Simhanada Guggulu: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction

Ayurveda is the Indian traditional system of medicine that focuses on both preventive and therapeutic measures for our well-being. It is believed that an individual’s physical, physiological and psychological characteristics are determined by their own body. In the ayurvedic system, a number of plants having different medicinal benefits are combined in a formulation and are called polyherbal medicines. This single medicine, in turn, has many properties that attribute to its uses. The effect of any medicine also depends largely on the nature of the ingredients used. Simhanada guggulu is one of many such polyherbal drugs.  Simhanada guggulu is made up of 5 main components that contribute to the array of its benefits. Let us see what these ingredients are and their potential benefits! ^1,2 

Nutritional Value of Simhanada Guggulu

• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): 1 part
• Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica): 1 part
• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): 1 part
• Suddha Gandhaka (Sulphur): 1 part
• Suddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): 1 part
• Erand Tail (Ricinus communis): 4 parts

Nutritional components of simhanada guggulu 

To prepare simhanada guggulu, equal parts of haritaki, bibhitaki and amalaki powder were added to an iron vessel. 4 parts water was then added, and the decoction was reduced to 1/4^th amount. Four parts castor oil was added to this mixture and boiled till it was concentrated. Once cooled, suddha gandhaka and suddha guggulu were mixed well into the concentrate and tablets were made. 

Haritaki, bibhitaki, amalaki, suddha gandhaka and suddha guggulu are the active components of simhanada guggulu. Active components add medicinal properties to the formulation.¹ 

Properties of Simhanada Guggulu

Let us see some amazing properties that simhanada guggulu has: 

• It may have the property to manage bone disorders. 
• It might possess anti-oxidant properties. 
• It may have anti-diabetic properties. 
• It might have the property to manage respiratory issues. 
• It might have anti-inflammatory properties. 
• It may possess antiemetic properties. It may have antacid properties.² 

Simhanada guggulu is widely used for its medical properties in Ayurveda. Based on my observations, it might possess properties (agnideepaka) that may aid in digestion and metabolism.

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

Potential Uses of Simhanada Guggulu for Overall Health

The potential uses of simhanada guggulu for our health are: 

1. Potential Use of Simhanada Guggulu for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks healthy cells, which in turn may weaken our bones. Dallavi et al. did a study in 2018 on the clinical efficacy of simhanada guggulu on rheumatoid arthritis. The study showed that simhanada guggulu might be used in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies are necessary to prove these findings. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking simhanada guggulu.³ 

2. Potential Use of Simhanada Guggulu for Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes fibrosis (damage or injury) of blood vessels, skin and other tissues, along with organs like the lungs, heart, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Sreenithya et al. in 2021, carried out a study on the ayurvedic management of systemic sclerosis. Results indicated that simhanada guggulu could be possibly used along with other ayurvedic medicines for the management of systemic sclerosis. Further studies are necessary to prove its pharmacological effects. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking this ayurvedic preparation.⁴ 

3. Potential Use of Simhanada Guggulu for Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that causes bones in the spine (vertebrae) to fuse, which may result in reduced flexibility and a hunched-back posture. Singh et al. in 2020 carried out a study that showed that the administration of simhanada guggulu, along with other ayurvedic medicines, may be used for ankylosing spondylitis. However, further research is needed to evaluate the complete effect of simhanada guggulu on ankylosing spondylitis. It is advised to consult a doctor before taking simhanada guggulu.⁵ 

4. Potential Use of Simhanada Guggulu for Lung Function

Bronchial asthma is a lung condition in which the airways become narrow, and breathing becomes difficult. A study was done by Byadgi et al. in 2008 to evaluate the effect of simhanada guggulu on bronchial asthma. The results concluded the potential use of simhanada guggulu in the management of asthma. However, more research is required to prove the efficacy of simhanada guggulu in managing asthma. One should consult an ayurvedic doctor before consuming simhanada guggulu for any respiratory issues.⁶ 

5. Potential Use of Simhanada Guggulu as an Anti-inflammatory Agent

Panda et al. in 2011, conducted a study to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of simhanada guggulu in rats. The study results concluded that simhanada guggulu might have anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of simhanada guggulu in humans. You should consider consulting an ayurvedic doctor before its consumption.⁷ 

6. Potential Use of Simhanada Guggulu for Diabetes

A study done by Sharma et al. in 2015 on herbal medicine showed that amalaki (Emblica officinalis), a constituent of simhanada guggulu, may have an anti-diabetic property. Therefore, simhanada guggulu may be used as an anti-diabetic agent. However, more research is needed to prove the effect of simhanada guggulu on diabetes. So, one must consult a doctor and avoid self-medicating.² 

Other Potential Uses of Simhanada Guggulu

Simhanada guggulu contains bioactive plants like Emblica officinalis and Commiphora mukul that may have the following potential uses: 

• Simhanada guggulu contains Emblica officinalis, which may be used for eyesight disorders. 
• It may also be used as an anti-microbial agent.  
• Simhanada guggulu also contains Commiphora mukul, which has potential uses for managing obesity. 
• It may be used in the management of gastric disorders like acidity and peptic ulcers.² 

Although there are studies that show the benefits of simhanada guggulu in several conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of simhanada guggulu on human health. 

Based on my experience, Simhanada guggulu might contain properties like Agnideepak, Kaphavatahara, Amapachaka and Pittavardhaka. Some studies also suggest that Simhanada guggulu might also exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Additionally, it might also help in altering the immune response to various infections.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Simhanada Guggulu?

Simhanada guggulu is available in a solid dosage form as tablets in the market. One to two tablets of simhanada guggulu may be taken in a day or as directed by your ayurvedic doctor.⁴ 

You should take the advice of 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. 

Side Effects of Simhanada Guggulu

Simhanada guggulu contains sulphur which is quite safe to consume in small doses. However, it can cause side effects ranging from mild rashes to life-threatening diseases like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare skin disorder characterized by flu-like symptoms followed by painful rash and blisters.¹⁰ 

Hence, it is necessary to consult your Ayurvedic doctor or healthcare provider before taking simhanada guggulu. If any reaction is observed while taking simhanada guggulu alone or in combination with other drugs, immediately discontinue its intake and seek medical help. 

Precautions to Take with Simhanada Guggulu

Taking simhanada guggulu in small doses may be safe. However, certain precautions should be taken, which are as follows: 

• Pregnant women should avoid taking simhanada guggulu. 
• Precaution should be taken when using guggulu with warfarin and other anticoagulants (medication prescribed to prevent blood clots) as simhanada guggulu may increase the clotting time. One should consult a doctor before taking simhanada guggulu if you are taking any preventive medication for heart disorders or to reduce the possibility of a stroke. 
• One should not self-medicate with simhanada guggulu. 
• Lactating women should take special care and should consult a doctor before taking simhanada guggulu. 
• Children and the elderly should be given simhanada guggulu with extra precautions and only when it is prescribed.^8,9 

Interactions with Other Drugs

Here are some probable drug interactions: 

• Simhanada guggulu contains amalaki (Emblica officinalis), which is contraindicated at bedtime. It also contains haritaki (Terminalia chebula), which should be avoided during pregnancy. 
• Guggulu reacts with hypolipidaemic medications, anticoagulants, antihypertensives and thyroid medications.  
• It is also known to decrease the absorption of diltiazem, the medicine used to treat high blood pressure. 
• Guggulu may have anti-inflammatory activity and can decrease the action of NSAIDs when used together.^8,9 

Further studies on how simhanada guggulu acts along with other drugs need to be carried out. Always consult your doctor before taking simhanada guggulu along with other prescription or non-prescription drugs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. Gauridutt M, Pandya DH, Harisha CR, Shukla VJ. A revised Pharmacognostical and physico-chemical analysis of Simhanada Guggulu. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2019/vol8issue2/PartH/8-1-92-513.pdf  

2. Sharma V. Ayurvedic pharmacology and herbal medicine. International Journal of Green Pharmacy (IJGP). 2015 Dec 14;9(4). http://www.greenpharmacy.info/index.php/ijgp/article/view/562  

3. Behera BS, Dallavi P, Singh G. Clinical Study on efficacy of Virechana and Simhnada Guggulu in Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata). Journal of Ayurveda Physicians & Surgeons (JAPS)(EISSN 2394-6350). 2018 Nov 6;5(3). http://www.japs.co.in/index.php/JAPS/article/view/121  

4. Sreenithya.M, Neelakanta. J. Sajjanar, Sowmyashree.U.P, Gopalakrishna.G. Ayurvedic Management of Systemic Sclerosis -A Single Case Study. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2021;9(3):76-83. http://ijaprs.com/index.php/ijapr/article/view/1784  

5. Singh K, Mangal G. Ayurvedic approach to ankylosing spondylitis: A case study. J Ayurveda Case Rep 2020;3:20-4 https://www.ayucare.org/article.asp?issn=2667-0593;year=2020;volume=3;issue=1;spage=20;epage=24;aulast=Singh  

6. Byadgi PS, Tripathi AC. Effect of Simhanada Guggulu and Punarnavarista in Tamakashwasa (Bronchial Asthma)-A Clinical Study. AYU (An international quarterly journal of research in Ayurveda). 2008 Jan 1;29(1):25. https://www.ayujournal.org/rr.asp?58706B7A7BA0D1FEB77AFAEE8A351B006D02D0A7EFDD49B67D3CBFBD4327B3852D81E7876DDC6E5E072E80A36D447EFFCE73AAA46A200D5EB714EB8C4389579D  

7. Panda P, Meena AK, Rao MM, Sannd R, Reddy G, Padhi MM, Babu R. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Singhanada guggulu and Vatari guggulu: A Pharmacological Study. Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics. 2011;3(1):17-8. https://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:rjppd&volume=3&issue=1&article=005 

8. Khot DS, Pawar AR, Satpute SS. Integrations and Interactions of Ayurveda Drugs: Review WSR to Merits and Demerits. Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research. 2020;9(3):87-9. http://www.jsirjournal.com/Vol9_Issue3_02.pdf 

9. Dhanya R, Shukla AK. Drug interactions between ayurvedic and allopathic medicines–A review. World J Pharm Res. 2017 Jan 13;6:478-86. https://media.curofy.com/pdfuploaduser/TiSGBF2n6i8UFwZKJA7p44.pdf  

10. Panigrahi D. Pharmaceutico therapeutics of sulphur (Gandhaka): an ayurvedic review. Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research. 2018;7(2):54-60. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Debasis-Panigrahi/publication/324497145_PHARMACEUTICO_THERAPEUTICS_OF_SULPHUR_GANDHAKA_AN_AYURVEDIC_REVIEW/links/5ad077f14585154f3f484dff/PHARMACEUTICO-THERAPEUTICS-OF-SULPHUR-GANDHAKA-AN-AYURVEDIC-REVIEW.pdf  

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