Guggulu
– It is prized for its ability to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels as well as high blood triglyceride levels, which are promoters of heart disease.
-It has also shown to boost the levels of good cholesterol (HDL), which protects against heart disease.
– appears to reduce the risk of blood clots by inhibiting blood platelets from sticking together
-may promote cardiovascular health by preventing the build up of plaque in the arteries, which if left unchecked can lead to heart attacks
-Historically, gugulipid was used to relieve arthritis pain and to treat obesity. Consequently, it harbors anti-inflammatory properties, which is why gugulipid was used to treat such conditions as arthritis. However, much more research needs to be done on its anti-inflammatory value.
Guggulu consists of oleo-gum resin obtained as an exudate from the tapping of stem and branches of Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari [syn. Commiphora mukul (Hook. Ex Stocks) Engl; Balsamodendron mukul (Hook. Ex Stocks); Family, Burseraceae]. The plant is commonly known as guggul tree and is found in arid areas of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. In India, it is found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. It is a small, bushy tree with thorny branches and produces a yellowish gum resin (guggulu) in small ducts located throughout its bark. The trees are tapped by making an incision on the bark. The resin, which flows out, is allowed to harden before it is collected. The tree is tapped from November to January and the resin is collected through May to June. A guggul tree yields between 250 to 500 g of dry resin during each collection season [1, 2].
In Indian traditional system of medicine, guggulu has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of arthritis, inflammation, gout, rheumatism, obesity, and disorders of lipids metabolism [3]. It is known by different names like guggula, guggul, guggal, gugar, and Indian bdellium [4].