Gokshura (puncture vine)
Tribulus terrestris
Photo credit: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Generally mild; rare hepatotoxicity and case reports of nephrotoxicity/neurotoxicity with certain products; grazing animals can develop photosensitization (geeldikkop).
Contraindications: Pregnancy and hormone-sensitive conditions (caution); prostate conditions (variable evidence); liver disease.
Interactions: Antidiabetics, antihypertensives, diuretics, lithium; possible additive with hormone-active agents.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy: caution (hormone-sensitive).
Evidence level
Supported by clinical trials in humans.
Preparations
decoction · fruit
Part used: fruit
standardized saponin extract · fruit
Part used: fruit
stir-fried · fruit
Part used: fruit
in formula · fruit
Part used: fruit
powder · fruit
Part used: fruit
Traditional use: urinary disorders/stones, vitality, reproductive tonic
Proposed mechanism: steroidal saponins (protodioscin) — possible nitric-oxide/androgen-pathway, diuretic, antilithic, aphrodisiac-type; testosterone claims not consistently supported in humans
decoction · fruit
Part used: fruit
Traditional use: calms the liver, anchors yang, expels wind, brightens the eyes, relieves itch; liver-yang headache/dizziness, red eyes, itchy skin, breast/menstrual stagnation
Proposed mechanism: steroidal saponins (protodioscin and others), flavonoids, alkaloids — antioxidant, antidiabetic, diuretic, cardiovascular effects
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Minor; value is in saponins.
Healing traditions
Sources (2)
- Saeed 2024, Heliyon (PMID 38375303)
- [E41] Tribulus terrestris phytochemical/pharmacological/toxicological comprehensive review