Gokshura
Sanskrit: Gokshura
Tribulus terrestris
A small spiny fruit traditionally used in Ayurveda in the context of urinary comfort and general strength.
Also known as
Gokshura · Gokhru · Puncture vine · Caltrops
- hindi:
- Gokhru
- tamil:
- Nerunjil
- telugu:
- Palleru
- bengali:
- Gokhri
- marathi:
- Sarate
Parts used
- Dried fruit
- Whole plant
Traditional overview
- Classically described in Ayurveda as supportive of comfortable urine flow.
- Traditionally prepared as a dried fruit decoction or powder.
- Also appears in traditional strengthening formulations.
Common traditional forms
- decoction
- powder
- tablet
Wellness tags
- urinary wellness
- reproductive wellness
Body focus
- urinary system
- reproductive system
Concerns
- general urinary wellness
What to know before use
A concentrated herbal fruit, not a kitchen ingredient. Traditionally used in the context of urinary comfort and strength, which is exactly where self-direction goes wrong: burning urine, blood in urine, fever or flank pain need prompt medical assessment. It has a mild diuretic tendency, is unsuitable in pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood, and needs clinician review with kidney disease, diabetes or blood-pressure medicines. Sports and "performance" blends containing it are a separate, poorly regulated category.
Important cautions
A traditional preparation, not a performance product. Marketing claims about strength or sexual performance are not established, and urinary symptoms need proper assessment.
Who should avoid it
- People with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones, without practitioner guidance
- People with prostate conditions, who need medical assessment first
- People with hormone-sensitive conditions
- People with painful or bloody urination, who need medical care
Medicine interactions
- May interact with diuretic medicines
- May affect blood sugar alongside diabetes medicines
- Caution with blood pressure medicines
- Caution with lithium
PregnancyNot advised during pregnancy or nursing.
ChildrenNot intended for children.
Quality and buying guidance
Buy fruit labelled Tribulus terrestris from a licensed manufacturer with batch and expiry details, not bulk material or gym supplements of unstated composition. Avoid multi-ingredient performance products with proprietary blends. Prefer suppliers publishing heavy-metal testing, and store airtight, cool and dry.
Evidence note
This entry rests on traditional and household use recorded over generations, not on clinical trials. Treat it as cultural and educational information.
Related ingredients
Traditional wellness information only — not medical advice. Start small, and check with a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or managing a medical condition.