Abstract

REVIEW: GUGGUL AN EXUDATE FROM BARK

Satnam Singh*, Jyotsana Sharma, Lovepreet Singh, Gagandeep Kaur and Vinay Kumar

ABSTRACT

Guggulu is an oleogum resin that exudes spontaneously as a result of injury from the bark of Commiphora wightii bhandari (Family- Burseraceae). In Ayurveda, guggulu enters into the preparation of several compound medicines most of which are named with suffix 'guggulu'. It is a complex mixture of steroids, diterpenoids, aliphatic esters, carbohydrates, amino acids and variety of inorganic compounds. Traditionally it is used to treat arthritis, obesity, and other disorders. Guggul has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. This review is an effort to compile all the available information reported on its macroscopic features, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity and adverse reactions. Oleo-gum resin, guggulu, tapped from the stems of this species, is utilized in high volumes by the Indian herbal industries. There has been a decline in its wild population over the last several decades, as a result of habitat loss and degradation, coupled with unregulated harvesting and tapping of oleo-gum resin.

Keywords: Guggulu, Commiphera wightii, guggulosterone, market survey.