Gokantaka (Gokantaka (Gokshura, Trikanta, Swadukantaka, Vanashringata))
Gokantaka, known botanically as Tribulus terrestris, is a herb traditionally used in Ayurveda for its diuretic and aphrodisiac properties. Modern research explores its potential in improving sexual function, managing blood sugar, and reducing inflammation, but more studies are needed to validate these uses.
Botanical name: Tribulus terrestris. Also known as: Puncture vine, Small caltrops, Tribulus, Cowhage, Gokhru, Gokshura, Gokshuraka, Trikata, Svadamshtra, Traikantaka, Trikantaka, Kantaphala, Svadukantaka, Gokantaka, Bullhead, Bindii, Caltrop, Burra Gokharu, Cat's head, Devil's eyelashes, Devil's thorn, Devil's weed, Tackweed, Goat head, Yellow vine.
Properties
Saponins may influence hormone levels., Flavonoids may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage
Dosages vary depending on the form of Tribulus terrestris used. Extracts are typically used in supplements, with dosages ranging from 100-250 mg, taken one to three times daily. The typical dose for raw Tribulus powder is around 1-3 grams per day. Some recommend 3-6 grams twice daily. A decoction is advised in a dose of 25-50 ml per day. Standardized Extract: 250-750 mg daily in divided doses. Churna (powder): 3–6 g twice daily with warm water or honey, post-meal, for urinary and reproductive support. Syrup (asava/arishta style): 15–20 ml twice a day with equal parts milk or warm water for elderly or children (age-adjusted dose).
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Madhura (sweet)
- Virya: ["Shita (cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura (sweet)"]
Benefits
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Mutrala (diuretic)
- Balya (tonic)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
Traditional uses
- Kshaya (general weakness)
- Asmari (urinary calculi)
- Krichchra (dysuria)
- Napumsakata (impotence)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction: Boil 1 tablespoon of Tribulus powder in 2 cups of water until reduced to half a cup. Filter and consume hot.
- Powder: Dried fruits can be crushed into a fine powder and added to water, warm milk, or honey.
- Pregnancy Care Ksheerapaka: Tribulus terrestris powder is added with 8 parts of milk and 32 parts of water, boiled until only milk content remains. Filtered and administered warm.
- Oil Infusion: Gokshura roots are steeped in a carrier oil like sesame or coconut oil for an extended period. The infused oil can be massaged on the skin.
- Tea: Add up to one teaspoon of the powdered tribulus to a cup of hot water, stir well, and consume in the morning and early in the evening.
- Beverage: Tribulus terrestris can be prepared into a beverage using a juice extractor, then mixed with konjac powder and auxiliary materials such as white granulated sugar, citric acid, and salt.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally contraindicated or should be avoided due to potential hormonal effects and lack of safety data.
- Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: Avoid in individuals with hormone-dependent cancers (breast, prostate, uterine) as it may influence hormone levels.
- Liver or Kidney Disease: Use with caution or avoid in severe liver or kidney disease as metabolism and elimination of active compounds may be impaired.
- Surgery: Certain groups should be especially cautious and consult a doctor before using Tribulus terrestris, including patients about to undergo surgery.
- Children: Tribulus terrestris is contraindicated for children under 16 years of age.
- Gallstones: Tribulus terrestris is contraindicated for people with a history of gallstones.
Side effects
- Mild digestive issues such as nausea, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea.
- Occasional headaches
- Elevated liver enzymes and liver stress.
- Kidney issues.
- Rare reports of kidney failure and severe jaundice.
- May increase the risk of blood clots, especially when taken with blood thinners.
- May cause low blood sugar.
- Priapism (prolonged erection)
Interactions
- Diuretics: May increase the effects of diuretic drugs.
- Antihypertensive drugs: May have an additive blood pressure-lowering effect.
- Antidiabetic drugs: May have additive blood sugar-lowering effects.
- Clopidogrel: May increase the risk of blood clots.
- Lithium: May decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium, potentially leading to serious side effects.
- Statins: May increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis and drug-induced liver injury.
- Blood pressure pills: May cause blood pressure to drop too low.
- Diuretics
- Antidiabetic medications
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 15 RCTs and databases tracking 20+ RCTs show some evidence for Gokantaka (Tribulus terrestris) in improving sexual function, particularly in women. However, evidence supporting increased testosterone levels and enhanced athletic performance is weak.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Mutrala (diuretic)
- Balya (tonic)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
Classical clinical indications
- Kshaya (general weakness)
- Asmari (urinary calculi)
- Krichchra (dysuria)
- Napumsakata (impotence)