Guggul Supplement | Guggul Benefits

Introduction
Benefits
Related Products
FAQs

Guggul is also known as “Pura,” which means “ward off disease.” Guggul’s major bioactive component is oleo-gum-resin (a mixture of an oil and yellowish or brownish fluid secreted from the plant stem or bark). It is this oleo-gum resin that is said to have therapeutic benefits. According to Ayurveda, Guggul reduces Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) by increasing the digestive fire. It also reduces swelling, pain, and stiffness in joints in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. It improves metabolism and is also useful in weight management.

What are the synonyms of Guggul?

Guggul is also known as Commiphora wightii, Pura, Mahisaksa, Kausika, Palankasa, Guggula, Gum-gugul, Indian Bdellium, Gugal, Guggal, Gugar, Kanthagana, Guggala, Mahishaksha guggulu, Guggulugida, Guggulu, Guggal Dhoop, Kanth Gan, Gulgulu, Mahishaksh, Mahisaksi Guggalu, Makishakshi guggulu, Guggipannu, Muqil (Shihappu).

Benefits of Guggul

1. Manages Osteoarthritis

Guggul may be useful in managing osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property. It reduces swelling, pain, and stiffness, thereby giving relief from osteoarthritis symptoms.

According to ayurveda, Guggul is useful in managing pain in osteoarthritis. According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling, and joint mobility. Guggul has Vata balancing properties and gives relief from osteoarthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints.

2. Controls Rheumatoid Arthritis

Guggul contains specific components that have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. It suppresses the chemicals that lead to pain and inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

According to ayurveda, Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata) is a disease that impairs the proper functioning of Vata dosha and promotes Ama (toxins) accumulation in the joints. In Amavata, a person suffers from a weak digestive fire, which leads to Ama(toxins) accumulation. These toxins are then carried to different locations through Vata. Instead of being absorbed, the toxins get accumulated in the joints. Guggul helps to reduce Ama due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Guggul also has a Vata balancing property and relieves Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like pain and swelling in the joints.

3. Controls High Cholesterol

Gugul has a natural cholesterol-lowering agent. It helps manage high cholesterol. It contains a bioactive component that lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), and triglycerides.

According to ayurveda, Guggul might help manage the cholesterol level. It improves metabolism by reducing Ama (toxins) due to its Ushna (hot) nature. It also removes excess cholesterol from the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping) property.

4. Manages Obesity

According to scientific research, Guggul may be ineffective in managing obesity. Although, traditionally, it had been used to manage weight.

According to ayurveda, Due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle, Ama’s (toxins) accumulation increases, causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu, resulting in obesity. Guggul helps improve metabolism and digestive fire with its Deepan (appetizer) nature. Guggul might also manage excess fat in the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping) property.

5. Controls Acne

Guggul extract contains a bioactive component that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Guggul reduces the production of sebum and inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

According to ayurveda, Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, Kapha’s aggravation increases sebum production, which clogs the pores, resulting in the formation of both white and blackheads. A disturbance of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Guggul helps balance Kapha-Pitta because of Tridosha’s balancing property and reduces clogs and inflammation.

FAQs

Is Guggul good for the heart?

Yes, Guggul may be useful for the heart. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antilipidemic (lipid-lowering) properties. It reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol), thereby preventing blockage in the arteries. Due to this, Guggul may be useful in preventing heart attacks and other heart abnormalities.

According to ayurveda, Guggul helps to reduce the risk of heart disease by regulating cholesterol levels. Guggul improves metabolism by reducing Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) due to its Ushna (hot) nature. It also helps to reduce excess cholesterol from the body due to its Lekhaniya (scraping) property.

Is Guggul good for the liver?

Yes, Guggul may be useful for the liver due to its hepatoprotective (liver protective) property. It increases the production of certain beneficial enzymes and enzymatic reactions.

Is guggul good for weight loss?

Guggul can be beneficial for weight loss. The Ayurvedic herb has been used to treat and control high cholesterol.

Does guggul lower cholesterol?

Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” cholesterols) by approximately 25% according to Some studies. At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).

Are there any side effects of Guggul?

Gastro-intestinal upsets—most commonly involving loose stools and diarrhea—are the most predominant adverse effects reported. Guggul is a powerful herb and should be used judiciously. Excessive dosage or misuse can lead to dryness of mouth, weight loss, impotency, skin disturbances, vertigo, and pathological changes in the liver or lungs; in these cases, saffron is said to be the antidote.

According to ayurveda, Guggul can increase pitta, especially in combination with a pitta-aggravating lifestyle. It is therefore recommended—while taking guggul—to avoid sour foods, alcohol, prolonged exposure to the sun, anger, and excessive physical activity.

References

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
Poonia P, Mittal S, Gupta V, et al.Gum Guggul: An Ayurvedic Boom.IJPPR.2014; 6(2); 347-354.
WebMD.Guggul: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
Patel MSD.A review on herbal drugs acting against acne vulgaris.Pharm Sci Biosci Res.2015;5(2):165-171.
Thappa DM, Dogra J.Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline.J Dermatol.1994;21:729-31.
Singh RB, Niaz MA, Ghosh S.Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of commiphora mukul as an adjunct to dietary therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia.Cardiovasc Drugs Ther.1994;8(4):659-664.
Urizar NL, Moore DD.Gugulipid: a natural cholesterol-lowering agent.Annu Rev Nutr.2003;23:303-313.
Singh BB, Mishra LC, Vinjamury SP et al.The effectiveness of Commiphora mukul for osteoarthritis of the knee: a outcomes study.Altern Ther Health Med.2003;9(3):74-79.
Dut Jasuja N, Choudhary J, Sharama P et al.A review on bioactive compounds and medicinal uses of Commiphora mukul.J Plant Sci.2012;7(4):113-137.
Chopra A, Saluja M, Tillu G.Ayurveda-modern medicine interface: a critical appraisal of studies of Ayurvedic medicines to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.J Ayurveda Integr Med.2010;1(3):190–198.

Disclaimer

This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on Foresta Organics. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your healthcare plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.