Nees.
Synonym: Commiphora molmol Engl.C. abyssinica (Berg.) Engl.
Family: Burseraceae.
Habitat: Arabia, Somaliland.
Ayurvedic: Bola, Hiraabola, Surasa, Barbara, Gandharasa.
Unani: Murmakki, Bol.
Siddha/Tamil: Vellaibolam.
Action: Oleo-gum-resin—em- menagogue (used for irregular menstruation and painful periods), anti-inflammatory (on pharyngitis and gingivitis), antiseptic, bacteriostatic, antiviral, astringent, stimulant, expectorant, stomachic, carminative (in dyspepsia), a leuco- cytogenic agent (increases number of white cells in the blood). Used externally for treating acne, boils and pressure sores, internally as a blood purifier.
Key application: In topical treatment of mild inflammations of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. (German Commission E.) As a gargle or mouth rinse for the treatment of aphthous ulcers, tonsillitis, common cold and gingivitis. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, ESCOP.)The gum (30-60%) contains acidic polysaccharides, volatile oil (2-10%) including other constituents, heer- abolene, eugenol, furanosequiterpenes and monoterpenes.Myrrh is taken as a powder or a tincture, rather than as an infusion; used generally externally or as a gargle.Aqueous suspension of the gum resin decreased ethanol-induced and indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats. (JEthnopharmacol, 1997, Jan 55(2), 141150.)
Dosage: Gum-resin—3-5 g (CCRAS.)
Hook. ex Stocks
Synonym: Commiphora mukul (Hook. ex Stocks) Engl. C. wightii (Arn.) Bhandari.
Family: Burseraceae.
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.
Action: Oleo-gum-resin—used for reducing obesity and in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica.
Key application: In the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypercholestero- laemia and obesity. (WHO.)Guggulipid is hypocholesteremic. Guggul resin contains steroids—gug- glsterones Z and E, guggulsterols IV, diterpenoids; volatile oil, including other constituents, contains a terpene hydrocarbon cembrene A. E- and Z- guggulsterones are characteristic constituents, which distinguish C. mukul from other Commiphore sp.Guggul resin increases catechola- mine 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. Z- guggulsterone 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.Oleo-gum resin of Balsamodendron caudatum is also equated with Guggul in Siddha medicine.
Dosage: Oleo-gum-resin—2-4 g (API Vol. I.) 500 mg to 1 g (CCRAS.)... balsamodendron mukul
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