Synonyms: Bdellium Gum, Guggul, Guggulipid, Gum Gugal, Salaitree
Family: Burseraceae
Genus species: Commiphora mukul, Commiphora wightii, Balsamodendron mukul, Balsamodendron agollocha
Part Used: Gum resin extract
Location: Assam, Berar, eastern Bengal, Mysore, Sind
Actions: Alterative, antiatherogenic, antihypercholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory (powerful), antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antisuppurative, aperient, aphrodisiac, astringent, bitter, carminative, demulcent, diaphoretic, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, enhances phagocytosis, immunostimulant (increases leukocytes), stimulating expectorant, stomachic, thyroid stimulant, uterine stimulant
Indications: Alveolitis, amenorrhea, anemia, ascites of tubercular peritonitis, atherosclerosis, bronchitis, chapped skin, chronic endometritis, chronic tonsillitis, common cold, cystitis, debility, dental caries, excessive menstruation, gonorrhea, hypercholesterolemia, inflammation, laryngitis, lassitude, leprosy, leukorrhea, marasmus, muscle spasms, neuralgia, neurasthenia, ophthalmia, pertussis, pneumonia, pyelitis, pyorrhea, rheumatism, scrofula, skin disorders, sore throat, spongy gums, ulcerative pharyngitis
Contraindications: Pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Possible diarrhea, hiccups, restlessness, apprehension.
Note: Contains guggulsterones E and Z. In clinical trials guggulsterones have been shown to lower serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, LDL levels and raise HDL levels.