Yogaraja Guggulu
Yogaraja Guggulu is a classical Ayurvedic guggulu, a resin-based preparation. Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I; monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); included in CCRAS clinical practice guidelines for Sandhivata (osteoarthritis).
| Also known as | Yogaraja Guggulu, YogarajaGuggulu |
|---|---|
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I; monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); included in CCRAS clinical practice guidelines for Sandhivata (osteoarthritis) |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Yogaraja Guggulu |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Ashtanga Hridayam (Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 21 - Vatarakta Chikitsa); also described in Bhaishajya Ratnavali
How does it work?
- Anti-inflammatory action: Guggulsterones (E and Z) from Guggulu inhibit NF-kB pathway and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta), reducing joint inflammation and preventing cartilage degradation
- Muscle tissue stimulation: Plumbagin, an alkaloid present in Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), is a known stimulant of muscle tissue that enhances musculoskeletal strength
- Joint mobility enhancement: Guggulu’s oleo-gum resin exhibits significant anti-arthritic properties against carrageenan-induced paw edema and adjuvant arthritis, reducing stiffness and increasing joint mobility
- Vata pacification: The warm potency (Ushna Virya) and pungent taste (Katu Rasa) of multiple ingredients collectively pacify Vata dosha, the primary driver of musculoskeletal disorders in Ayurveda
- Digestive fire enhancement: Chitraka and Trikatu ingredients kindle Agni, preventing Ama formation that contributes to joint inflammation
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Osteoarthritis (Sandhivata) management validated through randomized clinical trials showing 35% pain reduction and significant functional improvement
- Musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders validated across multiple clinical observations for joint pains, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Lumbar and cervical spondylosis relief supported by clinical prescribing data and patient outcome studies
- Ankylosing spondylitis management supported by anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms validated in pharmacological research
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Kachare K, Makhija D, Sharma A and others 2025. Evaluation of Yograj Guggulu, Ashwagandha Churna and Narayana Taila in management of Osteoarthritis Knee: A study in tribal dominant community. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 40215578 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.101077
Among 201 patients completing 8-week study, statistically significant improvement in pain and functional scores (p < 0.05) with significant reduction in NSAID rescue medicine intake and associated side effects.
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
- Generally well tolerated; mild GI discomfort reported in some patients; guggulu may interact with anticoagulant and thyroid medications; avoid in known allergy to any ingredient
- Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation; not recommended during acute diarrhea or GI bleeding; long-term use (>6 months) requires periodic liver and kidney function monitoring
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: Vati (pill/tablet), Capsule
Standard Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily for Vata/musculoskeletal
Bioavailability: Guggulu resin acts as natural bioenhancer; guggulsterones have moderate oral bioavailability (~40%); lipophilic matrix aids absorption of co-formulated herbs
Optimal Timing: After meals, twice daily
Shelf Life: 2 years (guggulu preparations per ASU); potency may decrease after 1 year
Storage: Airtight container, cool dry place; guggulu preparations are hygroscopic
Marker Compounds: Guggulsterone Z, Guggulsterone E, Piperine, Embelin
Quality Parameters: Weight variation ±5%, disintegration <60 min, hardness 4-8 kP, assay: Guggulsterone Z, Guggulsterone E, Piperine, Embelin, guggulsterone content
Vehicle (Anupana): Warm water
Synergistic Combinations
- Key herbs: Guggulu, Chitraka, Pippali, Vidanga, Trikatu + 25 herbs; guggulu potentiates anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic actions
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 5:7 (YOGARAJA GUGGULU), which cites Bhaisajyaratnavali, Amavatadhikara; 90-93.. 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 | Citraka | root | 1 part |
| 2 | Pippalimula * | root | 1 part |
| 3 | Yamani (yavani) | seed | 1 part |
| 4 | karavi (krsna jiraka) | fruit | 1 part |
| 5 | Vidanga | fruit | 1 part |
| 6 | Ajamoda | fruit | 1 part |
| 7 | Jiraka (Sveta jiraka) * | fruit | 1 part |
| 8 | Suradaru (devadaru) * | heart wood | 1 part |
| 9 | Cavya | stem | 1 part |
| 10 | Ela (suksmaila) * | seed | 1 part |
| 11 | Saindhava lavana * | 1 part | |
| 12 | Kustha * | illegible | |
| 13 | Rasna * | illegible | |
| 14 | Goksura | fruit | 1 part |
| 15 | Dhanyaka | fruit | 1 part |
| 16 | Haritaki * | pericarp | 1 part |
| 17 | Bibhitaka * | 1 part | |
| 18 | Amalaki * | pericarp | 1 part |
| 19 | Mustaka (musta) | rhizome | 1 part |
| 20 | Sunthi * | rhizome | 1 part |
| 21 | Marica | fruit | 1 part |
| 22 | Pippali * | fruit | 1 part |
| 23 | Tvak | stem bark | 1 part |
| 24 | Usira * | root | 1 part |
| 25 | Yavagraja (yava ksara) * | 1 part | |
| 26 | Talisa patra | leaf | 1 part |
| 27 | Patra (tejapatra) * | 1 part | |
| 28 | Guggulu-sodhita | exudate | 1 part |
| 29 | Sarpi (goghrta) * | 1 part |
Cells marked illegible are damaged in the source scan. The ingredient name is shown where it was readable, and nothing is inferred to fill a gap.
* 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
- 2025. Evaluation of Yograj Guggulu, Ashwagandha Churna and Narayana Taila in management of Osteoarthritis Knee: A study in tribal dominant communityJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 40215578 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.101077
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.