Gokshuradi Guggulu: A Comprehensive Classical Literary Review

Gokshuradi Guggulu is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal-mineral compound formulation that has been documented across major Ayurvedic classical texts (Samhitas) for the management of disorders of the Mutravaha Srotas, Asthi-Sandhi Vyadhi, and systemic inflammatory conditions. Despite its widespread clinical use in contemporary Ayurvedic practice, a consolidated classical literary review of this formulation encompassing all major Samhitas is lacking in the published literature. The aim is to compile, critically analyze, and present a comprehensive classical literary review of Gokshuradi Guggulu based on references from major Ayurvedic Samhitas, evaluate its pharmacological properties ingredient-wise, and assess its mode of action (Karma) based on classical Dravyaguna principles. A systematic literary search was conducted through major classical Ayurvedic texts including Sharangdhara Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam, Ashtanga Sangraha, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Yoga Ratnakara, Chakradatta, and Gadanigraha. Electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Shodhganga, and DHARA were also searched for pharmacological evidence on individual ingredients and the compound formulation. Gokshuradi Guggulu is composed of nine principal ingredients — Gokshura, Shuddha Guggulu, Triphala (Haritaki, Bibhitaka, Amalaki), Trikatu (Shunthi, Maricha, Pippali), and Musta. The formulation is consistently referenced across all reviewed classical texts for Mutrakrichra, Ashmari, Vatasthila, Prameha, Shotha, and related conditions. Its pharmacological actions include Mutrajananana (diuretic), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Lekhana (anti-proliferative/scraping), Ashmarighna (lithotriptic), Deepana-Pachana (digestive and metabolic), and Rasayana (rejuvenative) properties. Gokshuradi Guggulu is a classically validated, multi-targeted Ayurvedic compound formulation with strong textual support across multiple Samhitas. The synergistic and complementary pharmacological actions of its constituent drugs provide a robust theoretical basis for its broad therapeutic utility. Further evidence-based clinical research is warranted to substantiate its classical claims.