A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul),
Latin Name: Commiphora mukul, Hook. ex Stocks
Family: Burseraceae (Guggulu Kula)
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka Samhita: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Sushruta Samhita: Eladi Gana.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Kaushika, Devadhoopa, Pura, Mahishaksha, Palankasha, Kumbha, Jatayu, Naktanchara, Rakshohva.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Googal
Marathi: Guggul
Tamil: Gukkulu, Gukkal, Maisachchi Kungilium
Telugu: Maishakshi, Gumbulu
Malayalam: Gugal
Kannada: Kanthagana
English: Indian Bdellium, Gum Guggul
Morphology: A shrubby tree, 1.5 to 2 meters tall, with knotty, cracked branches often ending in sharp spines. Leaves are alternate, compound with 1-3 leaflets having serrated margins. Flowers are reddish. The resin has a characteristic fragrance.
Habitat: Arid lands with scanty rainfall. Found in Arab countries, Africa, Baluchistan, Sindh, Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Khandesh, Karnataka, Bangladesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Part Used: Gum resin obtained from the stem and branches.
Collection Time (Sangrahakala): Secreted in the hot, blazing sun of summer and solidifies in the late autumn and winter seasons (Hemanta and Shishir Ritu).
Purification (Śodhana): Raw Guggulu must be purified before use. The classical process involves:
1. The crude resin is placed in a cloth bag.
2. This bag is suspended in a decoction of Triphala Kwatha using a Dolayantra (a swinging apparatus).
3. The mixture is boiled for three hours.
4. The purified Guggulu melts and collects at the bottom of the vessel, while impurities remain in the bag.
5. The purified resin is then dried in the sun.
Preservation: The purified resin should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, protected from sunlight and moisture to preserve its potency and fragrance.
Note: Attributes differ for the aged resin (preferred for therapeutic use) and the fresh resin.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property (Aged Guggulu)
Rasa (Taste) Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Teekshna (Penetrating), Vishada (Non-slimy), Sukshma (Subtle), Sara (Mobile)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Katu (Pungent)
(Fresh Guggulu is noted to be Pichchhila - Slimy, and Snigdha - Unctuous)
Dosha Karma: Kaphaghna (pacifies Kapha) due to Tikta-Kashaya Rasa. Vataghna (pacifies Vata) due to its Ushna Veerya. It aggravates Pitta.
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha & Purishavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Being Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), and Anulomana (carminative), it is used in Agnimandya (low digestive fire), Ajeerna (indigestion), Vibandha (constipation), and Krimi (worms). It is also Arshoghna (anti-hemorrhoidal) and beneficial for Yakrit Vikaras (liver disorders).
Rasavaha & Raktavaha Srotas (Plasma & Blood Systems): Acts as Hridya (cardiotonic) and a blood alterative. Used in Hridroga (heart disease, specifically citing coronary thrombosis), Pandu (anemia), and blood vitiation in Upadansha (syphilis).
Medovaha Srotas (Fat Tissue System): Has a specific action on Dushta Meda (vitiated fat). Its Ruksha and Vishada Gunas absorb and remove accumulated fat, making it a primary herb for Sthaulya (obesity), Medoroga (lipid disorders), and Prameha (Diabetes Mellitus, especially santarpana janya).
Asthivaha & Mamsavaha Srotas (Bone & Muscle Systems): Applied as a thick paste for Asthibhanga (fractures) and contusions to resolve ecchymosis and aid bone healing. Used in inflammatory joint conditions like Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis) and Vatarakta (gout) for its Ama-pachana (toxin-digesting) and anti-inflammatory properties.
Shukravaha Srotas (Reproductive System): Acts as Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and Rasayana (rejuvenative) by removing obstructions in nutrient flow to the reproductive tissues.
Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary System): Used in Kaphaja Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria), Ashmari (stones), and Puyameha (urinary infection) due to its bactericidal and Kapha-reducing properties.
Skin & Soft Tissues: Used in Kushtha (skin diseases like eczema), Gandamala (scrofula), Apachi (lymphadenitis), Vidradhi (abscess), and Dushta Vrana (infected wounds) for its Krimighna (anti-microbial), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), and Ropana (healing) actions.
Primary Actions: Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), Amapachana (toxin-digester), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vedanasthapana (analgesic), Krimighna (anti-microbial), Lekhana (scraping), Rasayana (rejuvenative).
Dosage (Mātrā): 1 - 3 grams of purified Guggulu.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Decoctions (e.g., Guduchi, Triphala, Kanchanara), honey, cow's urine, ghee, or warm water, depending on the condition.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): More than 42 preparations are described. Key ones include Yogaraj Guggulu, Mahayogaraj Guggulu, Kaishora Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu, Rasnadi Guggulu, Amritadi Guggulu, Maharasnadi Kwatha, Chandraprabha Vati.
Pathya-Apathya (Diet & Lifestyle): Avoid sour, pungent, and acidic foods; excessive sun exposure; strenuous exercise; excessive sexual indulgence; and mental irritation.
Contraindications (Nivārita): Contraindicated in Pitta Prakopa (Pitta aggravation), dehydration, and conditions of extreme dryness. Use with caution in individuals with known sensitivity.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Impure or improperly used Guggulu can cause severe reactions, including anaphylactic shock. Symptoms include Mukhashosha (dryness of mouth), Klaibya (impotence), Krishata (wasting), Dourbalya (weakness), Arochaka (anorexia), and general sluggishness.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): Discontinue Guggulu immediately. Administer Snigdha (unctuous), Madhura (sweet), and Sheeta (cooling) substances such as milk, ghee, and fruit juices to counteract its drying and heating effects.
Chemical Composition: Contains resin, gum, sisamin, cholesterol, and a volatile oil. The oil contains steroidal ketones, alcohols, and aliphatic triols. Key active compounds are Guggulusterols I, II, III, IV, and V.
Research Notes:
1. The oleoresin demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone in models of induced arthritis.
2. It is a potent hypocholesterolemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-atherosclerotic agent.
3. A petroleum ether extract fraction significantly reduces serum cholesterol and total lipids, with efficacy comparable to the drug clofibrate.
4. Formulations like Triphala Guggulu are useful in managing obesity.