Guggulu is a gummy exudate which comes from a small shrub-like plant called Commiphora wightii (Commiphora mukul, Balsamodendron mukul). This plant grows in arid and semi-arid areas and is seen growing in parts of Northern Africa and Central Asia. Most commonly, it is found growing in the arid plains of India. The shrub reaches a maximum height of four meters. The bark is very thin and the branches are thorny.
The plant is important for its gummy resin which is removed by tapping. The gum which is known as guggulu has a myrrh-like fragrance and is used in incense and perfumes. Guggulu has been an important part of the Indian Ayurvedic System for more than 3000 years. From time immemorial, guggulu has been used for the treatment of rheumatism, neurological disorders, obesity and related disorders, syphilis, bronchitis, catarrh, gingivitis, inflammation, pyorrhea, sores, tonsillitis, hysteria, mania, skin and urinary disorders.
Chemicals in Guggulu
Guggulu has been found to contain guggulsterones, organic acids, aromatic acids, diterpenes, lignans, sterols, steroids, esters and fatty acid alcohols. Research has shown that guggulu is highly effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. And thus it helps prevent heart attacks. Guggulu has also been used to treat obesity. Guggulu helps strengthen the digestive system and thus protects from digestive and also liver disorders.
Ayurveda does not allow the use of pure guggulu for treatment of various ailments. In fact, it has to be combined with several other herbs in order to bring about the desired effect from guggulu. And thus guggulu is never consumed in its pure form. Furthermore, the dosage of guggulu varies from person to person, depending upon the individual’s constitution. Many Ayurvedic preparations which have guggulu are available for treating various problems.
Ayurvedic Guggulu Preparations
Gokshuradi guggulu is used to treat spermatorrhoea, gonorrhoea, painful micturition, leucorrhoea, albuminuria and rheumatism. Kaishore guggulu is used for malignant ulcers, leprosy, boils, fistula, sciatica and otorrhoea. Mahayograj gugulu is used in conditions like gout, rheumatism, leprosy, piles, colitis, spermatorrhoe, asthma and bronchitis. Singhnad guggulu is used in treating dyspepsia, indigestion, rheumatism, gout, paralysis, paraplegia, asthma, elephantiasis, dropsy and hernia. These are a few examples of Ayurvedic preparations containing guggulu.
Guggulu - Fat Buster
Probably the most important effect of guggulu which makes it a valuable drug in today’s age is its lipid regulating and immunomodulating properties. Research shows that guggulu can lower blood cholesterol by 14-27% and triglycerides by 22-30%. At the same time it also helps in increasing the level of HDL (also known as the good cholesterol). All these beneficial effects make guggulu a medicine of great consequence.
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