Review of Spermatogenic Activity of Gokshuradi Churna and its Extracts

Abstract

Male reproductive function is highly sensitive to many factors such as physical and chemical agents which leads to infertility. Infertility is defined as the inability of a sexually active, non-contraception couple to achieve pregnancy in one year. (WHO 2000) In 40 to 50 % of cases, a semen analysis can rule out the cause of the abnormality. It can easily determine the total sperm count, motility and morphology of the sperm etc. Many drugs in the market are available but they might produce side effects that cannot be ignored. There are various formulations used as Vajikarana Aushadhi in Ayurveda. Gokshuradi churna is one of such versatile formulation that possesses Vajikaran properties and is used in male infertility. This formulation consists of five herbal ingredients which are Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn), Ikshura (Asteracantha longifolia), Mash (Phaseolus mungo), Atmagupta (Mucuna prurita hook) & Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). Hence Gokshuradi churna is selected here, to evaluate its Spermatogenic activity.Gokshuradi Churna is an Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in the ancient classical text Ashtang Hridaya.This formulation consists of five ingredients i.e Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn), Ikshura (Asteracantha longifolia Nees), Mash (Phaseolus mungo Linn), Atmagupta seeds (Mucuna prurita Hook) & Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Wild). Many formulations are available in various texts under thesame name Gokshuradi Churna with different ingredients and different Rogadhikara.