Gokshura is a single herb formulation prepared from the fruit extract of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) Gokshura has potent aphrodisiac activity and is recommended in the management of decreased libido and erectile disfunction. Gokshura contains steroidal spirostanol and furostanol saponins that increase dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels, which in turn contribute to the androgenic activity (intracavernous pressure). The vasodilatory effect of Gokshura is mediated through nitric oxide release and membrane hyperpolarization that corrects erectile dysfunction (ED). Gokshura exhibits free radical scavenging activity, inhibits lipid peroxidation, and thus aids in the management of infertility.
Pharmacological Actions
1. Aphrodisiac activity
Gokshura administration has been reported to increase the levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and dihydrotestosterone in the blood. This hormonal modulation has been attributed to the presence of steroidal saponins. These saponins have been shown to improve libido, sexual activity, and intracavernous pressure. It is believed that the hormonal effects of saponins are mediated through their metabolic conversion into dehydroepiandrosterone. Besides central effects, testosterone has been shown to act peripherally by facilitating the nitrergic neurotransmission, accentuating nitric oxide synthase activity, and nitric oxide release in the cavernosa, all of which contribute to penile erection. Thus, the aphrodisiac activity of Gokshura aids in correcting ED.
2. Androgenic and spermatogenesis activities
The role of androgens in sexual behavior is unequivocal. Androgens such as testosterone and its metabolites dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone contribute to the androgenic status and therefore influence the sexual characteristics.
Administration of Gokshura extract is found to improve libido and spermatogenesis and protodioscin is found to increase the levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. The continued administration of the extract possibly increases the androgenic status both centrally and peripherally. Gokshura exerts a similar effect as that of androgens and is thus used in the treatment of mild-to-moderate ED.
Gokshura extract has a positive effect on the qualitative and quantitative features of sperms. Gokshura extract improves erection and sexual behavior and increases the levels of sexual hormones Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has a direct effect on spermatocyte production. In a study conducted to evaluate the role of FSH, testosterone, and Sertoli cell apoptosis, it was found that FSH acts as an intensifier in the process of spermatogenesis. Additionally, testosterone causes delayed Sertoli cell death, thereby causing changes in the whole process of spermatogenesis. Thus, the increase in primary spermatocytes in the early and middle stages of spermatogenesis is due to a significant increase in testosterone levels.
Gokshura enhances testosterone production through the stimulation of LH from the pituitary gland, leading to an increase in skeletal muscle mass, secondary to augmentation of plasma testosterone
3. Vasodilatory activity
The arterial vasodilatory effect of Gokshura is mediated through nitric oxide release and membrane hyperpolarization. Administration of Gokshura extract increases sexual behavior and intracavernous pressure probably due to its androgen-increasing property.
4. Antioxidant activity
Gokshura exhibits free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities and strongly inhibits lipid peroxidation. Gokshura is a possible new, powerful, and natural source of antioxidants, which makes it useful in the therapy of free radical pathologies. Gokshura has a new benefit in infertility therapy.
Indications
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
Due to the possibility of phototoxic reactions, patients using Gokshura should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and must use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (> 30).
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