Description: Guggul is alterative, analgesic, anticholesterolemic, antiinflammatory, antiobesity, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperient, astringent, carminative, demulcent, deobstruent, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, rejuvenative and stimulant. It is a very effective herbal medicine for controlling obesity and cholesterol. Ketone fraction that is extracted from the oleo-gum-resin contains the most potent cholesterol lowering components. The extract isolates ketonic steroid compounds are known as guggulsterones. These compounds have been shown to provide the lipid-lowering actions noted for guggul. 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). Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelets-another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease.

Encouraged by the Ayurvedic and Unani 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. Guggulipid offers considerable benefit in preventing and treating atherosclerotic vascular disease. As it is most effective in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, it reduces obesity as they are the factors directly concerned with its management.

Guggul exhibits a cholesterol lowering ability unlike any other natural substance. In human trials, using guggulipid, the cholesterol levels dropped by 14-27% in a 4 to 12 week period while the triglyceride levels dropped by 22-30%. It has a great effect in preventing heart atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries.

Guggul also has marked antiarthritic effect, comparable to that of hydrocortisone and is useful in arthritis, rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. It helps stimulate the regeneration of nerve tissue as well as bones and joints. Also useful in nervous diseases, scrofulous affections, urinary disorders and skin diseases. It is used as a stomachic, in chronic dyspepsia, chronic colitis and dilation and atony of the walls of the stomach. In large doses it is useful in laryngitis, bronchitis, both type of piles, pneumonia and whooping cough as well as leucorrhoea.

Recommended Dosage: 500 mg to 1 g powder of purified exudate.

Contraindication: The gum is reported to enhance the menstrual discharge and hence should not be taken in pregnancy. Avoid during breat feeding and if suffering from irritable bowel disease or diarrhoea. As it stimulates the thyroid so best avoid in hyperthyroidism. In rare cases it can cause allergic skin reaction.