History
Guggul extract, also known as Bdellium, is derived from the mukul myrrh tree, a small thorny plant that grows from northern Africa to central Asia, though it is most common to northern India. The tree exudes a sticky yellow aromatic resin from its stems. This resin has been utilized in India’s traditional medical system of Ayurveda for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions. Classic Ayurvedic texts detail the resin’s usefulness for treating obesity and “blood fat disorders”, including “coating and obstruction of channels”. Guggul’s name in Sanskrit means “one that protects against diseases”, a display of the great reverence held for this herb.
Guggul has a long history of use in India as an aid for weight loss, as an anti-inflammatory in arthritis rheumatism, and as a remedy for skin disorders such as acne. It has also been used for neurological diseases, hemorrhoids and water retention.
Guggul is promoted in the West primarily as a remedy for helping to lower cholesterol and aid the circulatory system. Research done in India has suggested that the herb may be beneficial for reducing overall cholesterol, lowering LDL and raising HDL. It contains compounds called guggulsterones that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. These compounds also appear to inhibit cholesterol from oxidizing.
In spite of this promising research tests done in the Western world have not confirmed guggul’s ability to lower cholesterol. In one study guggul raised LDL levels. Guggul does benefit the circulatory system in other ways, however.
It appears to have antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity, so it would inhibit the formation of blood clots in the circulatory system. Because of this, guggul caution should be used when taking guggul with aspirin, NSAIDs and blood thinners.
Guggul may also help to lower lipoprotein (a) and C-reactive protein, two blood factors known to have a link with inflammation and heart disease. Because of these benefits, it is clear that guggul can be a valuable aid in preventing heart disease.
Guggul may also help to lower lipoprotein (a) and C-reactive protein, two blood factors known to have a link with inflammation and heart disease. Because of these benefits, it is clear that guggul can be a valuable aid in preventing heart disease.
One of the common uses for guggul in India is to aid in weight loss. Part of the reason why guggul may be helpful here is because it acts as a thyroid stimulant. It appears to increase the conversion of T4, the storage form of the thyroid hormone, into T3, the active form. This would increase metabolism and the burning of fat in the body, including helping to lower triglycerides.
Guggul extracts have a definite anti-inflammatory action. A triterpene called myrrhanol A was discovered in guggul that has potent anti-inflammatory effects. This would account for its use in arthritis and rheumatism. For this reason, guggul is an ingredient in the Ayurvedic Joint Support formula.
Myrrh has a definite disinfectant action and it appears that guggul has antibacterial action as well. Guggul’s activity against acne was comparable to tetracycline. It decreased the inflammation in acne and decreased relapses in those who used it. It reduces the secretion of sebum and inhibits bacteria from metabolism the fats (triglycerides) in the oil ducts.
How It Works
Most of the research on guggul has taken place in India, where it is one of the most common treatments for lipid disorders. It was found that guggul contains a group of compounds known as guggulsterones. These compounds have displayed the ability to help support healthy lipid metabolism and are believed to work by two distinctive mechanisms. They encourage bile production, which is required for the proper digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the lower intestines. They also promote healthy thyroid function, which supports the liver’s ability to process, metabolize and excrete cholesterol.
The usase and benefits of Guggul, An Ayurvedic Herbal:
- Guggul is used in reducing fat levels from body and used as anti obesity agent since centuries.
- It works as rasayan i.e. used in promoting youth ness with long life.
- It relaxes the muscles which helps relieve menstrual pain.
- It has been very dominantly used in arthritic pains. It also possesses the property that helps in reversing the degenerative changes that has occurred in joint and bones.
- It helps in relieving pain and swelling, it is believed in strengthening nervous system of the body due to this property.
- Guggulu has properties, which is indicated in hypertension.
- In lowering blood pressure levels and maintaining it to normal levels Guggul plays a very important role.
- It acts as blood purifier therefore it is used in skin diseases.
- Guggul also known as heart tonic that strengthens the heart.
- Guggul also works in strengthening our digestive system.
- It is also known for improving our immune system; its good results are seen in leprosy and eczema.
- Guggulu water is widely used to gargle to get relieve from tonsillitis, mouth ulcers, upper respiratory tract infection and throat irritation etc.
- Guggul increased HDL cholesterol, which is needed by the body and lowers LDL cholesterol.
- It is seen helpful in upper respiratory tract infection as it works as expectorant by helping in suppressing kapha dosha, which is the main culprit in causing wet cough.
- Guggul helps in relieving pain and swelling, due to this property it is also believed in strengthening nervous system of the body.