Antihyperlipidemic activity of Navaka Guggulu prepared with fresh (Naveena) and old (Purana) Guggulu: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Navaka Guggulu is a well-known polyherbal formulation containing Guggulu (Commiphora wightii Arn. Bhandari) as main ingredient. It is effectively used in Medoroga (hyperlipidemia), Sthaulya (obesity), and other Kaphaja roga. In classics, fresh (Naveena) Guggulu is attributed with Brimhana (body mass increasing) effect while old (Purana) with Atilekhana (scrapping). Earlier studies reported that 1-year-old Guggulu possesses better effect on body weight, body mass index, and cardinal symptoms of Medoroga along with significant lipid lowering effect against fresh Guggulu. It infers that old sample of Guggulu is beneficial. Aim: Considering the results of 1-year-old sample, an attempt has been made to evaluate comparative antihyperlipidemic effect of Navaka Guggulu prepared by old (3-year-old-Purana) Guggulu and fresh (Naveena) Guggulu. Materials and Methods: Navaka Guggulu was prepared by freshly collected and 3-year-old samples of Guggulu. Patients who satisfied inclusion criteria of hyperlipidemia were randomly allocated into two groups, namely, A and B and Navaka Guggulu was administrated at a dose of 2 g twice daily with lukewarm water during Prabhata and Nishi kala (1 h before meal) for 8 weeks. Results: Navaka Guggulu prepared from 3-year-old sample exhibited better results in reducing serum cholesterol (8.94%), serum triglycerides (22.76%), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) level (23.10%), wherein Navaka Guggulu prepared from Naveena sample, reduction was found 4.58% in serum cholesterol, 17.26% in serum triglycerides, and 17.76% in VLDL level. Conclusion: Navaka Guggulu prepared from 3-year-old (Purana) sample is better antihyperlipidemic agent against fresh (Naveena) sample.