Simhanada Guggulu: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Jul 26, 2023Click to rate this article!
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Jul 26, 2023Table of Contents
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
| Herbs | Quantity |
| 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 |
Table 1: 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 1/4th 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
Let us see some amazing properties that simhanada guggulu has:
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)
The potential uses of simhanada guggulu for our health are:
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
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
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
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
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
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
Simhanada guggulu contains bioactive plants like Emblica officinalis and Commiphora mukul that may have the following potential uses:
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
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.
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 characterised 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.
Taking simhanada guggulu in small doses may be safe. However, certain precautions should be taken, which are as follows:
Here are some probable drug interactions:
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.
Yes, simhanada guggulu may be beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis.
Simhanada guggulu is available in the form of tablets and should be taken as directed by your ayurvedic doctor.
imhanada guggulu should be taken as per your physician’s advice.
Simhananda guggulu may have some benefits for skin disorders like systemic sclerosis.
No, there are no proven benefits of simhanada guggulu for muscle growth. You should always consult a doctor before taking simhanada guggulu.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
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