Macroscopic Evaluation of the Identity of Guggulu, Its Adulterants and Market Samples

Abstract

One of the important aspects of Ayurvedic Medicine is the quality raw material for preparation; otherwise one cannot expect the desired effect of the treatment. In many important Ayurvedic medicines, the Guggulu is the main ingredient of various formulations. Guggulu is the oleo-gum resin obtained from the guggulu plant (Commiphora wightii). In India, the plant is seen in some part of the country, especially in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Now, Guggulu is a high valued medicinal plant and the demand for Guggulu is increasing day by day. Due to over exploitation and unsustainable harvesting, the plant is listed as a critically endangered species. As a result, unscrupulous, deliberate adulteration is a widespread practice for high commercial benefit. Such unscrupulous activity badly affects the property of Ayurvedic Medicine which contains Guggulu as ingredient and poses significant health risk. An effort has been made to evaluate the identity of the origin sample of Guggulu and its adulterant/ substitute macroscopically collected from their original source and sample collected from different market. This study will be helpful for identification of Guggulu organoleptically to some extent.