Tribulus terrestris (Chota Gokhru)

Family: Zygophyllaceae

[Tribulus terrestris (Chota Gokhru): The Ayurvedic Uroprotective and Vitality Enhancer

Tribulus terrestris, known in Ayurveda as Chota Gokhru, is a revered herb with powerful diuretic, nephroprotective, aphrodisiac, and vitality-enhancing properties. It is widely used in traditional medicine systems to support urinary tract health, male reproductive function, hormonal balance, and muscle strength.
With its spiny fruits and creeping nature, Tribulus has found a place in numerous classical formulations for conditions ranging from kidney stones and painful urination to sexual debility and fatigue. Today, it is recognized globally as a natural remedy for urinary, endocrine, and metabolic support.

What is Chota Gokhru?

Tribulus terrestris is a prostrate, spreading annual herb with small pinnate leaves and yellow flowers. Its name “Gokhru” refers to the spiny burs or fruits that resemble the hoof of a cow (‘Go’ = cow, ‘khura’ = hoof).

In Ayurveda, Chota Gokhru is classified as:

Rasa: Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
Virya: Sheeta (cooling)
Vipaka: Madhura (sweet post-digestive effect)

It pacifies Pitta and Vata doshas, and is traditionally used to treat urinary infections, reproductive weakness, gout, and inflammation.

Where Does It Grow?

Geographical Distribution

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It is commonly found as a wild herb in fields, roadsides, and dry sandy areas, and is now cultivated for its medicinal fruits and aerial parts.

India (widely distributed across plains and dry regions)

China and Australia

Sri Lanka

Africa

Southern Europe

Climate

Dry, subtropical or tropical

Altitude

Sea level to 1200 meters

Soil

Sandy, well-drained, slightly alkaline

Rainfall

500–900 mm annually

Ideal Growing Conditions

Its hardiness and low water requirement make it suitable for semi-arid and arid regions.

Parts Used and [Phytochemical Constituents

The whole plant is used therapeutically, with special emphasis on the fruits and roots.

Key Phytochemicals:

These compounds offer diuretic, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, testosterone-modulating, and antioxidant benefits.

Acts as a diuretic, increasing urine output and flushing toxins
Reduces burning micturition, dysuria, and urinary tract infections
Prevents and helps dissolve renal and bladder calculi (kidney stones)
Used in Mutrakrichha, Ashmari, and Mutraghata conditions

Commonly found in Ayurvedic formulations like Gokshuradi Guggulu and Punarnavadi Kashayam.

Therapeutic Benefits of Tribulus terrestris

Chota Gokhru supports a wide range of functions, particularly in renal health, reproductive function, muscle strength, and metabolic regulation.

How to Use Chota Gokhru Safely

Chota Gokhru is available in various traditional and modern forms, depending on the indication and individual constitution.

Common Forms

Churna (Powder): Taken with water, honey, or ghee
Kashayam (Decoction): Used in urinary or inflammatory conditions
Capsules/Tablets: Standardized for saponin content (typically 40–60%)
Guggulu-based formulas: Combined with anti-inflammatory agents
Oil formulations: Used externally in muscle and joint massage

Tribulus has been widely studied for its role in urogenital health, hormone modulation, and sports performance.

Key Research Highlights:

Urinary support: Diuretic activity and renal stone inhibition confirmed in animal models
Testosterone modulation: Some human studies report increased libido and hormonal balance
Spermatogenesis: Animal studies show improved sperm quality and motility
Anti-inflammatory action: Saponins shown to reduce inflammatory mediators in arthritis models
Sports performance: Mixed results in trials; may benefit when used synergistically

Its use in formulations like Gokshuradi Guggulu is well-documented in Ayurvedic pharmacopeias for urogenital and musculoskeletal disorders.

Tribulus terrestris (Chota Gokhru) is a time-honored Ayurvedic herb with remarkable diuretic, aphrodisiac, and anti-inflammatory properties. Whether used for urinary tract health, reproductive rejuvenation, hormonal balance, or muscle support, Chota Gokhru provides a safe, plant-based solution for enhancing physical resilience and internal balance.

Its adaptability across systems, renal, endocrine, sexual, musculoskeletal, makes it a valuable herb in both preventive and restorative healthcare, supported by classical wisdom and growing scientific interest.

Precautions and Contraindications

Tribulus is well tolerated but may require moderation in specific contexts.

References

1. Adimoelja, A. (2000). Phytochemicals and the breakthrough of traditional herbs in the management of sexual dysfunctions. International Journal of Andrology, 23(S2), 82–84.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0272.2000.00013.x

2. Gauthaman, K., Adaikan, P. G., Prasad, R. N. V. (2002). Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus terrestris extract in normal and castrated rats. Life Sciences, 71(12), 1385–1396.

3. Kumar, A., et al. (2006). Evaluation of diuretic activity of Tribulus terrestris in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 104(3), 322–325.

4. Mada, S. B., et al. (2013). Antilithiatic activity of aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris in rats. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, 5(8), 143–148.

5. Mishra, R., et al. (2014). Tribulus terrestris Linn: A review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 27(2), 36–43.