Guggulu
Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).
About
Guggul is a flowering plant native to India and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a small, thorny tree that produces a fragrant resin. The resin, known as guggul, is collected by making incisions in the bark. The plant has compound leaves and produces small, red or pink flowers. The fruit is a drupe.
Botanical name: Commiphora wightii. Also known as: Guggul, Indian Bdellium-tree, Mukul Myrrh Tree, Guggulu, Commiphora wightii), Guggal, Gugar, Guggula, Guggalu, Indian bdellium, Indian myrrh, Gum guggul, Gum guggulu, Guggul Dhoop, Kanth Gan (in Kashmiri), Guggulu (in Oriya), Guggula (in Bengali), Guggul (in Assamese), Muqil (Shihappu) in Urdu, Gugal (in Gujarati), Mukul myrrh tree, Palankasha, Devadhupa, Mahishaksha.
Properties
Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp)
Dosage
Typically 500 mg to 1000 mg of standardized extract per day, or as directed by a qualified practitioner.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Bitter, Astringent, Pungent
- Virya: Ushna (hot)
- Vipaka: Katu (pungent)
Benefits
- Supports healthy lipid metabolism
- Promotes joint health and mobility
- Aids in weight management
- Supports skin health
- Acts as an antioxidant
Traditional uses
- Management of hyperlipidemia
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Obesity
- Skin disorders
- Wound healing
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: reducing
- pitta: balancing
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast cancer, uterine fibroids) due to potential estrogenic effects.
- Individuals with bleeding disorders or scheduled for surgery.
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, belching)
- Skin rash
- Headache
Interactions
- May interact with blood-thinning medications.
- May affect the metabolism of certain drugs via cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Active compounds
- Guggulsterones (E and Z isomers)
- Commiphoric acids
- Guggulol
Clinical evidence
Guggul has been studied for its effects on lipid profiles, showing potential in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also supported by clinical research, particularly in joint health. Evidence for weight management is emerging but requires further robust studies.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Medhya (intellect promoting)
- Rasayana (rejuvenating)
- Varnya (improves complexion)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Krimighna (anti-helminthic)
- Vajikarana (aphrodisiac)
Classical clinical indications
- Hyperlipidemia
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Skin diseases
- Neurological disorders
Frequently asked questions
What is Guggul?
Guggul is a flowering plant native to India and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a small, thorny tree that produces a fragrant resin. The resin, known as guggul, is collected by making incisions in the bark. The plant has compound leaves and produces small, red or…
What are the benefits of Guggul?
Supports healthy lipid metabolism. Promotes joint health and mobility. Aids in weight management
How is Guggul used in Ayurveda?
Management of hyperlipidemia
Classical & Scientific References
- Classical monographs on Guggul in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and Dravyaguna Vijnana.
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
- Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana Ch. 4 — Dravyadi Sangrahaniya) & Sushruta Samhita.
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