Botanical Name : Commiphora Mukul
English/Common Name : Indian Bdellium Tree, Gum Gugal
Ayurvedic Name : Guggul, Guggal, Guggulu
Part Used : Gum Resin
Habitat and Botany : Guggul is spiny shrub or small tree with many branches, usually growing two or three meter high, and found in the arid, rocky tracts of Rajasthan, Gujrat and Kamatka in India. A healthy tree yields 250-500 grams of resin in one season, and Guggul plants typically begin yielding resin after five years.
Chemical Constituents : The National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India, in collaboration with the Central Drug Research Institute of India, began a detailed chemical study of the Hypocholesterolemic/Hypolipidemic activity of Guggul. The ethyl acetate soluble portion of Guggul was found to posses Hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties. The ethyl acetate insoluble portion was found to be toxic. Further, acid, base and neutral portions of ethyl-acetate-soluble Guggul were separated. the neutral portion is responsible for the Hypocholesterolemic activity, while the acid portion showed anti-inflammatory activity. The active ingredients responsible for the use of the plant in the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels, are the Guggulsterones, specifically Guggulsterone E and Guggulsterone Z1. Guggul has a complex structure made up of various compounds such as Lignans, lipids, Diterpenoids and steroids. Ten steroids have been isolated from the resin, among these, Z-Guggalsterone and E-Guggalsterone have been found to have Hypolipidemic effects. The other components of the ethyl acetate extract exert a synergistic activity.
Standardization : Standardized to contain a minimum of 2.5% Guggulsterones E and Z. The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) limits the maximum level of Guggulsterones (E and Z) to 4.0 to 6.0%2 in a soft extract.
Pharmacology : The Ethyl acetate extract of Commiphora Mukul was found to confer significant protection to albino rats against the development of experimental atherosclerosis. The drug not only prevented deteriorating changes in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and plasma fibrinogen level but also favorably increased plasma fibrinolytic activity. (Srivastava, V.K. et al., Conference of Pharmacology and Symposium on Herbal Drugs (New Delhi), 15 March, 1991, P15).
The oleoresin fraction of Guggul possesses significant anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities, the minimum effective dose being 12.5 mg./100 g. body weight (Shanthakumari, G. et al., Indian J. Physiol. Pharmacol., 1964, 8, 36). the crude aqueous extract of the oleo gum resin was found to suppress acute rat-paw edema induced by Carrageenin. Gum Guggul also had a suppressive action against the Granuloma pouch test. In adjuvant arthritis, the extract suppressed the secondary lesions very effectively without having any significant action on the primary phase. Side effects such as gastric ulceration, loss of weight and mortality were negligible in the animals treated with the extract as compared to those treated with Betamethasone (Satyavati, G.V. et al., Rheumatism, 1969, 4, 141).
Guggulu in Cholesterol Health
Guggulu in Heart Health
Guggulu in Reslim
Article Extracted from the Los Angeles Times May 6, 2002 ANCIENT FOLK REMEDY CONTROLS CHOLESTEROL
For more than 2,000 years, healers in India have used a tree resin as a folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Modern researchers now find it effective in controlling high cholesterol.
The tree is known in India as Guggulu. Its sap contains a compound that blocked the action of a cell receptor, called FXR, which helps regulate a body's cholesterol level, said David D. Moore, a molecular biologist at the Baylor School of Medicine in Houston. He is co-author of a study that appeared Friday in Science Express, the electronic version of the journal Science. "Our results suggest that other compounds that could affect FXR could also control cholesterol," Moore said. "This mechanism is completely different from the action of statin drugs," which are taken by million to control cholesterol.
Clinical Studies : Clinical trial with purified Guggul (Commiphora Mukul) has been carried out in 35 patients of rheumatoid arthritis in order to assess its antirheumatic activity, dose requirement, resistance development, side effects, and effects on hematology (ESR). From the results obtained it has been indicated that Guggul acts as a digestive and analgesic agent without the toxic or side effects (Vyas, S.N. and Shukla, C.P., Rheumatism, 1987, v., 23(1), 15-26).
Twenty patients of Hyperlipidemia were administered 4.5 g. of purified gum Guggul in two divided doses daily for 16 weeks. Serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels decreased at the end of the 4th to 8th weeks. HDL cholesterol showed a gradual increase while VLDL and LDL cholesterol showed significant decrease at all time points (Verma, S.K. and Bordia, A., Indian J. Med. Res., 1988, v., 87, 356-360).
Indications : Gum Guggul is astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. When taken internally it acts as a bitter, stomachic and carminative, stimulating the appetite and improving digestion. It causes an increase in leukocytes in the blood and stimulates Phagocytosis. Gum Guggul acts as a diaphoretic, expectorant and diuretic, and is said to be uterine stimulant and Emmenagogue. The resin is used in the form of lotion for indolent ulcers and as a gargle in chronic tonsillitis, Pharyngitis and ulcerated throat.
Ayurvedic Study : An ancient Ayurvedic remedy proven to lower cholesterol (lowers bad LDL and raised good HDL cholesterol). Suggested as a protection against heart attacks and strokes.
Ayurvedic literature is full of praises for Guggul and its divine actions, from healing bone fractures and inflammations to treating cardiovascular disease, obesity and lipid disorders. Gum Guggul has Carminative, Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, Antisuppurative, Emmenagogue and Aphrodisiac qualities. In Tibetan medicine, the plant is used for skin diseases, Anemia, Edema, Salivation and heaviness of stomach. Guggul is used for Ulcers, Tonsillitis, Sore throat, hay Fever, Nasal catarrh, Laryngitis and Bronchitis. Gum from the Guggul plant is used in the treatment of Rheumatism, Neurological disorders, Obesity, Syphilis, Urinary disorders and thyroid conditions.
Guggul has also been proven helpful for regulating cholesterol levels. The plants lipid lowering properties have been noted among practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, and modern scientific research is validating these observations. cholesterol disorders plague millions of Americans and can lead to two of the nations primary life-threatening illnesses which are heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, the drugs most commonly used to treat cholesterol disorders often produce unpleasant side effects. Including liver damage, cancer, and gallstones. Guggul works to balance conditions of both low and high cholesterol whether brought on by diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress, or genetic predilection. Gum Guggul does not create any of the harmful side effects associated with drugs commonly used for cholesterol disorders.
Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul) is also known as Indian Bedellium. This oleo-gum-resin has properties similar to myrrh as a powerful purifying agent. The rejuvenating action assists in the general well-being of all the tissues of the body but it works specifically on the nervous system, Genito-Urinary system, digestive system, and the skin. As other aleo resins, Guggul will increase leukocytes in the blood which will stimulate Phagocytosis. As it is excreted by the skin, mucous membranes and the kidneys, it will disinfect their secretions. This makes it effective in assisting the bodys natural defense systems in fighting of infection. Gum Guggul is particularly useful in chronic conditions but may also be used in acute infections. Gum Guggul can be mixed with other herbs that may be taken for particular conditions such as laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, cystitis, and sinus infections.
This herb may be used in purifying the body of toxins, fat, and tumors. Over the years, it has become well-known in the lowering of blood cholesterol levels. Gum Guggul may be also used as part of a weight reduction program.
As it assists the body in removing toxins, Gum Guggul is highly effective in treating arthritis. In Ayurveda, arthritis is caused by toxins (ama) and an increased vatta (air) in the joints and tissues. Guggul improves digestion, thereby the food is more completely digested and the body will produce less toxins (ama). Ama means "undigested food" and is made when something has disrupted the digestion process. This may be due to the unconscious eating habits, wrong choice of food, or digestive problems. Guggul also plays a role in assisting the body in removing the stored toxins that may have formed in the joints and brought about the arthritis. Therefore, this herb will address the causes of the arthritis on several levels.
Pharmacological and Clinical Studies : Scientists have been studying the Hypolipidemic activity of Guggul for over 20 years. It began with animal trials in the late 1960s, and because of its success, quickly progressed to human clinical studies. Guggul proved extremely effective in regulating cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids in both types of research. Extracts of Guggul have been shown to lower the serum cholesterol level in chicks, and have shown similar effects in rabbits, rats and domestic pigs.
Another study performed in India in the late 1970s researched the long-term effects of lipid regulating substances on humans. The two substances compared were Clofibrate (Atromid-S), an effective and frequently used Hypolipidemic drug, and an ether extract of Guggul resin. The Guggul extract (1.5 grams per day) was taken orally by 41 of 51 subjects suffering from elevated cholesterol triglycerides. The remaining 10 took Clofibrate (2.0 grams per day). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels fell significantly, progressively, and equally in both groups. However, the Guggul extract was gentler on the body as a whole, producing only mild diarrhea in five of the subjects. No additional side effects and no biochemical abnormalities in the Guggul cases were noted. The clinical profiles of the subjects in this study were varied. Some subjects were asymptomatic while others were experiencing acute discomfort as a result of illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, vascular disease and gout. In fact, six were suffering from acute cases of skin Santhomatosis; three of these were placed in the Guggul group and three in the Clofibrate group. The three treated with Guggul showed complete regression of skin lesions after 40 weeks, while only one person taking clofibrate experienced such regression. The other two taking Clofibrate remained symptomatic during the course of the study.
In a study done of 25 patients suffering from Hemiplegia - paralysis of one side of the body - 12 of the patients recovered completely after being treated with Guggul for three months. Other studies have reported a significant reduction in body weight among animals and humans treated with Guggul gum. However, the effects of Guggul on body weight vary, and may be attributed to the variation in the samples of the Guggul gum resin used in the studies.
Guggul has been used traditionally in Ayurveda to treat arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, three compound Ayurvedic preparations with Guggul as a main ingredient were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in rats. All three preparations showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect.
Studies have also shown Guggul to be effective in countering hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Guggul can be used as a prophylactic to prevent these diseases, as studies of the plant have shown its effectiveness in reducing plaque formation in the arteries.
How does Guggul work? It is believed that the lipid regulating effects of Guggul result from its thyroid regulating action, and its combined effects of inhibiting the biosynthesis of cholesterol's thyroid hormones. Z-Guggalsterone, a Ketosteroid and a component of Guggul, is such an agent. The plant is especially useful where T3(Triiodothyronine) values of the thyroid are low. Guggul's thyroid stimulating property also explains the traditional use of the plant for thyroid related problems. Ayurvedic medicine for centuries has prescribed Guggul because of its healing actions which today's technologically equipped scientists are only just discovering.
Increased levels of Catecholamines, dopamine and beta-hydroxylase found after taking Guggul suggest another possible mechanism of lowering lipid levels in the blood. The high affinity binding anion exchange of Guggul has also been suggested to contribute to its Hypolipidemic activity
A typical dose of Ayurvedically purified Guggul is 1500 mg. taken two to three times a day. A typical dose of the standardized ethyl acetate extract 10 percent of Z and E Guggalsterones is 250 mg. All Ayurvedic herbs are purified before they are used. This usually means the addition of other herbs, minerals or other substances to the original herb, in order to minimize its possible harmful side effects, enhance its pharmacologically active principles and its absorption and assimilation in the physiology.
Commiphora Mukul/Guggul
Plant Description : Commiphora Mukul ranges from a woody shrub to a small tree, with spirally ascending branches. Leaves 1-3 foliate, rhomboid to avate in shape, irregularly toothed edges. Flowers are small, from brown to pink in color and are unisexual. Its fruit is red and oval in shape. The tree grows in rocky and rough terrain in warm and semiarid areas of India. It is found on the slopes of hills and foothills. The oleoresin from Commiphora Mukul has been mentioned in the ancient Indian texts Athavaveda, and in the early medical texts of Charaka, Sushuta, the Samhitas and Nighantus which are over a thousand years old. Textbooks of Ayurvedic Medicine distinguish between fresh and old varieties of Guggul.
Commiphora Mukul Chemistry: The oleoresin contains 0.37% essential oil containing mainly Myrecene, Dimyrecene, and Polymyrecene. Alcohol extraction gives a soluble resin and an insoluble carbohydrate gum. Solvent extraction, hydrolysis and column chromatography over silica gel of Guggul resin identifies a number of compounds - a diterpene hydrocarbon, a diterpene alcohol, Z-Guggulsteron, E-Guggulsterone, Guggulsterol-I, Guggulsterol-II and Guggul sterol-III. Cholesterol, sesamin and camphorene are also found. The anti-inflammatory and Hypolipidemic fractions have been isolated.
Stereochemistry of Guggulsterol-1 determined by X-ray analysis as 20R, 22R which was different from that reported earlier (Tetrahedron lett. 1981, 22,4623); Quercetin, quercetin-3-O-a-L-arabinoside, quercetin-3-O-b-D-galactoside, Quercetin 3-O-a-L-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-b-D-glucuronide, ellagic acid and pelargonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside isolated from flowers (Fitoterapia 1981,52,221); Guggulsterono VI and Z-Guggulsterone isolated from gum resin along with 20a-hydroxy-4-preg nen-3-one, 20b hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 16b-hydroxy 4,17 (20oz) - pregnadien3-one (Tetrahedron lett. 1981, 4623; Tetrahedron 1982, 38, 2949); linoleic, oleic, stearic and Palmitic acids, Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, cholesterol, campesterol and spinasterol identified in seed oil (Indian Drugs 1982, 19,339); Mukulol sythesized (Tetrahedron Lett. 1983, 24, 3485.
Action : Thyroid stimulant, Fungicidal, Demulcent, Aperient, Altertive, Stomachic, Bitter, Immune system stimulant, Diaphoretic, stimulating expectorant, diuretic, carminative, antispasmodic and emmenagogue. Gum Guggul has no action on the unbroken skin, but on the Abraised skin and on mucous membranes, it acts as an astringent and antiseptic. Two main areas of investigation have been Gugguls Hypolipidemic action and anti-inflammatory effect. Purified Guggul steroid mixture at 0.2 mm completely inhibited ADP-Andrenaline- or serotonin-induced platelet aggregation (Planta Med. 1979, 37, 367). The aqueous extract of the resin C. Mukul significantly inhibited both the maximal edema response and the total edema response during 6 hours of Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema7. Oral administration of Ethylacetate extract of C. Mukul in albino rats significantly prevented rise in serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride level, caused by Atherogenic diet. C. Mukul was also found to confer significant protection against Atherogenic diet induced atherosclerosis. The essential oil of C. Mukul was tested for efficacy against Aspergillus flavus, A. Fumigatus, A. sulphureus, Mucur fragilis and Thizopus stolonifer. C. Mukul was fungistatic or fungicidal to one or other of the molds, depending on the concentrations.
Clinical Uses : Guggul is used to treat hypercholesterolemia, Inflammation, Edema, Pyorrhoea, Chronic Tonsilitis, Chronic Dyspepsia, Colitis, Catarrh of the bowels, tubercular Ulceration, Fever, Anemia, Neurasthenia, Debility, Laryngitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Whooping cough, Cystitis, Gonorrhea, Rheumatism, Nervous diseases, Urinary disorders, Atherosclerosis, Hemiplegia, Diabetis, Hypertension, Ischemic heart disease, Obesity, Arthritis and skin diseases.
Safety : Purified Guggul may be taken for a long time without ill effect.
1. Raghunathan, K. and R. Mittra: Pharmacognosy of Indigenous Drugs. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha, New Delhi (1982).
2. Bose, S. and K. C. Gupta: Ind. J. Chem. 2:57 (1964).
3. Bose, S. and K.C. Gupta: Ind. J. Chem. 2:156 (1964).
4. Patil, N.D. et al.: Tetrahedron *:2341 (1972)
5. Satyavat, G.V.: Effect of an indigenous drug on disorders of lipid metabolism with special reference to arteriosclerosis and obesity. Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine, BHU, Varanasi (1968).
6. Ram P. Rastogi and B.N. Mehrotra: Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. 3 Central Drug Research Institute, Lunow, India.
7. Duwiejua M. Zeitlin IJ, Waterman PG, Chapman J, Mhango GJ, Provan GJ.: Anti-inflammatory activity of resins from some species of the plant family Burseraceae. Planta Med 1993, Feb;59 (1):12-16.
8. Lata S. Saxena KK, Bhasin V, Saxena RS, Kumar A, Srivastava VK.: Beneficial effects of Allium sativum, Allium cepa and Commiphora mukul on experimental hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis - a comparative evaluation. Department of Pharmacology, L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
9. Sarbhoy AK, Varshney JL, Maheshwari ML, Saxena DB.: Efficacy of some essential oils and their constituents on few ubiquitous molds. Zentalbl Bakteriol [naturwiss] 1978; 133 (7-8): 723-725.
Caution : According to Ayurveda, Herbs are taken in combination with other herbs to neutralize the toxicity of one herb with the opposing effect of the other or to enhance the particular effect of one herb with the help of other.
"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
