Guggul : An Excellent Herbal Panacea

Abstract

Guggul, an oleo gum-resin from the Burseraceae family, is primarily produced in India by four species: Commiphora mukul Engl., Commiphora wightii (Arnott.) Bhand., Commiphora berryi, and Commiphora agallocha. Known by various regional names, guggul is used in Ayurveda to treat conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, rheumatism, obesity, respiratory diseases, liver disorders, digestive issues, and menstrual irregularities. It significantly reduces serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL or β-lipoproteins) while increasing beneficial high-density lipoproteins (HDL or α-lipoproteins), preventing platelet aggregation, and dissolving existing blood clots. Fractionation of guggul from Commiphora mukul Engl. or Commiphora wightii (Arnott.) Bhand. using moderately non-polar organic solvents and acid-base fractionation yields ketonic fractions of E- and Z-guggulsterone isomers, which exhibit pronounced hypolipidemic activity. Although in vitro, preclinical, and clinical studies support guggul’s therapeutic claims in Ayurveda, larger and longer-term clinical studies are needed to further validate these effects. Guggul holds potential as a promising treatment for serious chronic ailments in the near future.