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).
| Also known as | Guggulutiktakam Ghritam, GuggulutiktakamGhritam |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Ashtanga Hridayam (written circa 750 CE by Vagbhata); also known as Pancatikta Guggulu Ghrita or Nimbadi Ghrita in various classical texts
How does it work?
- Guggulsterones from 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 (berberine alkaloids) provides 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-based 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 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. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 35759880 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100583
Guggulutiktaka 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 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 (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 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
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, Nimbin (from Nimba), Berberine (from Guduchi), Gallic acid, 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, berberine from Guduchi, rancidity test negative, HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits, heavy metals
Vehicle (Anupana): Warm water or warm milk
Synergistic Combinations
- Kaishore Guggulu
- Triphala Guggulu
- Kaisora Guggulu
- Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 6:27 (PANCATIKTAGUGGULU GHRTA (Synonym : Nimbadi ghrta)), which cites Astangahrdaya, Cikitsasthana, Adhyaya 21; 57-58 14.. Names, parts and quantities are transcribed as printed and checked row by row against the book. Manufacturers' versions of a classical formulation can differ from the formulary.
| # | Ingredient | Part | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nimba tvak (nimba) | stem bark | 480 g |
| 2 | Amrta (guduci) * | stem | 480 g |
| 3 | Vrsa (vasa) | root | 480 g |
| 4 | Patola | Lf./Pl. | 480 g |
| 5 | Nidigdhika (kantkari) * | whole plant | 480 g |
| 6 | Water for decoction * | 12.288 l, reduced to 1.536 l | |
| 7 | Ghrta (goghrta) | 768 g | |
| 8 | Patha * | root | 12 g |
| 9 | Vidanga * | fruit | 12 g |
| 10 | Suradaru (deva daru) * | heart wood | 12 g |
| 11 | Gajopakulya (gajapippali) * | fruit | 12 g |
| 12 | Yava ksara (yava) * | 12 g | |
| 13 | Sarji ksara (svarjiksara) | 12 g | |
| 14 | Nagara (sunthi) | rhizome | 12 g |
| 15 | Nisa (haridra) | rhizome | 12 g |
| 16 | Misi (misreya) | fruit | 12 g |
| 17 | Cavya | stem | 12 g |
| 18 | Kustha * | root | 12 g |
| 19 | Tejovati | fruit | 12 g |
| 20 | Marica | fruit | 12 g |
| 21 | Vatsaka (kutaja) | stem bark | 12 g |
| 22 | Dipyaka (yavani) * | fruit | 12 g |
| 23 | Agni (citraka) * | root | 12 g |
| 24 | Rohini (katuka) | Rz./Rt. | 12 g |
| 25 | Aruskara-Suddha (bhallataka) * | fruit | 12 g |
| 26 | Vaca | rhizome | 12 g |
| 27 | Kanamula (pippali) | root | 12 g |
| 28 | Yukta (rasna) | Rt./Lf. | 12 g |
| 29 | Manjistha * | root | 12 g |
| 30 | Ativisa * | root tuber | 12 g |
| 31 | Visani (ativisa bheda) | root | 12 g |
| 32 | Yavani * | fruit | 12 g |
| 33 | Guggulu-suddha | exudate | 240 g |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies1
- 2022. Anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effect of the drug Guggulutiktaka ghrita on high-fat diet-induced obese ratsJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 35759880 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100583
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