Best Anti-Vata herb - Guggul

(Commiphora mukul)

GuggulBOTANICAL NAME: - Commiphora mukul

OTHER COMMOM NAMES : Indian Bdellium Gum, Guggulipid, Gum Guggul, Salaitree Gugulipid, Moql, Moqle-arzagi

The mukul myrrh (Commiphora mukul) tree is a small, thorny plant distributed throughout India. Guggul and gum guggulu are the names given to a yellowish resin produced by the stem of the plant. This resin has been used historically and is also the source of modern extracts of guggul.

PARTS USED : Guggul is a tree which exudes a resinous sap out of incisions that are made in its bark. This resin has been used for centuries as part of India's traditional medicine called Ayurveda.

BENEFITS OF GUGGUL / MEDICINAL USES OF GUGGUL:

There are ample references to Guggul and its medicinal properties in 'Sushruta Samahita', the classical ancient treatise on Ayurvedic medicine, which describes the use of Guggul for a wide variety of conditions. Some of these are rheumatism, obesity, and atherosclerosis. - In the treatment of arteriosclerosis it is useful in reducing existing plaque in arteries. "Guggul is the best among herbs that are used for obesity and Vata disorders." (Charaka Samhita, Sutra Section, Ch. 25) - Guggul for weight loss: In terms of obesity, Guggul increases body’s metabolic rate,
- Guggul for Thyroid: Guggul improves thyroid function, increases fat-burning activity of the body, and increases thermogenesis or heat production.
- Guggul as cholesterol medication: Guggul helps to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. It has been shown to reduce total cholesterol up to 30% in 3 months. Guggul’s cholesterol regulating properties are especially important in reducing LDL by 35% and increasing HDL by 20% in 12 weeks.
- Guggul for Heart protection:Guggul decreases platelet stickiness and reduces risk of heart disease and stroke.

ENERGETICS:

  • Rasa (taste) Bitter, Pungent
  • Virya (action) Hot
  • Vipaka (post-digestive effect) Pungent
  • Prabhav[Special potency] - Rasayana
  • Dosha effect VK-, P+
  • It is alterative, antiatherogenic, antihypercholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory
    (powerful), antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antisuppurative, aperient,
    aphrodisiac, astringent, bitter, carminative, demulcent, diaphoretic,
    disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, enhances phagocytosis, immunostimulant
    (increases leukocytes), stimulating expectorant, stomachic, thyroid stimulant,
    uterine stimulant.

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Guggul contains resin, volatile oils and gum. The extract isolates ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones. These compounds have been shown to provide the cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering actions noted for guggul.1 Guggul significantly lowers serum triglyceride's and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” cholesterols).2 At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). As antioxidant's, guggulsterones keep LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, an action which protects against atherosclerosis.3 Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelets—another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease.4 One double-blind trial found guggul extract similar to the drug clofibrate for lowering cholesterol levels.5Other clinical trials in India (using 1,500 mg of extract per day) have confirmed guggul extracts improve lipid levels in humans.6 A combination of guggul, phosphate salts, hydroxycitrate, and tyrosine coupled with exercise has been shown in a double-blind trial to improve mood with a slight tendency to improve weight loss in overweight adults.7 One small clinical trial found that guggul (Commiphora mukul) compared favorably to tetracycline in the treatment of cystic acne.8 The amount of guggul extract taken in the trial was 500 mg twice per day.

GUGGUL DOSAGE: Dosage recommendations for guggul are usually based on guggulsterones concentration in the extract. 9 A typical dosage of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks for lowering high cholesterol and/or triglycerides.
GUGGUL SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS - Continue >>>>