Guggulu is a gum resin (oleoresin) that exudes spontaneously from an injury of the bark of Commiphora mukul Hook. Commonly, the term ‘Guggulu’ is used for denoting, the plant as well as its gum, oleoresin. In Sanskrit, ‘Guggulu’ means that which protects against disease. Its synonym in Sanskrit ‘Palankasha’ means one which reduces the flesh (pala-flesh and kash-reduce).
Guggulu is an arid zone species; found growing in the open scrub jungles of Gujarat & Rajasthan, particularly in Bhuj and Rann of kutch. It is also distributed in Sind & Baluchistan areas of Pakistan and in Arabia. It is a small tree, usually a stunted thorny bush, 1-5 to 2 metres high. The gum secreted through its bark in summer is collected in winter, when solid.
Major Uses: Since ancient times Guggulu is wellknown for its property to reduce the excessive body fats in obesity. Elaborate studies on Guggulu, during the last two decades, show that it is a potent lipid modulator. It is known to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antihyperlipidemic action.
Guggulu is the principal ingredient of several Ayurvedic formulations used for obesity. The extract of this gum, called guggulipid or guglipid, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine abundantly. Guggulu reduces the raised serum cholesterol, and triglycerides and has the virtue to increase the serum HDL-cholesterol. Ayurvedic texts mention that fresh Guggulu (Nava Guggulu) is useful in the treatment of debility, whereas old one (Purana Guggulu) is beneficial to reduce body fats in obesity.
Guggulu is a potent drug for Vata diseases like arthritis, spondylosis, rheumatoid arthritis, paralysis, facial palsy etc. Guggulu, like all oleo-resins, causes an increase of leucocytes in the blood and stimulates phagocytosis.
Guggulu has antiarthritic activity, antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal activity, antidiabetic etc. It is also used in nervous diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Guggulu possesses activities like demulcent, aphrodisiac, liver tonic, antispasmodic, anti- suppurative, antihelmintic, skin disorders, muscle spasms, hypertension, urinary disorders etc.
In obesity we can use of Rasanjana, Brhat Panchamula, Guggulu, Shilajathu and Agnimantha in its powder form. In oedema, one should use Guggulu with cow’s urine or decoction of Punarnava.
Restrictions to be followed while taking Guggulu:
One should avoid alcohol; excessive exposure to the sun and exercise during Guggulu treatment.
