Guggul

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.

                       Commiphora mukul

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).