Unveiling the mechanisms of Rasayana therapy: Spotlight on unique contribution of Gokshura as Rasayana and Vajikarana Dravya in various classical texts

Abstract The medicinal plant Gokshura ( Tribulus terrestris L.) is utilized as a medicine as well as Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) and Rasayana Dravya (rejuvenative) in Ayurvedic literature. An attempt has been made to comprehensively review and document the Rasayana and Vajikarana properties of Gokshura , enlisted in different contexts across Ayurvedic texts and contemporary information from articles from peer-reviewed journals. It was found that 58 Rasayana and 54 Vajikarana formulations including Gokshura as a single ingredient in different dosage forms are mentioned in Ayurveda classics. Additionally, studies on Gokshura have shown that it has important chemical constituents which contribute to immunomodulatory, aphrodisiac, antioxidant, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and cardiotonic properties. The current article offers a realistic assessment of Gokshura ( Tribulus terrestris L.) based on the formulations that are need in a number of rare Ayurvedic texts with its supporting evidences from scientific articles.