Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) anti-hypertensive clinical study
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A clinical study
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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A.R Murthy, S.D. Dubey, K. Tripathi
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) - A clinical study
Year: 2000
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focuses on the anti-hypertensive effects of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.), an indigenous plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. While hypertension is not explicitly defined in classical Ayurvedic texts, contemporary scholars have attempted to explore its nomenclature, etiopathogenesis, and treatment in alignment with modern scientific standards. This research was conducted on a cohort of 75 patients suffering from mild to moderate essential hypertension, aiming to investigate the efficacy of Gokshura as a diuretic and hypotensive agent through a randomized controlled trial. The patients were divided into three groups and monitored over four weeks to evaluate improvements in clinical symptoms and blood pressure measurements.
Diuretic Properties of Gokshura
A key finding of the study is the significant diuretic action of both the whole plant and fruits of Gokshura, particularly observed through its effects on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The results demonstrated a gradual reduction in both blood pressure metrics in the treated groups compared to the control group, with the whole plant exhibiting a more pronounced effect. The study also reported improvements in various subjective symptoms associated with hypertension, such as headache and giddiness. Importantly, the increase in urinary volume further supports the plant鈥檚 efficacy as a diuretic. These findings underscore Gokshura鈥檚 potential to address the physiological underpinnings of hypertension through its capacity to reduce intravascular volume and enhance urinary output.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) presents a significant anti-hypertensive effect and may be effectively used in the management of mild to moderate hypertension without major side effects. Its diuretic properties contribute to the overall reduction in blood pressure and associated symptoms. Given these promising results, Gokshura can be recommended as a safe therapeutic option for patients experiencing fluid retention related to hypertension. However, further research with larger sample sizes is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action and to validate its effectiveness across varying hypertension levels and patient populations.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the clinical study on Gokshura?
The study investigates the anti-hypertensive effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.), assessing its efficacy in reducing mild to moderate essential hypertension symptoms and blood pressure.
What were the main findings regarding blood pressure reduction?
Both Gokshura-treated groups showed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group, with Group A exhibiting a greater effect than Group B.
What symptoms were evaluated in the study participants?
Symptoms assessed included headache, giddiness, insomnia, palpitation, and swelling, with significant improvement observed in both treated groups after one month of therapy.
What is the conclusion regarding Gokshura's use for hypertension?
Gokshura is concluded to have significant anti-hypertensive effects without side effects, suggesting its safe use for patients with mild to moderate hypertension, particularly with fluid retention.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淕okshura (Tribulus terrestris) anti-hypertensive clinical study鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body that carries oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products. In the context of hypertension and the study presented, blood pressure management is crucial. The measurements of systolic and diastolic pressure are pivotal indicators of cardiovascular health.
2) Drug:
In this study, a 'drug' refers to an agent being tested for its therapeutic effects, specifically the anti-hypertensive effects of Gokshura. The classification of substances into drug categories and their effects on health is fundamental in both Ayurveda and modern medicine, influencing treatment protocols.
3) Gokshura (Gok峁ra, Go-kshura):
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is an indigenous plant utilized in Ayurvedic medicine. It serves as a diuretic and has anti-hypertensive properties. The study focuses on its clinical efficacy in reducing symptoms and blood pressure in hypertensive patients, thereby validating traditional uses with scientific inquiry.
4) Tribulus terrestris:
This is the scientific name of the Gokshura plant, a crucial component studied for its health benefits. It belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae and is recognized for its potential diuretic and anti-hypertensive properties. The correct identification of the plant is essential for research and clinical applications.
5) Swelling:
Swelling is a symptom associated with fluid retention in hypertensive patients. In the study, it was assessed before and after treatment with Gokshura. The significant reduction in swelling indicates the efficacy of Gokshura in managing hypertension-related symptoms, thus improving patients' quality of life.
6) Dravyaguna (Dravyagu峁嘺, Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is a branch of Ayurveda that deals with the properties and actions of medicinal substances. It provides insights into the therapeutic applications of various herbs, including Gokshura, which are evaluated in clinical studies to ascertain their effectiveness based on traditional knowledge and scientific methods.
7) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana, Ras膩yana, R膩s膩yana):
Rasayana, or rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda, promotes overall well-being and vitality. In the context of hypertension management, Rasayana may reference substances that enhance the body鈥檚 resistance to disease. Gokshura's attributes may contribute to overall health improvement, complementing its diuretic effects.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world. In the context of this study, it relates to the evaluation of Gokshura's effects through empirical research, ensuring that findings can be reliably replicated and validated across broader populations.
9) Ayurveda (膧yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance among body, mind, and spirit. It provides a holistic approach to health, including dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications, making it relevant in addressing chronic conditions like hypertension through natural treatments.
10) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses. This study blends Ayurvedic and conventional medicine to evaluate Gokshura's efficacy, illustrating the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in treating conditions like hypertension, aiming for optimal health outcomes.
11) Hridya (H峁沝ya):
Hridya, meaning 'heart' in Ayurveda, refers to substances that are beneficial for heart health. The relevance lies in Gokshura's properties, which may influence cardiovascular health positively by modulating blood pressure and mitigating risk factors associated with heart disease.
12) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
In medical terms, accumulation refers to the build-up of substances, such as excess fluids causing hypertension. The study observes how Gokshura helps reduce such accumulation, thereby alleviating symptoms related to hypertension, reinforcing the need for effective diuretic treatments.
13) Tridoshaja (Trido峁ja):
Tridoshaja refers to the three humors in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which must be balanced for optimal health. Understanding how Gokshura impacts these doshas can inform its therapeutic role in treating hypertension, which is often viewed as a tridoshaja condition.
14) Discussion:
The discussion section of a study is where findings are interpreted and contextualized. Here, the results of Gokshura's efficacy are compared with existing literature, placing the research within the broader scope of hypertension management and Ayurveda, facilitating a deeper understanding of its implications.
15) Mastishka (Masti峁a):
Mastishka refers to the brain in Ayurvedic texts and holds significance in managing conditions that affect mental clarity and cognitive function. In the context of hypertension, maintaining mental health is essential, as stress can exacerbate blood pressure levels.
16) Tridosha (Trido峁, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha is the fundamental concept in Ayurveda, reflecting the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. It is crucial to understand how Gokshura affects these doshas to effectively address the multifactorial nature of hypertension prevalent in patients.
17) Shodhana (艢odhana, Sodhana):
Shodhana translates to purification or detoxification in Ayurveda. Gokshura may assist in shodhana by promoting diuresis and correcting fluid retention, thereby enhancing physiological balance and supporting the treatment of conditions like hypertension through natural body cleansing.
18) Vatahara (V膩t膩h膩ra, Vata-ahara):
Vatahara signifies the ability to pacify or reduce Vata dosha's influence in the body. High Vata can lead to stress-related hypertension; thus, Gokshura's Vatahara properties can play a role in managing blood pressure by promoting relaxation and reducing stress-related symptoms.
19) Lekhana:
Lekhana refers to scraping or reducing excess substances in Ayurvedic treatments. In hypertension, Lekhana can relate to reducing excess body fluid or fat. Gokshura aids this process, thus helping to lower blood pressure and alleviate patient symptoms effectively.
20) Mutrala (M奴trala):
Mutrala indicates substances that promote urination. Gokshura's mutrala properties enhance diuresis, which aids in reducing blood pressure through fluid volume reduction. This characteristic is fundamental to understanding how Gokshura functions as an effective treatment for hypertension.
21) Samaka (S膩m膩ka, Shamaka, S膩maka):
Shamaka denotes substances that provide tranquility and balance. In the context of hypertension, Gokshura can be seen as a shamaka due to its ability to reduce distressing symptoms. This property enhances its appeal for use in managing anxiety-related high blood pressure.
22) Samana (艢amana, Sam膩na, Sama峁嘺, Saman膩, 艢膩mana, S膩mana, Shamana, Sam膩n膩):
Shamana refers to calming or pacifying approaches in Ayurvedic medicine. By controlling symptoms of hypertension and promoting overall balance, Gokshura acts as a shamana agent, supporting the body's natural ability to regulate blood pressure and improve well-being.
23) Gelatin:
Gelatin is a form of protein derived from collagen, used in this study as a vehicle for administering Gokshura. It enhances bioavailability and absorption of the active ingredients when encapsulated in soft gelatin capsules, making the herbal remedy more effective.
24) Dipana (D墨pan膩, D墨pana):
Dipana signifies the enhancement of digestive fire (Agni) in Ayurveda. Improving digestion is critical in hypertension management. Gokshura may support this process, which can influence overall metabolic health and help mitigate complications associated with high blood pressure.
25) Medhya (Medhy膩, Me岣峢y膩):
Medhya refers to cognitive enhancers or substances that support brain function. Gokshura's potential medhya properties may aid in improving mental clarity and focus, important for individuals managing hypertension, as stress and anxiety can adversely affect blood pressure levels.
26) Rakta (Rakt膩):
Rakta refers to blood or the blood tissue in Ayurveda. It's significant in the context of hypertension as it relates to blood-related disorders. The study's aim of managing blood pressure resonates with the concepts of rakta in Ayurvedic pathology and treatment.
27) Water:
Water is essential for maintaining body fluid balance, particularly relevant in hypertensive conditions. Adequate hydration supports renal function, aiding Gokshura in its role as a diuretic. Understanding fluid dynamics is critical to managing blood pressure effectively through dietary and lifestyle modifications.
28) Agni:
Agni represents the digestive fire in Ayurveda, crucial for digestion, metabolism, and overall health. Addressing Agni is key in treating hypertension, and Gokshura's possible effects on enhancing Agni can support the body's natural mechanisms to balance blood pressure. This is elemental to Ayurvedic treatment strategies.
29) Diet:
Diet plays a critical role in managing hypertension, influencing blood pressure levels and overall health. The dietary restrictions outlined in the study, such as reducing salt and animal products, reflect established dietary principles in both Ayurveda and modern health approaches for controlling hypertension.
30) Ghi (Gh墨, Ghee):
Ghee, clarified butter used in Indian cooking, has Ayurvedic implications for health. While generally considered beneficial in moderation, the context of hypertension necessitates management of fat intake. The study advises restricting ghee to maintain balanced dietary habits and mitigate blood pressure issues.
31) Salt (Salty):
Salt is a significant dietary component that can elevate blood pressure when consumed in excess. Its restriction in this study's patient dietary recommendations highlights the importance of lifestyle changes in managing hypertension effectively, aligning with both Ayurvedic and consensus dietary guidelines.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) anti-hypertensive clinical study鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurvedic treatment, Classical literature, Clinical study, Clinical evaluation, Statistical Significance, Fluid Retention, Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure, Therapeutic outcome, Experimental studies, Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn), Ayurvedic scholar, Side effect, Mild to moderate hypertension, Anti-hypertensive effect, Randomly divided groups, Rational therapy.