Gokhru

Botanical Description

• Growth Habit: Gokhru is a low-growing, prostrate plant with spreading stems that can extend up to 2 meters.
• Leaves: The leaves are pinnately compound, green, and opposite, with small leaflets.
• Flowers: The plant produces small, yellow, five-petaled flowers that bloom individually in the leaf axils.
• Fruits: The fruit is spiny and globular, breaking into nutlets with sharp spines. This spiny nature is why it is sometimes called “puncture vine.”
• Seeds: The seeds are small and brown.

Chemical Constituents

Gokhru contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as:

• Saponins (including protodioscin)
• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids
• Glycosides
• Tannins

Cautions and Side Effects

• Gokhru is generally safe when taken in recommended doses, but excessive consumption may lead to side effects like stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, should consult a healthcare provider before use.