Guggul (Commiphora mukul) is one of the most significant and commonly utilised herbs in Ayurveda, according to Ayurvedic tradition. For millennia, it has been used to treat a variety of health ailments such as arthritis, obesity, excessive cholesterol, and skin diseases.
Guggul is classed as a Rasayana herb in Ayurveda, which means it is thought to have renewing and anti-aging benefits on the body. It is also thought to be a powerful cleansing agent, capable of removing toxins from the body and purifying the blood.
Guggul is made from the resinous sap of the Guggul tree, which grows in India’s desert regions. The resin is harvested by making small incisions in the tree’s bark, causing the sap to flow out. The sap is then collected and cleaned to remove any impurities before being processed into powders, capsules, and tablets.
It is frequently combined with other herbs in Ayurveda to increase its therapeutic properties. It is frequently included in formulations like as Triphala Guggulu, Yogaraj Guggulu, and Kaishore Guggulu, which are used to treat a variety of health issues.
It is typically made using Ayurvedic ideas and practises, such as processing the herb with natural components like ghee, honey, and milk. This method is supposed to boost the herb’s therapeutic capabilities and make it easier for the body to absorb and assimilate.
Overall, Guggul is a significant Ayurvedic herb that has been utilised for millennia to cure a variety of health problems. It is produced using traditional Ayurvedic processes and is frequently combined with other herbs to boost its therapeutic properties.
Guggul is a Hindi originated name with multiple meanings. Guggul name meaning in Bengali is সুগন্ধযুক্ত
Commiphora mukul / Balsamodendron முகுல்.
Guggul is known by various names in various languages, including:
Guggul is a Hindi word.
Guggala is a Marathi word.
Gukkulu in Tamil.
Guggipannu is a Telugu word.
Guggulu is a Sanskrit word.
In English, it is known as Indian bdellium.
Kanthagana is a Kannada word.
Gugal is a Gujarati word.Guggul, also known as Commiphora mukul, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for ages to address a variety of health concerns. Guggul has been linked to a number of potential health advantages, including:
গুগুল in Assamese Language.
গুগুল in Bengali
ગુગ્ગુલ in Gujrati
ಗುಗ್ಗುಲ್ in Kannada
गुग्गुल in Marathi
गुगल in Nepali
ਗੁਗਲ in Punjabi
گگل in Sindhi
ගුගුල් in Sinhala
గుగ్గులు in Telgu
گگل in Urdu
Constituents:
Guggul contains a variety of bioactive chemicals, the most important of which being guggulsterones. Volatile oils, flavonoids, and resin are also present.
Uses:
Guggul has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including excessive cholesterol, obesity, arthritis, and skin problems. It has also been used to aid digestion and as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Benefits of Guggul
Guggul, also known as Commiphora mukul, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for ages to address a variety of health concerns. Guggul has been linked to a number of potential health advantages, including:
1. Cholesterol-lowering effects of Guggul:
2. Anti-inflammatory effects of Guggul:
It has been shown to lower levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, which are known risk factors for heart disease. It may also increase levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol.
It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
3. Antioxidant effects of Guggul:
It has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which may help protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Oxidative damage has been linked to many chronic diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
4. Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects:
It has been shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which may help fight infections caused by bacteria and fungi.
5. Weight loss effects:
It has been shown to have potential weight loss benefits by increasing the metabolism and stimulating the thyroid gland, which can help burn calories and reduce fat accumulation.
6. Anti-cancer effects:
It has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, which may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
7. Anti-arthritic effects:
It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
While It has many potential health benefits, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits and to determine the optimal dosage and safety of guggul supplements. Additionally, guggul supplements may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and thyroid medications, so it is important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking guggul supplements.
Overall, guggul is a promising natural remedy that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various health conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and safety of guggul supplements, early studies suggest that guggul may have several potential health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Side Effects:
Guggul is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts. However, high doses may cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset. It may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and thyroid medications. Guggul should be avoided by individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Conclusion:
Guggul has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits. Its active constituent, guggulsterone, has been studied extensively and has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. While guggul is generally considered safe, high doses may cause gastrointestinal issues and it may interact with certain medications. It is important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking guggul supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
References:
1. Googling the Guggul (Commiphora and Boswellia) for Prevention of Chronic Diseases
Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara,1,* Kishore Banik,1 Devivasha Bordoloi,1 Choudhary Harsha,1 Bethsebie L. Sailo,1 Ganesan Padmavathi,1 Nand K. Roy,1 Subash C. Gupta,2 and Bharat B. Aggarwal3,*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6087759/
2. Urizar, N. L., Liverman, A. B., Dodds, D. T., Silva, F. V., Ordentlich, P., Yaney, G. C., … & Willson, T. M. (2002). A natural product that lowers cholesterol as an antagonist ligand for FXR. Science, 296(5573), 1703-1706.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11988537/
3. Tripathi, Y. B., & Pandey, V. (2011). Guggulipid: a promising cholesterol-lowering herbal drug. Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy, 77(4), 399-426.
4. Shah, S. A., Rathod, I. S., Patel, M. M., Patel, P. R., & Patel, K. R. (2012). Guggulipid: A review on pharmacological properties and clinical usage. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4(Suppl 5), 25-29.
