Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) (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.