Introduction
Guggul herb: Guggul (Commiphora mukul) is a highly valued botanical
medicine used in Ayurveda.
It is used for rheumatoid arthritis, and lipid disorders. The
classic Ayurveda medical text, described in detail the usefulness
of this herb for treatment of obesity and other disorders of
fat, including "coating and obstruction of channels".
Encouraged by the Ayurvedic description of this herb for lowering
cholesterol, scientists have conducted clinical trials to test
the effectiveness of this herb in disorders
of lipid metabolism and for lowering weight. The research resulted
in the development of a natural cholesterol lowering substance
that is safer and more effective than many cholesterol-lowering
drugs.
Origin
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.
Chemical
composition / key active constituents
Ketone fraction that is extracted from the
resin contains the most potent cholesterol lowering components.
This is composed of C21 or C27 steroids, with the major components
being Z- and E-guggulsterone.Guggul contains resin, volatile oils,
and gum. The extract isolates ketonic steroid compounds known
as guggulsterones. These compounds have been shown to provide
the lipid-lowering actions noted for guggul.
Pharmacology
Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides
and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the "bad"
cholesterols). At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol
(the "good" cholesterol), inhibits platelet aggregation,
and may increase thermogenesis through stimulation of the thyroid,
potentially resulting in weight loss. In Ayurvedic medicine, it
is used to remove "Ama", or deposits of waste or toxic
material in the body, including mucus and mineral deposits in
the joints, thus reducing a
possible cause of sluggishness, inflamed joints, and many other
conditions. A direct anti-inflammatory effect has been observed
for guggulsterones. Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness
of platelets-another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery
disease.
Remedies
For
High cholesterol levels, High triglyceride
levels, Atherosclerosis, Obesity.Guglipid offers considerable
benefit in preventing and treating atherosclerotic vascular disease
(Heart disease).It is most effective in lowering LDL cholesterol
and triglycerides. It also raises the level of good cholesterol
(HDL). It is used as expectorant i.e. in cough problems. This
guggul has great effect in preventing heart atherosclerosis, or
narrowing of the arteries.
Dosage
Daily recommendations for guggul are typically
based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract. A common
intake of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts
contain 5-10% guggulsterones. For a 5 percent guggulsterone extract,
this translates to an effective dose of 500 milligrams three times
per day.
References:
1.
Phytochemistry, 1978,17:287
2. J.Res.Ayurveda & Siddha 1980, 1,133
3. Sharma, R. et al. (1987) J.Res. Edu. Ind. Med. 1-10
4. Singh, R.H.,Singh, L.J.(1980)J.Res.Ayur.Siddha. 1:133-148 |
