Guggul Tree Resin

Also known as Commiphora mukul, Guggulipid, Indian Bedellium, and Guggulow

Introduction

Guggul, the Commiphora mukul, is a small thorny tree that is native to the Middle East and the Indian plains. Generally leafless, the tree exudes a thick, sticky resin that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat arthritis, acne, inflammation, obesity and 'blood fat'. Guggul, whose Sanskrit name means "one that protects against diseases", has written historical information about it going back to 1000 B.C.E. It was used at that time for "clearing the coating and obstruction of channels". It was also used for healing bone fractures, inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, obesity and lipid disorders. Research published in 1966 in India done on guggul gum concluded that it had positive effects on disorders involving lipid metabolism and had an intrinsic ability to help lower serum cholesterol. As of 1988 it has been available on the market in India as a hypolipidemic agent. Guggulipids and guggulsterones derived from the resinous gum are the most widely used medications for treating high cholesterol in India, where most research has been done on guggul. The gum exuded by the guggul tree is similar to myrrh, and has been used traditionally in the same ways as myrrh. 

Constituents

Guggulipids, guggulsterones, Myrrhanol A 

Parts Used

Gum resin.

Typical Preparations

Encapsulated, in liquid extract form and seldom in tea.

Summary

Guggul gum seems to be living up to its traditional medicinal uses. Studies in India have shown that guggulsterones stimulate the thyroid gland, which may be the explanation for its ability to reduce cholesterol and aid in weight loss. Those studies have shown that guggulsterone is at least as effective in improving the cholesterol profile as the leading pharmaceutical prescriptions. Preparations made with guggul gum also are as effective at reducing inflammation and relieving pain as ibuprofen, and as effective at fighting infection as tetracycline in treating acne. Other research has shown that myrrhanol A, a triterpene isolated from guggul gum, is a potent anti-inflammatory, and significantly reduces pain and stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis.