Balsamodendron mukul Hook. ex Stocks

Synonym Comm iphora mukul (Hook. ex Stocks) Engl.

C. wightii (Am.) Bhandari.

Family Burseraceae.

Balsamodendron mukul

Habitat Rajasthan, Madhya

Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka.

English Indian Bdellium, Gum Guggul.

Ayurvedic Guggul, Devadhoop, Kaushika, Pur, Mahishaaksha,

Palankash, Kumbha, Uluukhala.

Unani Muqallal yahood, Muql, Bu-e -Jahudaan

Siddha/Tamil Erumaikan Kungiliyam.

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Action Oleo-gum-resin—used for reducing obesity and in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica.

Key application In the treatment of hype rlipidemia, hypercholesterolaemia and obesity. (WHO.) Guggulipid is hypocholesteremic. Guggul resin contains steroids—gugglsterones Z and E, guggulsterols I— V, diterpenoids; volatile oil, including other constituents, contains a terpene hydrocarbon cembrene A. E- and Zguggulsterones are characteristic constituents, which distinguish C. mukul from other Commiphore sp.

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Guggul resin increases catecholamine biosynthesis and activity in cholesterol-fed rabbits, inhibits platelet aggregation, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and appears to activate the thyroid gland in rats and chicken. Zguggulsterone may increase uptake of iodine by thyroid gland and increase oxygen uptake in liver and bicep tissues. (Planta Med 1984, 1, 78—80.)

The gum is also used in hemiplegia and atherosclerotic disorders; as a gargle in pyrrhoea aveolaris, chronic tonsilitis and pharyngitis. Fumes are recommended in hay fever, chronic bronchitis and nasal catarrh.

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