Kanchanar Guggulu: Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & 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 

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 

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:

1. 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 may be 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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  

6. 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 (FAQs):

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/ 
2. Vikaspedia. Guggul. [Internet] Available from: https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/post-harvest-technologies/natural-resins-and-gums-of-commercial-importance/guggul 
3. 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 
4. 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 
5. 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 
6. 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 
7. 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/ 
8. 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/ 
9. 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/ 
10. Wiley online library. Allergic contact dermatitis from myrrh. [Internet] Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1999.tb06143.x 
11. CABI Invasive species compendium. Bauhinia variegata (mountain ebony). [Internet] Available from: https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/8656 
12. 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 

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