Botanical Overview
Commiphora mukul belongs to the Burseraceae family and is commonly known as Guggul, Indian bdellium, or Gum guggul. The primary medicinal part used is the resin, harvested from the tree native to the Indian subcontinent, Middle East, and Northeast Africa.
Energetics
The resin has a warming temperature and drying moisture quality. It is characterized by bitter and pungent tastes, is tonifying in nature, and influences the body’s qi energy.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hypolipidemic
- Antiarthritic
- Antioxidant
Indications
Western
- Hyperlipidemia
- Obesity
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Elevated cholesterol
Syndromes
- Dyslipidemia
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Rheumatoid arthritis
TCM
No confirmed traditional use documented.
Ayurveda
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Skin disorders
- Digestive complaints
Syndromes
- Medo roga (obesity and lipid disorders)
- Sandhivata (osteoarthritis)
- Vatarakta (gout and rheumatoid arthritis)
Unani
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
- Metabolic disorders
Syndromes
- Waja ul Mafasil (arthritis)
- Balgham un Mozmin (chronic phlegm)
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include guggulsterones (E- and Z-), resin acids, steroids, and terpenoids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Standardized resin extract containing 25-50 mg guggulsterones, taken 2-3 times daily
- Powdered resin 500 mg 2-3 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 in ethanol 30-40%, 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated though some may experience gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions. Avoid during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Cautious use recommended in autoimmune disorders. Potential interactions with anticoagulants, thyroid, and hypoglycemic drugs require medical monitoring.
Astrological Correspondences
There are no well-documented planetary or elemental rulers for Commiphora mukul in authoritative herbal or esoteric texts.
Selected References
- Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species
- Guggulsterone: a promising steroidal compound with medicinal properties
- Commission E Monograph: Commiphora mukul
- Pharmacological and clinical effects of Commiphora mukul and its resin extract guggulsterone: A review
- Charaka Samhita