Tribulus terrestris (Gokshura)

Ayurvedic herbs — a standing contamination note

Heavy-metal contamination (lead, mercury, arsenic) has been documented across a meaningful share of commercially sold Ayurvedic herbal products, as a product-manufacturing/sourcing risk layered on top of — not a substitute for — each herb's own safety profile above. One peer-reviewed cluster investigation found lead in 65% of 252 tested samples, mercury in 38%, and arsenic in 32%, with concentrations in many samples exceeding safe daily intake by up to several thousand times. An earlier study found 1 in 5 sampled products exceeded safety thresholds for at least one heavy metal. The FDA has separately issued a warning about heavy-metal poisoning linked to unapproved Ayurvedic drug products. Researchers attribute this mainly to raw-material sourcing rather than universal intentional adulteration — it is not eliminated just by choosing a well-known brand. Applies to every item in this group: ashwagandha, shatavari, tribulus terrestris (gokshura), safed musli, and shilajit.

The verdict

Multiple peer-reviewed case reports of severe liver and kidney injury exist alongside some evidence for sperm parameters in infertile men — this is a real safety trade-off, not a minor caveat. Testosterone-boosting claims are separately not well supported.

An Ayurvedic herb marketed as a testosterone/libido booster and male-fertility aid; very common in Indian men's health products.

What the evidence shows

A meta-analysis (~133 subjects, idiopathic male infertility) found significant improvement in sperm concentration and motility. Testosterone-boosting evidence is much weaker — most studies show no significant androgen change; the two that did involved men with existing hypogonadism and a small effect size.

Evidence tier

Documented harm

⛔ Peer-reviewed evidence of serious adverse effects from the item's own chemistry/pharmacology or a well-characterized allergic mechanism. More serious than contamination; not resolved by buying a 'reputable brand'.

Sources

Take this further

Last reviewed 14 July 2026.