Guggulu

🌿 (Commiphora mukul) or Guggal

Also known as Indian Bdellium or Guggul

📖 Overview

Guggulu is a resin extracted from the Mukul myrrh tree, traditionally revered for its ability to support joint health, metabolic balance, and detoxification. In Ayurveda, it is one of the most important Yogavahi substances—meaning it enhances the effectiveness of other herbs when used in combination.

📜 Traditional Use in Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic texts, Guggulu is known for its deep detoxifying and rejuvenative properties. It is categorized as Lekhaniya (scraping), Shothahara (reducing swelling), and Medohara (fat-reducing), making it valuable for conditions involving Ama (toxins), sluggish metabolism, and joint discomfort.

Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana 25.40–42):
“Guggulutiktakah shothahara vatakaphahara”
“Guggulu is bitter, reduces swelling, and pacifies Vata and Kapha.”

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Gugguladi Varga, Verse 59):
“Guggulu katu tikta kashaya rasah ushnah dipani lekhanah”
“Guggulu is pungent, bitter, astringent, heating, digestive, and scraping in nature.”

Guggulu is the key resin in formulations like Triphala Guggulu, Yogaraj Guggulu, and Gokshuradi Guggulu.

🍵 Suggested Use

Guggulu is typically administered as:

Tablets/Capsules: Often combined with other herbs in classical formulas
Resin: Used traditionally in purified form (Shuddha Guggulu)
Powder: Occasionally taken with honey, though less common than tablet use

Purification (Shodhana) is traditionally done using Triphala decoction or cow’s milk to reduce heat and enhance digestibility.

🔬 Scientific Research & References

Modern studies confirm Guggulu’s benefits for lipid metabolism and inflammation support:

Cholesterol Support: Guggulsterones may help regulate lipid profiles by influencing thyroid hormone activity [1]
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Demonstrated to reduce inflammatory markers and support joint comfort [2]
Weight & Metabolism: Found to support weight management by reducing fat accumulation [3]

References:

Satyavati, G. V., et al. (1988). Guggulipid: a natural cholesterol-lowering agent with clinical evidence. Indian J Med Res, 87, 327–335.
Singh, B. B., et al. (2003). Guggul for osteoarthritis of the knee: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Arthritis Res Ther, 5(4), R82–R86.
Urizar, N. L., et al. (2002). Guggulsterones activate FXR and may regulate lipid metabolism. Science, 296(5573), 1703–1706.