Guggulu (Commiphora wightii)

Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) is not consumed as a food but as a medicinal oleo-gum-resin, so conventional macronutrient profiling (carbohydrates, fats, protein per 100g) is not the primary framework. Its therapeutic value derives from its rich bioactive compound profile. Key Bioactive Compounds: — Guggulsterones (Z-guggulsterone and E-guggulsterone): 1.0–5.0% of purified resin (the principal pharmacologically active steroids); these are pregnane-based steroids that act as farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonists, responsible for hypolipidemic and thyroid-stimulating effects. — Guggulipids (total steroidal fraction): Approximately 4.0–6.0% of crude gum-resin, comprising guggulsterones, guggulsterols (I–VI), and cholesterol derivatives. — Essential oil (volatile fraction): 1.0–1.6% of gum-resin, containing sesquiterpenoids such as α-camphorene, cembrene, cembrene A, allylcembrol, and myrcene. — Diterpenoids: Mukulol, allylcembrol; roughly 0.4–0.8% of resin. — Lignans: Sesamin, diayangambin; trace to ~0.2%. — Flavonoids: Quercetin and trace flavone glycosides; ~0.1–0.3%. — Polysaccharides (gum fraction): ~30–60% of crude oleo-gum-resin; composed of arabinose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and glucuronic acid units; contributes to mucilage and dietary fiber-like properties. — Resin fraction: ~25–40%, containing ferulic acid esters, phenolic acids, and steroidal esters. Minerals (approximate per 100g crude resin): Calcium: 50–80 mg; Iron: 2–5 mg; Zinc: 1–3 mg; Magnesium: 15–30 mg; Manganese: trace amounts. Vitamins: Not a significant source of vitamins. Fiber-equivalent content: The gum polysaccharide fraction (~30–60%) acts as soluble dietary fiber when ingested, though typical therapeutic doses (250–1000 mg standardized extract) provide negligible dietary fiber. Bioavailability Notes: Guggulsterones have moderate oral bioavailability (~40–50% in animal models) with rapid hepatic metabolism; co-administration with piperine or lipid-based carriers enhances absorption. The E-isomer is generally considered more bioactive than the Z-isomer in certain assays, though both contribute to therapeutic effects. Standardized extracts are typically adjusted to 2.5–10% guggulsterones (combined E and Z forms) for clinical dosing, usually 25–75 mg guggulsterones per day in divided doses.