Tribulus terrestris (Gokhru / Puncture Vine)

Introduction

Tribulus terrestris, commonly known as Gokhru, is a well-known medicinal herb in Unani and traditional systems. It is especially valued for its diuretic, stone-breaking, and reproductive tonic properties.

Morphology (Plant Description)

Plant

• A creeping vine that grows during the rainy season
• Length: Up to 4 feet
• Branches:
  • Numerous
  • Spread along the ground
  • Thin, green, and slightly hairy

Leaves

• Slightly larger than gram (chana) leaves
• Arranged in small paired leaflets

Flowers

• Yellow, five-petaled
• Appear near the leaf bases

Fruits

• Small, round capsules
• Characteristic feature:
  • Five-angled sharp spines (thorns)
• Filled with seeds
• Contains light fragrant oil

Root

• Thin
• Length: 5–6 inches
• Color: Brown

Habitat

• Found widely in:
  • Pakistan
  • India
• Grows commonly in:
  • Fields
  • Roadsides
  • Dry and sandy areas

Chemical Composition

• Contains:
  • Salts
  • Non-volatile oil (~3.5%)
  • Slight aromatic constituents

Varieties

1. Small Gokhru (Chhota Gokhru)

• More potent medicinally
• Commonly used

2. Large Gokhru

• Similar plant structure
• Fruit is larger and thicker
• Considered:
  • Mildly safer
  • Sometimes preferred in pregnancy (under supervision)

Temperament (Mizaj)

• Hot and Dry (1st degree)

Pharmacological Actions

• Mudir-e-Baul (diuretic)
• Mufattit-e-Hasat (breaks kidney & urinary stones)
• Mudirr-e-Haid (promotes menstruation)
• Muqawwi-e-Bah (aphrodisiac / reproductive tonic)
• Musakkin (soothing to urinary tract)

Medicinal Uses

1. Kidney & Urinary Disorders

• Highly effective in:
  • Kidney stones
  • Urinary tract stones
• Works by:
  • Increasing urine output
  • Breaking and expelling stones

2. Urinary Infections

• Fresh leaf extract:
  • Useful in:
    • Gonorrhea
    • Urinary tract inflammation
  • Provides soothing effect during urination

3. Menstrual Disorders

• Due to diuretic and stimulating action:
  • Used in regulating menstrual flow

4. Reproductive Health

• Acts as:
  • Sexual tonic (Muqawwi-e-Bah)
• Helps:
  • Improve sexual strength
  • Manage early ejaculation
  • Strengthen reproductive system

5. Blood & General Tonic

• Strengthens:
  • Blood
  • General body vitality
• Traditionally taken with:
  • Milk
  • Sugar (Misri)

Special Benefit

• Powerful urinary tonic and stone-dissolving agent

Dosage

• 5–7 grams

Formulations (Unani Preparations)

Used in:

• Sharbat Bazuri (urinary tonic)
• Tinctures and compound formulations
• Other diuretic and stone-breaking preparations