Last verified: April 2026

Gokshura

गोक्षुर -- Gokshura -- "cow's hoof; Go (cow) + Kshura (hoof) -- named for the shape of its thorny fruit"

Gokshura is the primary classical herb for conditions of the Mutra Vaha Srotas (urinary channels) -- documented in Charaka Samhita for Mutra Krichra (dysuria), Ashman (urinary calculi), and Mutraghat (urinary obstruction). It is simultaneously a Rasayana and a urinary therapeutic -- unusual among classical herbs, which are typically either purifying or nourishing rather than both. Part of both the Laghu Panchamoola (five small roots) and the classical Trina Panchamoola groups.

Important noticeThis page documents what classical texts record. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner (BAMS or MD Ayurveda). Full disclaimer

Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 4.18

Mutrakrichragna... gokshuro mukhyah -- Gokshura is the primary herb in the Mutrakrichragna (dysuria-relieving) group. It is Mutrala (promotes urination), Ashmarighna (dissolves urinary stones), and simultaneously Rasayana -- an unusual combination documented because the urinary system's health directly affects Shukra Dhatu formation.

Classical documentation

Ashtanga Hridayam documents Gokshura across: urinary conditions (Mutravaha Srotas obstruction, calculi, burning urination), male reproductive conditions (Shukra Kshaya -- through the urinary-reproductive channel connection), oedema (Shotha -- through its diuretic and channel-clearing action), and as part of Dashamoola (in the Laghu Panchamoola component). Its Sheeta Virya (cold potency) and Madhura Rasa make it one of the rare urinary herbs that does not aggravate Pitta while clearing the channels.

Tribulosaponins -- modern pharmacology

Tribulosaponins (protodioscin and protogracillin) from Tribulus terrestris have been documented in multiple studies for testosterone enhancement, urinary stone dissolution (by reducing calcium oxalate crystal formation), and diuretic activity. The urinary stone research is particularly well-documented and consistent with the classical Ashmarighna documentation. Research on testosterone enhancement has produced mixed results across different geographic varieties of the plant -- the Indian variety (Gokshura) appears to have different saponin profiles from the European and Asian varieties studied in much of the Western sports supplement literature.

Panchamoola context

Gokshura is part of the Laghu Panchamoola (five small roots): Gokshura, Brihati, Kantakari, Shalaparni, Prishnaparni. This group is the Vata-reducing, Kapha-clearing component of the classical Dashamoola (ten-root) compound. Gokshura Churna is widely available; Gokshuradi Guggulu is the primary compound formulation for urinary conditions.