# Guggulutiktakam Ghritam

> Guggulutiktakam Ghritam is a classical Ayurvedic ghrita, a medicated ghee. Indexed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as drug used in treatment of Sandhigata Vata (osteoarthritis), Vatarakta (gout), and Asthigata Vata (osteoporosis); listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI).

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Indexed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as drug used in treatment of Sandhigata Vata (osteoarthritis), Vatarakta (gout), and Asthigata Vata (osteoporosis); listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI)

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Guggulutiktakam Ghritam](/formulation/guggulutiktakam-ghritam/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Ashtanga Hridayam (written circa 750 CE by Vagbhata); also known as Pancatikta [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) or Nimbadi [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) in various classical texts

## How does it work?

- Guggulsterones from [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) provide potent anti-inflammatory action by modulating NF-kB and COX-2 pathways in bone and joint tissues
- Panchatikta (five bitter herbs) synergistically reduce Pitta-mediated inflammation in skin and connective tissue
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine) [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)) provides [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action, restoring balanced immune function in autoimmune joint conditions
- Lipid-based ghee medium enhances bioavailability of guggulsterones and other lipophilic active compounds
- Anti-hyperlipidemic action addresses metabolic syndrome components often associated with chronic bone and skin diseases

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Asthigata Vata (bone diseases/osteoporosis): clinical studies validate efficacy in osteoarthritis with reduced pain and improved mobility
- Bhagandara (fistula-in-ano): traditional use supported; [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)-based [Ksharasutra](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#ksharasutra) is an established Ayurvedic surgical procedure for fistula
- Kushta (chronic skin diseases): anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial actions of ingredients validated pharmacologically
- Vatarakta (gout): anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects of [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) confirmed in experimental studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Sheik SM, Bakthavatchalam P, Shenoy RP and others 2022. [Anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effect of the drug Guggulutiktaka ghrita on high-fat diet-induced obese rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35759880/). *Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine*. PMID [35759880](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35759880/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100583](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100583)  
  Guggulutiktaka [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) demonstrated significant anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effects in high-fat diet-induced obese rats, modulating proinflammatory cytokines

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.*

## Recent safety updates

- Clinical studies show effective outcomes without noxious effects at recommended doses; considered safe for long-term use under supervision
- Caution in patients with thyroid disorders as [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) may affect thyroid function; monitor thyroid levels during prolonged use
- Ghee base requires monitoring in patients with hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular conditions

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Soft gelatin capsules (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 6-12 g (1-2 teaspoons) twice daily on empty stomach, as per Ashtanga Hridayam/AFI

**Bioavailability:** Ghee matrix provides superior absorption of both lipophilic guggulsterones and hydrophilic bitter principles. [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) acts as yogavahi further enhancing bioavailability of co-ingredients. Tikta rasa (bitter taste) stimulates hepatobiliary function, improving systemic absorption. Excellent vehicle for bone and joint conditions.

**Optimal Timing:** On empty stomach, morning and evening. Best for Vatarakta (gouty arthritis), Kushtha (skin diseases), and Asthi-Sandhi Vikara (bone/joint disorders).

**Shelf Life:** 2 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)

**Storage:** Store in airtight glass or tin containers in a cool, dry place. Temperature not exceeding 25°C. Protect from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Z-Guggulsterone, E-Guggulsterone, [Azadirachtin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#azadirachtin), [Nimbin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbin) (from [Nimba](/herb/nimba/)), [Berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine) (from [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/)), Gallic acid, [Piperine](/reference/piperine/)

**Quality Parameters:** Acid value (<6), peroxide value (<10), saponification value, refractive index, moisture (<0.5%), guggulsterone content (Z+E) by HPLC, azadirachtin from [Nimba](/herb/nimba/), [berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine) from [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/), rancidity test negative, HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits, heavy metals

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm water or warm milk

### Synergistic Combinations

- Kaishore [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) Guggulu
- Kaisora Guggulu
- [Panchatikta Ghrita](/formulation/panchatikta-ghrita/) Guggulu

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/guggulutiktakam-ghritam/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.