(Commiphora mukul)
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.
The classical treatise on Ayurvedic medicine, Sushrita Samhita, describes the use of guggul for a wide variety of conditions, including rheumatism and obesity. One of its primary indications was a condition known as medoroga. This ancient diagnosis is similar to the modern description of atherosclerosis. Standardised guggul extracts are approved in India for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
What it does
Guggul contains resin, volatile oils and gum. Keton fraction that is extracted from the resin contain potent cholesterol lowering components. These compounds also have antioxidant properties and appear to reduce the stickiness of blood.
Potential Uses
| Acne | Arthritis | Atherosclerosis |
| Cholesterol |
Other information
Guggul has very positive action on regulating blood fats, lowering levels of LDL and raising levels of HDL. the gcompounds in Guggul also help prevent the build up of arterial plaque by protecting against cholesterol oxidisation.
Cautions
Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using Guggul, some people may experience mild digestive discomfort.
Guggul should be avoided by people with liver diseases, Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis.
Do not use in pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
At the time of writing there were no well known negative drug interactions with Guggul.
