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Gokhru Fruit Extract

Also known as: Gokhru, Gokshur, Puncture vine, Devil’s Thorn, Goathead, Tribulus terrestris L., Tribulus terrestris

Overview

Gokhru fruit extract is derived from the fruits of Tribulus terrestris, a plant belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, with a long history of use in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems. It is commonly utilized for its purported diuretic, aphrodisiac, profertility, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood sugar regulatory properties. The extract contains key bioactive compounds such as steroidal saponins (notably protodioscin), nitrates, potassium salts, and essential oils, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While research on Gokhru is ongoing, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses available, the quality of evidence is mixed. Some systematic reviews and meta-analyses support its benefits in fertility and diuresis, but evidence for other effects remains limited or preliminary, often constrained by small sample sizes and study heterogeneity. Despite these limitations, Gokhru is generally considered safe at recommended doses, though further large-scale, high-quality human trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy and standardize dosing.

Benefits

Gokhru fruit extract offers several potential benefits, with varying strengths of evidence. Its diuretic activity is well-supported by animal studies, showing effects comparable to furosemide, including increased sodium and chloride excretion while sparing potassium. This suggests its utility in reducing water retention and potentially aiding in hypertension management, though human clinical trials are needed to confirm this. For male fertility and aphrodisiac effects, a 2023 meta-analysis of 30 studies, including 133 human subjects, found statistically significant improvements in sperm concentration (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.624) and sperm motility (SMD = 0.742). This indicates a moderate effect size for enhancing male fertility, making it a promising area for men experiencing issues with sperm parameters. Additionally, a systematic review suggested potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, with some preliminary evidence for improved blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. However, these effects require confirmation through larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials. The overall safety profile at recommended doses is generally good, with rare reports of severe adverse effects.

How it works

The therapeutic actions of Gokhru fruit extract are attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition. Its diuretic effect is primarily linked to the presence of high potassium salts and nitrates, which increase urine output and promote electrolyte excretion. The aphrodisiac and profertility effects, particularly in males, are thought to be mediated by steroidal saponins, such as protodioscin. These compounds may influence endogenous androgen levels and support spermatogenesis, leading to improved sperm parameters. The observed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties likely stem from various phytochemicals within the extract that can scavenge free radicals and modulate inflammatory pathways. While these mechanisms are proposed, the exact absorption and bioavailability of its active compounds, especially steroidal saponins, are not yet fully characterized in humans.

Side effects

Gokhru fruit extract is generally considered safe when used at recommended doses. Common, mild side effects reported anecdotally include gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and headache. More serious adverse effects, such as hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and renal injury (kidney damage), have been reported in isolated cases. However, these instances are rare and often confounded by other factors, making it difficult to conclusively link them directly to Gokhru extract. A comprehensive review by LiverTox (2022) found no convincing evidence of hepatotoxicity in humans, although animal studies have shown potential liver toxicity at very high doses. Individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney disease should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using Gokhru, as it may interact with diuretics or medications affecting kidney function. Long-term safety data are limited, so short-term use in healthy individuals appears safer. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.

Dosage

The optimal dosage for Gokhru fruit extract is not yet well-established in humans, as clinical studies have used variable doses and forms. Animal studies investigating diuretic effects have used high doses, such as 5 g/kg of aqueous extract. For human use, particularly in fertility studies, doses vary widely and are often based on standardized extracts containing specific amounts of protodioscin or total saponins. Due to this variability, it is advisable to use standardized extracts to ensure consistency in active compound content. There are no specific recommendations regarding the timing of administration, and it is typically taken orally. The maximum safe dose is not clearly defined, and high doses may pose risks based on animal toxicity data. Given the lack of standardized human dosing, it is crucial to follow product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially when addressing specific health concerns. Absorption factors, such as co-administration with food, are not well-studied.

FAQs

Is Gokhru safe for long-term use?

Limited long-term safety data exist for Gokhru. While short-term use appears safe in healthy individuals, caution is advised for prolonged use until more comprehensive studies are available.

Does it really improve male fertility?

A meta-analysis supports moderate improvements in sperm concentration and motility. However, larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm these benefits definitively.

Can it be used for hypertension?

Its diuretic effect suggests potential benefits for blood pressure. However, clinical trials specifically in hypertensive patients are lacking, so it should not replace prescribed hypertension medication.

Are there risks of liver damage?

Reports of liver damage are rare and not conclusively linked to Gokhru in humans. However, individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should use it with caution and under medical supervision.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3931200/ – This animal study investigated the diuretic activity of Tribulus terrestris aqueous extract in rats. It found that a 5 g/kg dose exhibited a diuretic effect greater than furosemide, increasing sodium and chloride excretion while demonstrating potassium-sparing properties, suggesting its potential for managing fluid retention.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/7118431 – This meta-analysis, including 133 human subjects, evaluated the profertility effects of Tribulus terrestris. It reported significant improvements in sperm concentration (SMD=0.624) and motility (SMD=0.742), indicating a moderate positive effect on male fertility parameters, though noting heterogeneity and potential publication bias.
https://examine.com/supplements/tribulus-terrestris/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood sugar benefits of Tribulus terrestris. However, it emphasizes that the evidence is limited and preliminary, calling for more high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm these effects.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583201/ – This narrative review from LiverTox assessed the hepatotoxicity of Tribulus terrestris. It concluded that there is no convincing evidence of liver damage in humans, despite rare case reports, and noted that animal studies showed toxicity only at very high doses, suggesting a generally safe profile for human use.