Guggul (biological name Commiphora wightii), or Mukul myrrh tree, belongs to the Burseraceae family and is native to Middle East. This is a flowering plant (generally leafless) reaching up to 4 m in height, with thorny branches and red or pink flowers bearing four small petals. Resin of the guggul plant, also called gum guggulu, is the yellowish substance produced by the stem of the tree. Guggul is mostly found growing in Northern India.

Guggul grows well in a poor soil, so it may be found in dry African soil, as well as in rocky tracks of Western India and Eastern Himalayas. In general, the plant prefers arid and semi-arid climates.

Gum resin of guggul is used as the source of extracts from the plant.

The forms in which guggul is released to the market include powdered resin in capsule form and liquid extract. Less common is the tea made of the guggul extracts. Since guggul resin has a sticky texture, it is often used in Ayurvedic medicine as a binding substance for the ingredients of the pills.

The plant’s major constituents are resin, volatile oils, and gum. The ketonic steroid compounds isolated from the extract are known as guggulsterones. These chemicals provide the cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering actions noted for guggul. Numerous studies have proved that guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” cholesterols), while the HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) levels are raised. Antioxidant properties of guggulsterones prevent atherosclerosis by keeping LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. Some studies have shown the increase of the thyroid hormone production associated with the use of guggul. This hormone participates in the cell’s protein, fat and carbohydrates breakdown and in this way promotes the weight loss.

Ayurvedic medicine has been using guggul gum as a traditional remedy using its beneficial properties. They include relief from ulcers, obesity, epilepsy, and rheumatoid arthritis. Used locally, guggul shows excellent anti-inflammatory effects, acts as a good pain reliever, and is helpful in curbing wounds and infections. The guggul extract also act as an effective nerve tonic and stimulate nervous system in general enhancing the functionality of the brain. The plant’s chemicals are powerful digestive agents that stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and the production of bile juices in the liver. Guggul is also helpful in relieving from constipation. Improvement of the blood circulation, relief from high blood pressure and aphrodisiac properties are the advanced benefits for which guggul is favored both in herbal and traditional medicine.