Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Oleo-Gum Resin ofCommiphora wightii(Guggulu)

Abstract

Guggulu is an oleo-gum resin which exudes out as a result of injury from the bark of Commiphora wightii (Arnott) Bhandari [syn. Commiphora mukul (Hook. Ex Stocks) Engl; Balsamodendron mukul (Hook. Ex Stocks); Family, Burseraceae]. It has been used in the Ayurveda since time immemorial for the treatment of variety of disorders such as inflammation, gout, rheumatism, obesity, and disorders of lipids metabolism. It is a mixture of phytoconstituents like volatile oil which contains terpenoidal constituents such as monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, and triterpenoids; steroids; flavonoids; guggultetrols; lignans; sugars; and amino acids. This review is an effort to compile all the information available on all of its chemical constituents which are responsible for its therapeutic potential. The wild occurrence of this species is restricted mainly to the dry regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat States of India, and the bordering regions of Pakistan. Oleo-gum resin, guggulu, tapped from the stems of this species, is consumed in high volumes by the Indian herbal industries. There has been a decline in its wild population over the last several decades, as a result of habitat loss and degradation, coupled with unregulated harvesting and tapping of oleo-gum resin. This species is consequently assessed as Critically Endangered and enlisted in the IUCN red list of threatened species.

Guggulipid: A Promising Multi-Purpose Herbal Medicinal Agent

“…The inhibitory effect of guggulsterones E and Z was very similar to the inhibitory effect of clofibrate. This obser-vation has therapeutic value in myocardial infarction and thromboembolism [5,44].…”

“…It was clearly observed that guggulosomes had more efficacy than ibuprofen and both guggul and ibuprofen had synergistic effect. The study indicating the anti-inflammatory property of guggul [44,45]. Guggulsterones suppress TNF-induced COX-2 promoter activity and protein expression in vitro in a dose-dependent manner [26].…”

“…Guggulsterone is the main active constituent which is responsible for antioxidant property of guggulipid. It was found in vitro against the production of oxygen free radicals [44].…”

“…The oxidation of human low density lipoprotein (LDL) induced by Fe 2 + or by rat peritoneal macrophages caused marked generation of lipid peroxidation products. Guggulsterone reduced the generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxide of LDL in above system [44,47]. However, it did not protect lipids against the formation of conjugated dienes, the initial step of lipid peroxidation cascade.…”

Nature’s Derivative(s) as Alternative Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease Treatments

“…This pale yellow or brown oleo-gum resin is an exudate from cracks, fissures, or incisions on the bark of Commiphora wightii, Commiphora mukul, Commiphora abyssinica, Commiphora molmol, and Commiphora Burseraceae [61]. It is composed of phenols, ferulic acids, and other nonphenolic aromatic acids that have the potential to scavenge superoxide radicals, thus, making it significant in combating neurodegenerative diseases that have oxidative stress as a substantial implication [62].…”