eight simple leaflets that are almost sessile to the leaf stem, with appressed hairs below, and to a lesser extent above. The solitary yellow flowers have five petals, and are borne in the leaf axils, on hairy pedicles up to 2 cm long. The fruits are globose, comprised of five woody cocci that bear two pairs of sharp spines, each cocci containing several seeds. Gokshura is found throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and southern Europe, in sandy soils, often along roadsides and waste areas (Warrier et al 1996, 311; Kirtikar and Basu 1935, 420).
Part used: Fruit and root.
Dravyguna:
•Rasa: madhura
•Vipaka: madhura
•Virya: shita, snigdha
•Karma: dipanapachana, bhedana, krimiaghna, chedana, kasahara, svasahara, kusthaghna vedanasthapana, mutravirechana, ashmaribhedana, mutravishodhana, shothahara, dahaprashamana, raktaprasadana, hrdaya, vajikarana, balya, tridoshahara
•Prabhava: sattvic; promotes clarity of mind, and corrects apana vayu (Srikanthamurthy 2001, 234; Warrier et al 1996, 311; Frawley and Lad 1986, 169; Nadkarni 1954, 1230; Kirtikar and Basu 1935, 421)
Constituents: Researchers have isolated numerous steroidal saponins from Gokshura, includingcistocardin, diosgenin, tribuloin, hecogenin, dioscin, and ruscogenin, as well as several unnamed steroidal constituents. Researchers have also isolated a furostanol diglycoside, the lignanamides tribulusamides A and B, N-trans-feruloyltyramin, terrestriamide, N-trans-coumaroyltyramine, and b-sitosterol (Sun et al 2002; Xu et al 2001; Cai et al 2001; Xu et al 2000; Li et al 1998; Achenbach et al. 1994). Kapoor reports an unidentified alkaloid in the fruit in trace amounts (1990, 325). Investigation of the aerial portions of Gokshura has yielded the furostanol saponin methylprotodioscin and protodioscin and the sodium salt of methylprototribestin and prototribestin, L-mannitol and an inorganic salt, as well as the two b-carboline indoleamines harmane and norharmane (Kostava et al 2002; Bourke et al 1992).
Medical research:
•Aphrodisiac: The effects of a Tribulus terrestris (TT) extract were investigated for its androgenic effect in castrated adult rats, compared with testosterone and a control. Decreases in body weight, prostate weight and intracavernous pressure were observed among the castrated groups of rats compared to the intact group, as well as an overall reduction in sexual behaviour parameters. Compared to the castrated controls, treatment of castrated rats with either testosterone or TT extract showed increase in prostate weight and intracavernous pressure that were statistically significant. Researchers also noted a mild to moderate improvement of the sexual behaviour parameters, and concluded that TT has an aphrodisiac activity (Gauthaman et al 2002). Researchers investigated the effect of the oral treatment of Tribulus terrestris (TT) extract on the isolated corpus cavernosal tissue of rabbits. After the administration of the extract orally, once daily, for a period of 8 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed and the penile tissue isolated to evaluate the responses to both contracting and relaxing pharmacological agents and electrical field stimulation (EFS). The relaxant responses to EFS, acetylcholine and nitroglycerin in noradrenaline precontracted tissues from treated groups showed an increase in relaxation of a concentration dependent nature compared to that of the tissues from control group. The enhanced relaxant effect was thought to be due to an increase in the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium and nitrergic nerve endings (Adaikan et al 2000).
•Antispasmodic:A liopihilized saponin extract of dried and powdered Tribulus terrestris caused a significant decrease in peristaltic movements of isolated sheep ureter and rabbit jejunum preparations in a dose-dependent manner. The same extract had no effect on isolated rabbit aorta and its contractile response to KCl or noradrenaline (Arcasoy et al. 1998).
•Diabetes: The saponin fraction from Tribulus terrestris was demonstrated to exhibit a hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-diabetic rats, with a commensurate reduction in serum triglycerides and cholesterol, and a rise in serum super oxide dismutase (Li et al 2002).
•Cardioactive: The methanol extract of the aerial parts of Tribulus cistoides was found to contain nine steroid saponins, among them the cardioactive cistocardin (Achenbach et al. 1994). The results of a clinical trial in 406 cases of coronary heart disease treated with the saponin fraction of Tribulus terrestris resulted in the remission of 82.3% of the cases. The saponin fraction of Tribulus terrestris dilates the coronary artery and improves coronary circulation. No adverse affects were noted (Wang et al. 1990).
•Hepatoprotective:Tribulusamides A and B isolated from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris prevented cell death in cultured mouse hepatocytes induced by D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/tumor necrosis factor a (Li et al 1998).
•Urinary: An aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris, in oral dose of 5g/kg, elicited a positive diuresis in malke rats, and evoked a contractile activity on Guinea pig ileum (Al-Ali et al 2003).An ethanolic extract of the fruits of Tribulus terrestris showed significant dose dependent protection against uroliths induced by glass bead implantation in albino rats. Theextract provided significant protection against deposition of calculogenic material around the glass bead, and also protected leucocytosis and elevation in serum urea levels (Anand et al 1994).
•Antifungal: Steroidal saponin constituents obtained from Tribulus terrestris demonstrated noted antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans (Bedir et al 2002).
•Antitumor: Steroidal saponin constituents obtained from Tribulus terrestris demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects upon human cancer cell lines (Bedir et al 2002).
•Nutritional: Tribulus terristris was found to be a rich source of calcium (Duhan et al. 1992).
Toxicity: The herbaceous portions of Gokshura is the cause of geeldikkopin sheep and other small livestock, a condition characterized by edema of the head, fever, and jaundice(Kirtikar and Basu 1935, 423). Photosensitization and cholangiohepatopathy have been noted in sheep grazing on Tribulus terrestris (Tapia et al. 1994). Two b-carboline indoleamines (harmane and norharmane) isolated from the plant material of Tribulus terrestris have been implicated in causing central nervous system effects in sheep that have grazed on Tribulus over a period of months. Researchers proposed that harmane and norharmane accumulate in tryptamine-associated neurones of the central nervous system and gradually interact irreversibly with a specific neuronal gene DNA sequence (Bourke et al 1992).
Indications: Hemorrhoids, intestinal parasites, cough, dyspnea, asthma, consumption, hives, dysuria, hematuria, urinary lithiasis, cystitis, nephritis, urinary tenesmus, spermatorrhea, impotence, frigidity, infertility, venereal diseases, cardiovascular disease, gout, rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, menorrhagia, postpartum hemorrhage, anemia, diabetes, opthalmia, headache, insufficient lactation.
Contraindications: Dehydration (Frawley and Lad 1986, 169); pregnancy (Bensky and Gamble 1993, 425).
Medicinal uses: Gokshura is an outstanding remedy in urogenital disease, promoting urine flow, soothing the mucosa, and aiding in the excretion of stones and calculi (Frawley and Lad 1986, 170). Unlike diuretics such as Bearberry (Artostaphylos uva ursi leaf), Gokshura pacifies Vata and will not promote secondary effects such as dry skin. Nadkarni mentions that both the plant and seeds are used in decoction or infusion in the treatment of spermatorrhea, impotence, infertility phosphaturia, dysuria, gonorrhea, gleet, chronic cystitis, renal calculi, incontinence, gout, and post-partum hemorrhage (1954, 1230). In most cases of cystitis a simple decoction of the fruit or the tincture will suffice, although in severe cystitis botanicals such as Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis root)or Corn Silk (Zea mays) can be used in combination for additional demulcent properties. In severe tenesmus and pain it may be used along with Kava (Piper methysticum root)or Henbane (Hyocyamus niger herb). For urinary lithiasis Gokshura may be combined with Buchu (Barosma betulina herb) and Gravel root (Eupatorium purpurea). For urinary incontinence and bedwetting a combination of Gokshura and Mullein (Verbascum thapsus root) may be helpful to strengthen the trigone muscle of the bladder. Gokshura is highly esteemed as a vajikarana rasayana. In the treatment spermatorrhea and impotence equal parts powders of Gokshura, Tila (Sesamum indicum), Kapikachu and Ashvagandha may be taken with honey, ghee and goatıs milk, 12 g b.i.d. on an empty stomach at dawn and at dusk. For frigidity and infertility Gokshura may be taken in equal parts Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa root) and Damiana (Turnera diffusa root), 5-10 g t.i.d. Frawley and Ladconsider Gokshura to be a rasayana for Pitta, and state that it is effective in Vatakopa conditions (1986, 170), the harmine alkaloidsmost likely contribute to Gokshuraıs sedative properties. It may be taken with Ashvagandha as a tonic nervine in Vattic disorders such as nervousness and anxiety. For lumbar pain Gokshura may be combined with Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Pippali (Piper methysticum root) or Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa). Warrier et al mention that the ash of the whole plant is good for external application in rheumatoid arthrtis (1996, 311). Topically, the oil of the seed is used in the treatment of alopecia (Frawley and Lad 1986, 170). In Chinese medicine Gokshura is used in the treatment of headache, vertigo and dizziness due to ascendant Liver yang and Wind-heat (Bensky and Gamble 1993, 425). As a vajikarana, the Bhavaprakasha recommends Gokshuradi modaka, comprised of equal parts powders of Gokshura, Ikshura bija (Astercantha longifolia seed), Ashvagandha, Shatavari, Musali (Asparagus adescendens), Kapikachu, Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Nagabala (Grewia hirsute) and Bala. These powders are mixed togther and fried in an equal volume of ghee, eight parts milk and two parts sugar until most of the liquid is evaporated, after which the extract is then rolled in pills, taken in dosages according the strength and needs of the individual (Srikanthamurthy 2000, 829). In the treatment of diabetes and urinary tract disorders the Sharandadhara samhita recommends Gokshuradi gugglu, prepared by boiling four parts of Gokshura in six times the amount of water until the original volume of water is reduced by half. The decoction is then strained from the herb, and one part Guggulu resin is added and mixed in with the decoction, to which is added one part each the powders of Triphala, Trikatu and Musta. The Sharangadhara also states that Gokshuradi guggulu is useful in menorrhagia, gout, diseases of the nervous system, and infertility (Srikanthamurthy 1984, 109).
Dosage:
•Churna:3-6 g b.i.d.-t.i.d.
•Kvatha:30-90 mL b.i.d.-t.i.d.
•Tincture: dried fruit, 1:3, 50%; 3-5 mL b.i.d.-t.i.d.
References:
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Adaikan PG, Gauthaman K, Prasad RN, Ng SC. 2000. Proerectile pharmacological effects of Tribulus terrestris extract on the rabbit corpus cavernosum. Ann Acad Med Singapore. Jan;29(1):22-6
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