Ethyl acetate extract of Commiphora mukul confers significant protection to albino rats against experimental atherosclerosis. It prevents deteriorating changes in serum cholesterol, triglyceride and plasma fibrinogen levels. Research studies showed that guggul is beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Guggulsterones were comparable to cardioprotective drugs, propanolol and nifedipine, in protecting from myocardial necrosis induced by isoproterenol in rats. It reduces platelet aggregation and is also indicated in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia. Oleo resin has anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory property. Clinical studies indicate it to be a digestive and analgesic.

Fractions of guggulu rich in guggulusterones are known to have hypocholesterolemic activity as they inhibit total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and increase HDL/TC ratio.

They inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver via antagonism of the farnesoid X receptor and the bile-acid receptor. Guggulusterones up regulate the bile salt e xport pump (BSEP), an efflux transporter responsible for the removal of cholesterol metabolites and bile acids from the liver. This favors the metabolism of cholesterol into bile acids. Guggulusterones inhibit the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, a critical regulator of inflammatory responses. Guggulusterones are reported to increase the activity of dopamine—β-D-hydroxylase.

Myrrhanol A and myrrhanone A have shown anti-inflammatory activity in adjuvant-induced, air-pouch granuloma of mice, and the two ferulic acid esters, are reported to have antitumor properties. Guggulu resin has a curative effect in children with Fasioliasis and Schistosomiasis.

Because of its varied pharmacological effects on lipid metabolism, thyroid hormone homeostatsis, female reproductive tissues, and endogenous nuclear hormone receptors, guggulu and its constituents are increasingly being used as dietary supplements or fast-moving consumer goods for their anti-obesity and other health-modulating effects.

Guggulipid is a standardized product of ethyl acetate extract of the oleo gum resin guggulu.

Marketed products

Traditional—Yogaraja guggulu, punarnavadi guggulu, pushkara guggulu, shonti guggulu, triphala guggulu.

Proprietary—Diabecon, Koflet, Rumalaya Forte, Reosto, Immunocare, etc.

Kalmegh

Kalmegh refers to Andrographis paniculata (Burm f) Wall ex Nees, Family, Acanthaceae.

Synonym

Justicia latebrosa Russ, J. paniculata f, J. stricta Lam ex Steud.

It grows widely and is cultivated in tropical and sub tropical Asia, South East Asia, and India. The dried aerial parts, preferably the stems and leaves are used in traditional medicine.

Common Vernacular names

English: Green Chiretta, Andrographis

Sanskrit: Bhunimba, Kirata

Hindi: Kirayata, Mahatikta

Tamil: Nilavembu

Telugu: Nela vemu