A review on Guggulu [<em>Commiphora wightii</em> (Arn.) Bhand.]: <em>In vitro</em> propagation of critical endangered ayurvedic plant

Abstract

Guggulu has been a major component in the ancient Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. Apart from its use in the medicinal and aromatic industries by Ayurvedic practitioners, it has been used extensively to treat many types of disorders. Guggulu is a gum or resin that is extracted from the plant Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Buffalo. (Syn. Commiphora mukul hook. Ex. Stocks) or Guggulu tree. Guggulu is a shrubby or small tree that belongs to the Bursaceae family. Guggulu contains volatile oils, gum resin, guggulipids, guggulsterones, guggulsterol, mucolol and other steroids. Guggulu is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine as astringent, anti-septic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, carmenative, anti-spasmodic, emmenagogue. In Ayurveda, Guggulu is the best of the herbs used for Medorroga and Vata disorders. It is widely used for obesity and is also known as a fat burning agent throughout the world. It helps in lowering the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Guggulu is very effective in arthritis, gout and sciatica. It is one of the most important chemicals of Ayurveda. In addition it treats sluggish liver, stimulates libido, nervous diseases, bronchial congestion, cardiovascular and circulatory problems, weak digestion, bruises, boils, pimples, fractures, gynecological problems and various skin diseases. Guggulu is a very important and reliable herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Originally it is used in almost every type of disease due to its amazing healing power. This review is an attempt to describe the pharmacological activities of Guggulu and the variable uses of Guggulu.