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Kanchanar Guggulu: Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more

Introduction

Kachnar tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a deciduous tree native to India and China. In India, it is widely found in Assam, central, eastern and south India. The bark of this tree is used for multiple medicinal purposes. 

Guggul, also known as Indian Myrrh, is the yellowish gum-resin obtained from the stem of the Guggul tree or Commiphora wightii. This tree is native to Pakistan, India, and Arabia. In India, it is distributed in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.1,2 

A collection of ayurvedic herbs

The decoction obtained from the bark of the Kachnar tree and Guggulu is mixed along with other ingredients to produce Kanchanar guggulu. Kanchanar guggulu helps in the normal functioning of the lymphatic system and aids in the elimination of toxins from the body.3 

Did You Know?

Ingredients of Kanchanar guggulu: 

Kanchanar guggulu has a distinct odour and a bitter taste. It consists of about 12 ingredients. These include:4 

  • Kanchanar 
  • Haritaki 
  • Bibhitaka 
  • Amalaki 
  • Marica 
  • Shunthi 
  • Pippali 
  • Ela or Suksmaila 
  • Varuna 
  • Tvak 
  • Tejpatta 
  • Guggulu shuddha 

Out of the above-mentioned ingredients, kanchanar and guggulu are the major ingredients. Kanchanar guggulu contains phytochemicals (plant-based derivatives) compounds like phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, sterols, fatty acids, fixed oils, proteins, carbohydrates, glycosides, lactones, saponins, and terpenoids. 

From my experience, Kanchanar Guggulu may aid in symptoms associated with PCOS. Insulin resistance, commonly seen in PCOS, may be reduced because of the anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic qualities of Kanchanar Guggulu.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties Of  Kanchanar  Guggulu:  

Kanchanar  guggulu  contains several active ingredients that have different beneficial properties and can be used to help in the various conditions.5  

Potential Uses  Of  Kanchanar  Guggulu  

Potential Uses  Of  Kanchanar  Guggulu For  Hypothyroidism:  

According to Ayurveda, excess kapha dosha and medha dhatu (excess fats) lead to an impairment in the function of pitta dosha, which might cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

  • Kanchanar guggulu helps balance kapha and reduces medha dhatu. Thus, it  maybe effective in reducing the swelling in the neck and goitre. 
  • Kanchanar  guggulu  contains properties like  ruksha  (dry),  laghu  (light), and  ushna  virya  (hot potency).  Thus, it maybe helpful for hypothyroidism.6

However the research available seems insufficient to identify the extent of benefits in humans, thus it is suggested that one must visit a qualified doctor to get proper treatment for hypothyroidism.

Also Read: 11 Home Remedies for Thyroid 

Potential Uses of  Kanchanar  Guggulu  for Cancer:  

Studies show that kanchanar  guggulu  contains a cytotoxic property by which it may regulate cell division and decreases cell proliferation. Hence, this Ayurvedic preparation might help with the treatment of cancer.  4  However, for humans we would need more extensive research that can validate this claim. Moreover, cancer is a serious illness that may require you to consult a qualified doctor for its diagnosis and treatment.

Potential Uses of  Kanchanar  Guggulu  for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:  

Kanchanar  Guggulu  contains  triphala  and  trikatu  which have vitamin C. This  might help in relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck. This might help relieve pressure and improve urination.9  This may indicate the benefits of kachanar gugglu for this condition but it need further study to establish its effectiveness. You must consult a doctor for advice.

Potential Uses of  Kanchanar  Guggulu  for Tonsillitis:  

Tonsillitis is a common condition among children.  Kanchanar  guggulu  may have beneficial effect on the increased  kapha  and  rakta  doshas in the body. Hence, it is beneficial in decreasing the signs and symptoms of chronic tonsillitis.10  Please visit your doctor for proper prescription and guidance.

Potential Uses of  Kanchanar  Guggulu  for Lymph Node Swelling:  

Lymph node swelling may occur due to bacterial and viral infections. They may  occur in the neck, groin  or  armpit.  

Kanchanar  guggulu  may have potential antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties which may make it an effective remedy for lymph node swellings. It is may also be helpful in  reducing  glandular swellings.  4  

Also Read: Castleman Disease: An Informative Guide To Its Symptoms And Treatments

Other Potential Uses of  Kanchanar  Guggulu:  

Kanchanar  guggulu  may have some beneficial effect in the treatment of fistulas, leprosy, cysts, skin diseases, boils, liver cysts, polycystic kidney disease and other swellings in the body.3  

Though studies show the benefits of kanchanar gugglu against various disease conditions, these studies are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of beetroot on human health.  

Let me tell you a secret! Kanchanar Guggulu may help manage female infertility. Yes, you read it right. I recently read an article and it suggests that Kanchanar Guggulu potentially improves the chances of implantation in the process of getting pregnant.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: Chamomile – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Side Effects of Kanchanar Guggulu: 

  Even Ayurvedic herbs may have specific side effects and may react differently in every person. Ensure that you consult an Ayurvedic physician before using it for proper guidance.

Additionally kanchanar  guggulu  might result in mild gastric discomfort in people having a sensitive stomach. Guggul might cause headaches, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, hiccups, stomach upset, allergic reactions, skin rashes, and itching when taken in large doses.  11  If you experience any of these side effects or allergic reactions after using beetroot, stop its use and contact your healthcare provider immediately.  

From my knowledge, Kanchanar Guggulu might be your ally in your weight loss journey. The bitter, astringent, and pungent flavour of Guggulu stimulates metabolism and may aid in fat burning and improving digestion. Hence, they may play a significant role in overall body weight loss.

Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Precautions and Warnings to be Taken With Kanchanar Guggulu: 

  • Kanchanar  guggulu  may be avoided by pregnant and lactating mothers.    
  • For children, this preparation must be given only under medical supervision.  
  • Guggul might slow down blood clotting and result in excess bleeding in people with clotting disorders.  Thus one must disclose such medications to the doctor before consuming herbal preparations for benefits.
  • Guggul might result in an increase in LDL (bad cholesterol) in people with excess cholesterol levels.3  Thus must be avoided by people with cholesterol related issues.

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

Also Read: Gokshura – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Is the Kachnar Tree Found Only in India?

Bauhinia variegata is not only found in India but is also distributed in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. 12 

What are the Different Formulations of Guggulu?

The different formulations of guggulu are Abha guggulu, Amrita guggulu, Abhyadi guggulu, Amritadi guggulu, Amrita guggulu dvitya, Amritadyo guggulu, Dwatrinshako guggulu and Dashang guggulu. 13 

Which  Parts of the  Kachnar  Tree are Used for Benefits? 

The stem bark, leaves, seeds, and flowers of the  Kachnar  tree are used for different beneficial purposes.  1  

What are the Other Names of Guggul? 

Common names of guggul are guggal, gugulipid, gum guggal, and gum guggulu. 2

What are the Other Names of the Kachnar Tree?

The common names of this tree include Camel’s foot tree, orchid tree, the ebony tree, butterfly ash, poor man’s orchid, and mountain ebony. 1

Does Kanchanar Guggulu Have Antioxidant Properties?

Antioxidants are substances that might protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. High levels of free radicals can cause harm to the body. The flavonoids and phenols present in  Kanchanar  guggulu  contribute to their antioxidant property.7  Further studies can identify the antioxidants for humans.

Also Read: Sabudana – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

References:  

  1. Planet Ayurveda. Kachnar (Bauhinia Variegata) – Properties, benefits and dosage. [Internet] Available from: https://www.planetayurveda.com/library/kachnar-bauhinia-variegata/ 
  1. Vikaspedia. Guggul. [Internet] Available from: https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/post-harvest-technologies/natural-resins-and-gums-of-commercial-importance/guggul 
  1. Planet Ayurveda. Kanchanar Guggulu- Benefits, usage, indications and dosage. [Internet] Available from: https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/post-harvest-technologies/natural-resins-and-gums-of-commercial-importance/guggul 
  1. Prachi Tomar, Yadu Nandan Dey, Deepti Sharma, Manish Motiram Wanjari, Sudesh Gaidhani, Ankush Jadhav; Cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of Kanchnar guggulu, an Ayurvedic formulation. Journal of integrative medicine. 2018 Nov 16 (6): 411-417 Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095496418301006 
  1. M. Sathiya; Scientific evaluation of antioxidants and anticancer activity of kanchanara guggulu vati by invitro methods. 2017 May. Available from: http://repository-tnmgrmu.ac.in/5368/1/260417_261526057_Sathiya.pdf 
  1. Darshana Khadtale, Minal Vaidya. Effect of Ayurvedic drug combination in management of hypothyroidism- A case study. International journal of research- Granthaalayah. 2020 8(7): 410-414 Available from: https://www.granthaalayahpublication.org/journals-html-galley/38_IJRG20_B08_3596.html 
  1. Jayshree Dawane, Vijaya Pandit, Kapil khade, Sonali Suryawanshi, Asmita wele, Madhuri Pawar, Supriya Bhalerao. Study the efficacy of herbal formulation Nisamalaki in animal model of polycystic ovarian disease syndrome. The ancient science of life. 2017 37(2): 86-92 Available from: https://www.ancientscienceoflife.org/article.asp?issn=0257-7941;year=2017;volume=37;issue=2;spage=86;epage=93;aulast=Dawane 
  1. National center for biotechnology information. Ayurvedic intervention in the management of uterine fibroids: A case series. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4649577/ 
  1. National center for biotechnology information. Efficacy of Kanchanara guggulu and Mata Basti of dhanyaka gokshura ghrita in moontraghata (benign prostatic hyperplasia). [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4784122/ 
  1. National center for biotechnology information. Evaluation of the effect of Kanchnara guggulu and tankana-madhu pratisarana in the management of tundikeri (tonsillitis) in children. [Internet] Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5822979/ 
  1. Wiley online library. Allergic contact dermatitis from myrrh. [Internet] Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1999.tb06143.x 
  1. CABI Invasive species compendium. Bauhinia variegata (mountain ebony). [Internet] Available from: https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/8656 
  1. Semantic scholar. A review on guggulu formulations used in Ayurveda. [Internet] Available from: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Review-on-Guggulu-Formulations-used-in-Ayurveda-Tomar-Kaur/cc836b7f1be5c649178bd6020eb5ef8b99063192 

Also Read: Sarpagandha – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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