|
9.
COMMIPHORA MUKUL
Eng
. =
Indian bedelblium; Ind.
= Guggul
Habitat
and Description
It
is a thorny shrub having small pinkish flowers.
There are many compounds that have been isolated from commiphora
muku. When crushed, it yields
an aromatic gum resin. Besides
gum and resin, it contains perfumed essential oil.
Parts
used : Gum
resin, stem, leaf.
Actions
: Alterative, antiseptic, aperient, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac,
anti-lipidemic, tonic.
Therapeutic
uses
·
In
Arthritis and related disorders
Gum
guggul is useful in the treatment of swollen and painful joints.
The gum is used in medicine and in the treatment of rheumatism,
rheumatic Arthritis, and gout, due to its anti-inflammatory action.
Its anti-arthritic effect is comparable to a steroid such as
hydrocortisone. It is found
to be more potent than the conventional drug phenylbutazone.
·
Other
uses
It
has been highly useful in hyperlipidemia, obesity and high blood pressure.
Its cholesterol lowering effect is comparable to conventional drugs
that are used in reducing cholesterol.
It is also used in dyspepsia, ulcers, fever, amenorrhoea, epilepsy,
and cardiac problems. Use of this drug in 15 to 20 gm stops sclerosis,
coronary thrombosis and coronary artery troubles.
Mode
of Adminsitration and Dosage
Guggulu
is generally administered in the form of a tablet or pill.
To increase therapeutic efficiency, it is generally added to
powdered ginger, root of castor plant and castor oil, all in equal
quantities. The dose is two
pills thrice a day with any hot drink, preferably hot milk.
Ayurvedic preparation includes Yograj Guggulu, Kaishore Guggulu,
Chandraprabha Vati, Arogyavardhini Vati and others.
Precaution
It
is relatively safe. While
using guggul, excessive exposure to sun or fire should be avoided.
In high doses, it may cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
|
