Guggul, scientifically known as Commiphora Mukul, is a powerful medicinal plant valued for its gum resin, which has potent anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and cardioprotective properties. It is traditionally used in Ayurveda to treat rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, and cardiac disorders, and is included in many polyherbal formulations.
Family Name: BURSERACEAE
Botanical Name: COMMIPHORA MUKUL
Common Name: COMMIPHORA, MUKUL, GUGGUL, BALSAMODENDROM MUKUL, INDIAN BDELLIUM TREE, MOQL, MOQLE-ARZAGI
Part Used: WHOLE PLANT
Habitat: Rocky tracks of Western India and Eastern Himalayas.
Uses: It is Carminative, Antispasmodic, Disphoretic, Ecobolic, Anti suppurative and Emmenagodue. Gum resin used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is a potent drug for cardiac disorders high cholesterol. It is an ingredient for over fifty compounds.
Additional Information:
Guggul has been used for thousands of years in Indian medicine. The active components, particularly guggulsterones, have been found to regulate lipid metabolism and thyroid function. Modern research supports its role in reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, while potentially increasing HDL (good cholesterol).
In addition to arthritis and heart-related issues, it is used in the management of obesity, skin diseases, and menstrual disorders. Because of its strong detoxifying properties, Guggul is also a key herb in Panchakarma therapies.