Tribulus Terrestris, commonly known Gokshura is an annual herb distributed around the world. Gokshura is a Sanskrit name and it means “cow’s hoof”. This name was given probably because of the little thorns present in the fruit which used to get stuck on the grazing animals. This plant also has other names such as caltrop, devil’s eyelashes, devil’s thorns, bokharu, bhakhdi, and puncture vine. This plant is well adapted to survive the extreme conditions and can survive in dry climates where other plants may not grow. This tropical plant is widely spread all over Africa and India. Apart from that, it is also found in parts of Asia, middle east, and Europe.

Gokshura is a powerful medicinal herb and has been put into various therapeutic uses. Both the fruit and root of this herb have been used in Indian Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Charaka, the father of Indian medicine, recognized this herb as an aphrodisiac, a food that arouses sexual desire and diuretic, a food that helps excrete the toxins and waste via the urine. Gokshura has been used to treat various health conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, and epistaxis. It is also used for treating arthritis in various parts of South Africa.

The fruit and root of this herb are of significant use in medicine. The fruits of Gokshura are diuretic, aphrodisiac and anti-inflammatory. The roots of this herb are used to treat asthma, cough, anemia, and internal inflammation. Also, the ash of this plant can be used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Some basic facts about Gokshura:

• Botanical name: Tribulus terrestris
• Family: Zygophyllaceae
• Common name: Gokhru, Gokshura, Chotagokhru  
• Parts used: The root and fruits are used in medicine.
• Native region and geographical distribution: This medicinal herb originated in India. It is widely spread across India and Africa but is also found in parts of Asia, middle east and Europe.

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