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International Journal of Applied Ayurved Research ISSN: 2347- 6362 GOKSHURA ( LINN.) A REVIEW

1Prakash Sanjay 1Lecturer,Department of Dravyaguna,Govt. Ayurvedic College & Hospital,Varanasi- 221002.U.P. (India) ABSTRACT : Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) Family: is a procumbent herb commonly known as Small Caltrops, occurs naturally throughout India, specially warm regions. As this is having Guru, Snigdha Guna, Madhura Rasa, Madhura Vipaka, Shita Virya. By the virtue of above property this is Vatapittashamaka. Gokshura contains a number of bioactive chemicals, including saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins. The fruits of Laghu Goksura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) are useful as alterative, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, anti-arthritic, cooling, tonic, demulcent, expectorant and conceptive (root of white -variety). It is useful as calculus affections, kidney diseases, painful micturition and urinary discharges. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed focus on its botanical details, phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic importance and its pharmacological studies. Keywords : Gokshura, Tribulus terrestris, diuretic, ashmari, phytochemistry, pharmacology. INTRODUCTION: Gokshura (Tribulus aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, anti-arthritic, terrestris Linn.) Family: Zygophyllaceae is cooling, tonic, demulcent, expectorant and a procumbent herb commonly known as conceptive (root of white flower-variety). Small Caltrops, occurs naturally It is useful as calculus affections, kidney throughout India, specially warm diseases, painful micturition and urinary regions.(Fig. 1). The fruits of Laghu discharges. Gokshura are useful as alterative,

Figure 1 T.terrestris. (A) Whole with flowering twig. (B)Fruit. History: On comprehensive review of described in mutrakrichchhra (S.U.59.19). Ayurvedic classics it was found that In Ashtanga Hridaya, it is described as Gokshura is described in Charaka Rasayana (A.H.U.39.56). In Harita Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Samhita, it is described as ashmarihara Hridaya, Sharangadhara Samhita, Harita (H.S.3.31-13). In Kaideva Nighantu, it is Samhita, Nighantus and Chikitsagranthas. described as Hridaroga, krichchhashmari, In Charaka Samhita, it is described as shvasakasarujahara.1 In Bhavaprakasha Shvadanshtra ghrita used in ashmari Nighantu, its properties are described as (C.Ci.26.74). In Sushruta Samhita, it is vrishya, ashmarihara, [Prakash Sanjay: Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris Linn.) -A Review] pramehashvasakasarsha, hridroga.2 In Raj Shadanga- It possesses the sixth part, Nighantu, gokshuradvaya is described in spines, apart from usual five parts. krichchhrashmari.3 It is also mentioned in Chanadruma- The plant has like Chikitsa Granthas like Chakradatta, it is those of Bengal gram plant. described as sunthigokshura kwatha in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi : Gokhru, amavata (CD.25.9.). Bhavamishra, in his Hathchikar section Bhavaprakash, madhyamakhanda Mar. : Sarate mentions indication of Guj. : Betha gokhru, Mhana Gokhru trikantakabeejachurna in ashmari.4 Same Tamil : Nerunje used in Vrindamadhva (VM.34.28). Telugu : Palleru shvadanshtraphalachurna is used in Pers. : Kharakhasak shosharoga(Rajamartanda.12.3). Arab. : Hasak Botanical classification5 Eng. : Small Caltrops, Gokhru Tribulus terrestris Linn.belongs to the Description7 family Zygophyllaceae. A. Tribulus terrestris Linn.:Goksura-ksudra Kingdom: Planate goksura Unranked: Angiosperms A procumbent herb; stems and branches Unranked: pilose;young parts silky-villous. Leaves Unranked: opposite, abruptly pinnate, one of each Order: pair usually smaller than the other; Family: Zygophyllaceae sometimes wanting; stipules lanceolate, Genus: Tribulus hairy; leaflets 3-6 pairs, 6-12 mm. long, Species: terrestris oblong, mucronate, sericeos-villous with Part used: Fruits, roots, whole plant. appressed hairs beneath and more or less Doses of fruit powder 3-6gm., Decoction so on the upper surfaces, base rounded 50-100 ml. Specific formulations are oblique; petioles very short pilose. Goksuradi curna, Goksuradyavaleha, axillary or -opposed, Goksuradi guggulu, Goksuradi Kvatha, solitary;pedicels 1.2-2 cm. long, slender, Dasamularista, Trikantakadya (Sadhita) hairy. Sepals 6 mm., lanceolate, acute, Ksira, Trikantakadi Kvatha, Svadanstra hairy. Petals 1 cm., long, oblong-obovate; taila, Goksuradi modakam, Svadanstra claw short, hairy. Ovary bristly; style ghrtam, Abhayarista, Svadanstradi short;stout; stigmatic lobes longer than the pamakam, Svadanstradi Kasayam, Trikan- diameter of the style. takabija curnam, Brhat Varunadi Kvatha. Fruit globose, consisting of (usually) 5 Vernacular Names6 hairy or nearly glabrous, often muruculate, Sanskrit names : Gokshura, Kshuraka, woody cocci, each with 2 pairs of hard Kantaphala, Gokantaka, Trikantaka, sharp spines, one pairs longer than the Bhakshakanta, Bhukshura, Shvadanshtra, other. Seeds several in each coccus, with Svadukantaka, Palankasha- Fruits are transverse partitions between them. armed with spines which injure the feet of Flowering and Fruiting Time is rainy to grazing cattle. autumn seasons and onwards. Ikshugandhika- With aroma of sugarcane. It is found throughout India, especially Sthalashringataka, Vanashrigataka- Fruits warm regions. resembling water-chestnut. B. Pedalium murex Linn. : Brhad goksura.

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[Prakash Sanjay: Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris Linn.) -A Review]

Family : Pedaliaccae known compounds, N-p- Description: A much-branched herb, 15- coumaroyltyramine, terrestriamide, 38 cm. high;stems and branches often hecogenin, aurantiamide acetate, slightly rough with scaly glands. xanthosine, fatty acid ester, ferulic acid, Leaves opposite, pale glaucous-green, vanillin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and β- somewhat fleshy, 2.5-5 by 2-3.8 cm. sitosterol, from the dried fruits of broadly ovate-oblong, truncate or obtuse, TT.[16]10 The alkaloids present are coarsely crenate-serrate or sublobate, harmane and norharmane. The β-carboline glabrous above, the lower side usually alkaloid, tribulusterine, is present in minor covered with minute scales, base acute; quantities in fruits.[17]11Gas petioles 6-20 mm. long. chromatography-mass spectrometry Flowers axillary,solitary; pedicels 4 mm. analysis of methanolic extract of the whole long. Calyx small, scarcely 3 mm. long; plant of TT revealed the presence of α- minutely scaly outside, divided rather Amyrin as the major constituent and seven more than half way down; lobes 5, linear- minor constituents, which are 3,7,11,15- triangular, acute. Corolla 2.5 cm. long, tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, n- about 2 cm. across the mouth, bright hexadecadienoic acid, hexadecadienoic yellow; tube 2 cm; long, slender; lobes acid ethyl ester, phytol, 9,12- broad, rounded.Filaments glandular-hairy octadecadienoic acid, 9,12,15- at the base. octadecatrienoic acid, and 1,2- Fruit 1.3-2 cm., long, narrowed at the base, benzenedicarboxylic acid disoctyl ester. pyramidal-ovoid above the spines, bluntly Sterols such as β-sitosterols and 4-angled, with stout sharp conical stigmasterols were also found to be horizontal spines from the angles. present.[18]12 Flowering and Fruiting Time rains to Therapeutic uses13 The medicinal autumn seasons and onwards. properties of Brhad Goksura (Pedalium It is found in tropical regions in India; murex Linn.) are almost the same as those Konkan, Gujarat, Madhya pradesh, Uttar of Laghu Goksura (Tribulus terrestris Pradesh, Deccan Peninsula and other areas Linn.) in country. The fresh leaves and stems, briskly Pharmacodynamics8 agitated in cold water, speedily convert it Rasa: Madhura into a thick mucilage, nearly of the Guna: Guru, Snigdha consistence of the white of a raw egg, Virya: Shita inodorous and tasteless. Vipaka : Madhura An infusion of fresh leaves and stems is Doshakarma : Vatapittashamaka used as an esteemed remedy for treating Chemical composition gonorrhoea and dysuria. The preliminary phytochemical study of The juice of the fruits is useful as an TT revealed the presence of saponins, emmenagogue. It is employed in puerperal flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and diseases, and to promote the local tannins.[6]9 Tian Shung et al. isolated and discharge. The leaves are used as a curry characterized three new compounds, in spleenic enlargements. The decoction of terrestribisamide, 25R-spirost-4-en-3, 12- the roots is used as an antibilious remedy. dione, and tribulusterine, together with 10

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[Prakash Sanjay: Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris Linn.) -A Review]

It is very useful drug in kidney and urinary Saponin from TT possesses hypoglycemic troubles specially calculus and dysuria and properties.[32]18 their allied complications. The fruits are Hypolipidemic activity antispasmodic, aphrodisiac and The aqueous extract of the fruits of TT emmenagogue; their decoction is used for was evaluated for their hypolipidemic the diseases for which the mucilaginous activity in Wistar albino rats.[37]19 infusion of the leaves is suggested. The Activity in cardiac disorders juice of the fruits is given in puerperal TT showed significant effect in the diseases, and for promoting lochial treatment of various cardiac diseases discharge. A pint of an infusion of the including coronary disease, myocardial seeds is given daily in spermatorrhoea, infarction, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and impotence and incontinence of urine. the sequelae of cerebral thrombosis. [40]20 Pharmacological Properties Central nervous system (CNS) activity Diuretic activity:Saurabh et al. evaluated Swiss Albino mice demonstrated the different extracts of TT fruits, viz. antidepressant and anxiolytic aqueous, methanolic, Kwatha-high activity.[43]21 strength, Kwatha -low strength, Hepatoprotective activity and Ghana powder, for diuretic activity in The TT extract (250 mg/kg) showed a rats. [21]14 The diuretic action of TT remarkable hepatoprotective activity makes it useful as an anti-hypertensive against acetaminophen-induced agent. hepatotoxicity in Oreochromis 22 Aphrodisiac activity mossambicus fish. [44] Adaikan et al. reported that the TT extract Antiinflammatory activity exhibited a pro-erectile effect on rabbit The methanolic extract of TT showed a corpus cavernosum smooth muscle ex dose-dependent inhibition of rat paw vivo after oral treatment at doses of 2.5, 5, volume in carrageenan-induced 23 and 10 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. inflammation in rats.[46] [22]15 Analgesic activities Antiurolithic activity Analgesic activities of TT were studied in An ethanolic extract of TT fruits was male mice using formalin and tail flick 24 tested in urolithiasis induced by glass bead test. [47] implantation in albino rats by Anand et al. Antispasmodic activity [27]16 The lyophilized saponin mixture of the Immunomodulatory activity plant exhibited a significant decrease in An alcoholic extract of the whole plant of peristaltic movements of rabbit jejunum TT exhibited a significant dose-dependent preparation in a dose-dependent 25 increase in humoral antibody titre and manner.[48] delayed type hypersensitivity response, CONCLUSION: On comprehensive indicating increased specific immune review of Ayurvedic classics it was found response.[31]17 that Gokshura is described in Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Antidiabetic activity Hridaya, Sharangadhara Samhita, Harita Samhita, Nighantus and Chikitsagranthas. Some synonyms of gokshura like

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[Prakash Sanjay: Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris Linn.) -A Review]

Gokshura,Kshuraka,Kantaphala,Gokantak Prof.P.V.Sharma, Chaukhambha a, Trikantaka, Bhakshakanta, Bhukshura, Orientalia Delhi, 2007. Shvadanshtra, Svadukantaka, Palankasha 5. Bhavaprakash of Bhavamishra, described in various Nighantu. Gokshura Madhyam and Uttarakhanda, (Tribulus terrestris Linn) Family: Shlipadadhikara, Chikitsasthana, Chapter- Zygophyllaceae is a procumbent herb 45/13, Vol.II, Commentary by Dr.Bulusu commonly known as Small Caltrops, Sitaram, Fifth Edition, Chaukhambha occurs naturally throughout India, Orientalia, Varanasi, 2010. especially warm regions. As this is having 6.Hooker JD. Flora of British India. Vol. Guru, Snigdha Guna, Madhura Rasa, 5. London: L. Reeve and Co.; 1886. p. Madhura Vipaka, Shita Virya. By the 489. virtue of above property this is 7.The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Vatapittashamaka. The fruits are Vol. III, Part I. Delhi: Department of ISM considered demulcent and diuretic, and Homoeopathy, Ministry of Health and antispasmodic and aphrodisiac. The juice Family Welfare; 2001. p. 460. is used in aphthae as a local application. 8.Dravyaguna-Vijnana, Vol.II, Vegetable The decoction is useful in irritation of the Drugs, by Prof.P.V.Sharma, Reprint:2006, urinary organs; it is given as a remedy for Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, sperma-torrhoea, incontinence of urine and Varanasi, page 233-234. impotency. 9.Dravyaguna Vigyanam(Materia medica- REFERENCES: vegetable drugs) (English-Sanskrit) Part- 1. Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Oshadhi Varga- III(P-Y), by Prof.Dr.Gyanendra Pandey, Verse, 69-70, Pathyapathyavibodhaka, Edition-3rd, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Edited and Translated by Prof. Academy Varanasi, 2005. P. 299-300. P.V.Sharma and Dr. Guru Prasad Sharma, 10. Phutdhawong W, Donchai A, Korth J, Second Edition, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Pyne SG, Picha P, Ngamkham J, Varanasi, 2009. Buddhasukh D.The components and 2.Bhavaprakash Nighantu(Indian Materia anticancer activity of the volatile oil Medica) of Shri Bhavamishra, from Streblus asper. Flav Frag Commentary by Dr.K.C.Chunekar and J. 2004;19:445–7. Edited by Dr.G.S.Pandey,Tenth Edition, 11. Gaitonde BB, Vaz AX, Patel JR. Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Chemical and pharmacological study of Varanasi, 1995. Guduchyadi Varga-Verse, root bark of Streblus asper Linn. Indian J 64. Med Sci. 1964;18:191–9. [PubMed] 3.Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Edited 12. Chatterjee RK, Fatma N, Murthy PK, with Dravyagunaprakashika, Hindi et al. Macrofilaricidal activity of the Commentary by Dr. Indradev Tripathi, 2nd stembark of Streblus asper and its major Edition, Second Edition, Chaukhambha active constituents. Drug Dev Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 1998, Res. 1992;26:67–78. Shatahvadi Varga, Verse, 43. 13. Pandey PN, Das UK.Therapeutic 4.Chakradatta, Galagandadichikitsa assessment of Shakhotaka Ghana Vati on Adhyaya, Chapter-41/26, Sanskrit text Slipada (Filariasis) J Res Ayur with English Translation by Siddha. 1990;11:31–37.

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14. Hashmi S, Singh VK. Streblus Ethnopharmacol. 2005;96:221– asper Lour.—an indigenous drug for the 6.[PubMed] treatment of filariasis. In: Majumdar DK, 21. Taweechaisupapong S, Singhara S, Govil JN, Singh VK, editors. Recent Choopan T. Effect of Streblus asper leaf Progress in Medicinal : extract on selected anaerobic bacteria. Ethnomedicine and Pharmacognosy.Vol. 2005. pp. 177–81. ISHS Acta 1. Houston, Texas, USA: SCI Tech Horticulturae 680: III WOCMAP Publishing LLC; 2002. pp. 259–19. Congress on Medicinal and Aromatic 15. Nazneen P, Singhal KC, Khan NU, Plants, Vol. 6.Traditional Medicine and Singhal P. Potential antifilarial activity Nutraceuticals. of Streblus asper against Setaria 22. Amarnath Gupta PP, Kulshreshtha DK, cervi (nematoda: filarioidea) Indian J Dhawan BN. Antiallergic activity Pharmacol. 1989;21:16. of Streblus asper.Indian J Pharmacol; 16. Singh SN, Chatterjee RK, Srivastava Proceedings of the XXXIV Annual AK.Effect of glycosides of Streblus conference of the Indian Pharmacological asper on motility, glucose uptake, and Society; January 10–12, 2002; Nagpur. certain enzymes of carbohydrate 2002. pp. 211–26. metabolism of Setaria cervi. Drug Dev 23. Hashim MS, Devi KS.Insecticidal Res. 1994;32:191–5. action of the polyphenolic rich fractions 17. Singh SN, Raina D, Chatterjee RK, from the stem bark of Streblus Srivastava AK. Antifilarial glycosides asper on Dysdercus of Streblus asper: effect on metabolism of cingulatus. Fitoterapia. 2003;74:670– adult Setaria 6. [PubMed] cervi females. Helminthologia. 1998;35:17 24. Das MK, Beuria MK. Anti-malarial 3–7. property of an extract of the plant Streblus 18. Baranwal AK, Kumar P, Trivedi VP.A asper in murine malaria. Trans R Soc Trop preliminary study of Streblus asper Lour. Med Hyg. 1991;85:40–1. [PubMed] (shakhotak) as an anti-lymphoedematous agent. Nagarjun. 1978;21:22–4. Corresponding Author: 19. Triratana T, Thaweboon B. The testing Dr.Sanjay Prakash.Lecturer, Department of crude extracts of Streblus asper (Koi) of Dravyaguna, Govt. Ayurvedic College against Streptococcus & Hospital, Varanasi-221002.U.P.(India). mutans and Streptococcus salivarius. J Email:[email protected] Dent Assoc Thai. 1987;37:19– 25. [PubMed] Source of support: Nil 20. Taweechaisupapong S, Choopan T, Conflict of interest: None Singhara S, et al.In vitro inhibitory effect Declared of Streblus asper leaf-extract on adhesion Cite this Article as:P rakash Sanjay: Gokshura of Candida albicans to human buccal (Tribulus Terrestris Linn.) -A Review epithelial cells. J

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