Yogaraja Guggulu

Yogaraja Guggulu is a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal-mineral formulation, not a food, so standard macronutrient profiling is not directly applicable. Its bioactive profile is derived from its complex multi-ingredient composition. Key bioactive compounds and constituents include: Guggul resin (Commiphora mukul) – primary active ingredient containing guggulsterones (Z-guggulsterone and E-guggulsterone, approximately 2.5–5% w/w of purified guggul resin), which are steroidal ketones responsible for anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and thyroid-stimulating activity; bioavailability is moderate and enhanced by lipid-based co-ingredients in the formulation. Triphala blend (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica) – contributes tannins (gallic acid ~1–2%), ellagic acid, chebulinic acid, vitamin C (from Amla, approximately 400–600 mg per 100 g of raw fruit, though concentration is lower in the finished formulation), and polyphenolic antioxidants. Trikatu blend (Zingiber officinale, Piper longum, Piper nigrum) – provides piperine (~3–6% in black pepper component), gingerols, and shogaols; piperine significantly enhances bioavailability of other compounds by inhibiting hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation (up to 2000% increase for certain co-administered compounds). Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) – contains plumbagin (~0.5–1%), a naphthoquinone with anti-inflammatory and digestive-stimulant properties. Vidanga (Embelia ribes) – contains embelin (~1–2.5%), a quinone derivative with antioxidant and antiparasitic activity. Mineral/metal components – some traditional preparations include purified lead (Naga bhasma) and silver (Raupya bhasma) in bhasma (calcined ash) form at trace levels (~1–5 mg per dose); these are processed to reduce toxicity but raise safety considerations. Iron (Loha bhasma) may contribute approximately 2–10 mg per standard dose depending on formulation. Lipid base (ghee/castor oil) – used in processing, contributing small amounts of saturated fat, butyric acid, and medium-chain fatty acids, which serve as carriers to improve lipophilic compound absorption. Standard dose is typically 2–4 tablets (each ~500 mg) twice daily. Per tablet approximate actives: guggulsterones ~5–12 mg, piperine ~1–3 mg, total polyphenols ~10–20 mg, embelin ~2–5 mg, plumbagin ~1–3 mg. The formulation provides negligible caloric value, protein, fiber, or significant macronutrients at therapeutic doses. Mineral content per dose: calcium ~5–15 mg (from bhasmas and herbal sources), iron ~2–10 mg, trace zinc and copper from herbal components. Bioavailability of the overall formulation is synergistically enhanced by the inclusion of piperine and lipid processing (sneha-kalpana), which improves absorption of otherwise poorly bioavailable terpenoids and polyphenols.