Guggal is a gumresin obtained by incision of the bark of Commiphora mukul (H. and S.) Engl., belonging to family Burseraceae.
GUGGUL
Synonyms
Gumgugul, Salai-gogil.
Biological Source
Guggal is a gumresin obtained by incision of the bark of Commiphora mukul (H. and S.) Engl.,
belonging to family Burseraceae.
Geographical Source
The tree is a small, thorny plant distributed throughout
India.
Collection
Guggal tree is a small thorny tree 4 to 6 feet tall branches
slightly ascending. It is sometimes planted in hedges. The tree remains without
any foliage for most of the year. It has ash-coloured bark, and comes off in
rough flakes, exposing the innerbark, which also peels off. The tree exudes a
yellowish resin called gum guggul or guggulu that has a balsamic odor. Each
plant yields about one kilogram of the product, which is collected in cold
season.
Characteristics
Guggal occurs as viscid, brown tears; or in fragment pieces,
mixed with stem, piece of bark; golden yellow to brown in colour. With water it
forms a milk emulsion. It has a balsamic odour and taste is bitter, aromatic.
Chemical Constituents
Guggal contains gum (32%), essential oil (1.45%), sterols
(guggulsterols I to VI, β-sitosterol, cholesterol, Z- and
E-guggulsterone), sugars (sucrose, fructose), amino acids, α-camphorene, cembrene, allylcembrol, flavonoids (quercetin
and its glycosides), ellagic acid, myricyl alcohol, aliphatic tetrols, etc.
Uses
Guggal significantly lowers serum triglycerides and
cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the bad cholesterols). At
the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol),
inhibits platelet aggregation, and may increase thermogenesis through
stimulation of the thyroid, potentially resulting in weight loss. Also gum is
astringent, aritirheumatic, antiseptic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, demulcent,
and emmenagogue. The resin is used in the form of a lotion for indolent ulcers
and as a gargle in teeth disorders, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and ulcerated
throat.
Marketed Products
It is one of the ingredients of the preparations known as
Arogyavardhini Gutika (Dabur) and Abana, Diabecon, Diakof (Himalaya Drug Company).
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