What is gokshura?
Gokshura or Tribulus Terrestris is a herb that is extensively used in Ayurveda to manage kidney, urinary tract and prostate gland disorders. Gokshura boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, and builds strength and stamina. Gokshura is also known as gokhru, gokhuri, caltrops, goat head, devil's weed and puncture vine. Its name is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Go’ that means cow and ‘Aakshura’ that means hoof - as gokshura fruits look like cow hooves. Besides being beneficial in urinary tract related problems, it also helps in skin issues, sexual disorders, kidney stones, weight loss, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and even heart disease.
Health benefits of Gokshura
1. Gokshura has antioxidant properties
Gokshura or Tribulus Terrestris contains a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals, including saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and unsaturated acids. This amazing blend of compounds make the herb a powerful antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Too much oxidative stress increases inflammation, accelerates ageing and increases the risk of chronic diseases. Herbs such as gokshura provide additional antioxidant support to the body to fight disease and inflammation. Its anti-oxidant properties also help improve skin health, keeping your skin looking young, glowing and fresh. It protects skin from the oxidative damage caused by sun exposure, preventing premature skin ageing and reducing the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots. It also helps in acne and skin infections.
2. Gokshura supports urinary tract health
Gokshura supports urinary tract health and functions in several ways. It cleanses, cools and nourishes the urinary tract. It is used to manage various urinary problems such as urinary incontinence, painful urination and a burning sensation while urinating. It is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and works as a mild diuretic, which makes it an excellent herb to promote the flow of urine, get rid of toxins and protect against urinary tract infections (UTIs).
3. Gokshura supports prostate health
Gokshura can be effective in prostate disorders such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In this condition, prostate and the surrounding tissues enlarge, causing the prostate to press against the urethra. The squeezing of urethra and thickening of bladder wall weaken the bladder and impact bladder functions, causing symptoms such as difficulty emptying the bladder even after a lot of straining, painful urination, weak flow of urine, urinary incontinence (accidental leakage) and dribbling. In some cases, benign prostatic hyperplasia may even lead to urinary tract infections and impaired kidney functions. Gokshura supports not only prostate health, but this amazing herb is equally effective in managing kidney functions.
4. Gokshura supports kidney health
Gokshura supports kidney health in a lot of ways. It helps in removing excess uric acid and improves symptoms in gout. It blocks the production of oxalate, prevents the formation of kidney stones due to its anti-lithiasis properties, and reduces the size of kidney stones that have already formed. Both animal and human studies show that it likely effective in the treatment of urinary calculi (stones within the urinary tract). [1]
5. Gokshura helps in bodybuilding
The benefits of gokshura in bodybuilding are well-known It is used a supplement to build healthy muscles and improve stamina and athletic performance. It can be a great addition for fitness enthusiasts who need something completely natural to help build lean muscle mass and improve strength. The herb is a good source of minerals and other nutrients, which makes it a great supplement to nourish the body. Gokshura contains protodioscin, a saponin that helps release nitric oxide NO). NO is a well-known vasodilator that improves blood circulation, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the muscles. Protodioscin is also responsible for the testosterone boosting benefits of this amazing herb. Testosterone plays an important role in muscle building. In addition, initial research shows that short term supplementation with gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris) might also reduce the muscle damage after high-intensity resistance exercise. [2] These properties are the reason behind the use of gokshura in bodybuilding.
6. Gokshura supports heart health
With its powerful antioxidant action, gokshura supports heart health and helps in a variety of heart related conditions. It contains high amounts of saponins, phytochemicals that help dilate arteries and improve blood circulation. Gokshura removes excess fluid from the body, which helps maintain blood pressure.
7. Gokshura lowers blood sugar levels
Research shows that gokshura blocks the activity of enzymes that facilitate the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates. This helps in reducing the spikes in blood sugar levels. A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that tribulus terrestris reduced blood sugar and total cholesterol levels. [3]
8. Gokshura boosts libido and improves sexual health in men
Gokshura shows significant aphrodisiac properties. Taking gokshura supplements can help improve sexual wellness as the herb is known to improve testosterone levels in men. In addition, gokshura boosts libido and energy, and improves symptoms in erectile dysfunction.
9. Gokshura benefits for females
Gokshura boosts libido and vitality in both men and women with low sex drives. Gokshura benefits for females are demonstrated by many studies that show the herb is beneficial for the reproductive system. This positive effect on women’s health is due to the presence of steroidal saponin called protodioscin, the same bioactive component that makes gokshura a helpful herb in improving men’s health. [4]
Other health benefits of Gokshura:
Gokshura supplements work as a natural remedy to support bladder and prostate health, but the herb offers many other incredible health benefits.
- Prevents hair loss and helps in hair regrowth
- Works in anti-ageing
- Improves digestion
- Boosts mental health and improves mood
- Helps in PCOS
What are the side effects of taking gokshura?
Gokshura supplements are well-tolerated and considered safe for most people when taken in the right doses, but high doses can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea and poor sleep. It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and those with diabetes and high blood pressure should always consult their healthcare practitioner before taking gokshura supplements.
What is the best time to take gokshura?
You can take gokshura in the morning with food and water for best results.
Recommended dosage of gokshura
3 capsules per day with food and water for at least 3 months to achieve the benefits for urinary tract and prostate health. The recommended dosage also depends on the heath condition you want to target and your age. It is best to consult your healthcare practitioner for the right dosage, if you are looking to target a specific condition.
References:
- Mahboubi, Mohaddese. Tribulus Terrestris and its Efficacy in the Treatment of Urinary Calculi. The Natural Products Journal, Volume 12, Number 7, 2022
- Talemi et al. Tribulus Terrestris may decrease muscle damage markers following a high-intensity resistance exercise: A pilot study. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research VOL. 91, NO. 5-6. 2020.
- Samani et al. Efficacy of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tribulus terrestris on the Serum Glucose and Lipid Profile of Women With Diabetes Mellitus: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2016
- Ghanbari et al. Tribulus terrestris and female reproductive system health: A comprehensive review. Phytomedicine. 2021.
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