Abstract

Somveer Singh*, Usha Sharma, Manish Purushottam Deshmukh, Shuchi Mitra and Khem Chand Sharma

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Infertility is an important and growing health problem affecting nearly 15% of couples worldwide. It is estimated that male factors contribute to 20-70% of cases depending on the latitude. The male reproductive system is susceptible to many factors such as environment, lifestyle as well as numerous physical and chemical factors which lead to infertility. In 40 to 50 % of cases, a semen analysis can rule out the cause of the infertility. Many drugs in the market are available but they might produce various side effects that cannot be ignored. Vajikarana is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, various herbal and herbomineral formulations take place in Vajikarana chikitsa owing to their aphrodisiac property. Gokshuradi Churna is a versatile formulation with Vajikarana properties and is used in male infertility. This formulation consists of five herbal ingredients i.e. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.), Ikshura (Asteracantha longifolia Nees.), Mash (Phaseolus mungo Linn.), Atmagupta (Mucuna prurita Hook.) & Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Wild.). It is a polyherbal formulation illustrated in the classical text of Ashtanga Hridaya. Many formulations are available in various texts under the same name Gokshuradi Churna with different contents and different Rogadhikara (indications). This article compiles the probable mode of action and Spermatogenesis activity of each ingredient of Gokshuradi Churna.