Guggulu Kalpana (Commiphora Mukul): Classical Pharmaceutical Processing, Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Potential-a Narrative Review

Guggulu, the oleo-gum-resin obtained from Commiphora mukul (Hook. ex Stocks) Engl., holds an important place in Ayurvedic therapeutics due to its traditional properties, including Rasayana, Varnya, Balya, and Bhagnasandhanakrit, and its application in managing musculoskeletal disorders, obesity, dyslipidaemia, inflammatory conditions, and metabolic abnormalities. Ayurveda emphasizes Shodhana (purification) before medicinal use, highlighting the importance of pharmaceutical processing in ensuring its quality and therapeutic suitability. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Guggulu by integrating classical Ayurvedic knowledge with contemporary scientific evidence. Relevant classical Ayurvedic texts and published scientific literature were reviewed to examine its botanical characteristics, historical background, Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, purification methods, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, therapeutic applications, and clinical relevance. The reviewed literature highlights the pharmacological potential of Guggulu and its bioactive constituents, particularly guggulsterones, which have been investigated for anti-inflammatory, hypolipidaemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. The review also explores the scientific rationale underlying traditional purification procedures, summarizes experimental and clinical findings, and identifies challenges related to quality standardization, research gaps, and evidence-based clinical utilization. Guggulu offers considerable potential for further pharmaceutical and clinical research, although systematic investigations are needed to strengthen its scientific validation and support its rational therapeutic application.