Myrrh is a resin gum obtained from the tree Commiphora mukul. This tree is common in western parts of India. It is also found on arid lands of Pakistan.
This tree is a member of Burseracea plant family. Several varieties of Commiphora yield Myrrh or Guggul, but information is for Commiphora mukul.
This is a tree growing to a height of about 3 to 4 meters. The branches do not end in spines. The leaflets are two to three pairs with a terminal odd leaflet. The leaflets are entire, glabrous and serrated. The young branches and leaves are rusty pubescents. This plant exists only in one form i.e. bisexual. The petals are not reflexed. The stemens are equal in length. The fruits are marked with four white lines. The gum resin known as Myrrh or Guggul is reddish brown and neutral in taste.
Usage:
In Ayurveda the gum resin Myrrh is used as astringent, antiseptic and digestive. It is also useful for lowering high cholesterol levels. A good cure for arthritis can be obtained from Myrrh. There are about 15 differant Medicines are mentioned in Ayurvdic literature which contain Myrrh. /p>
Chemical compounds obtained:
Guggulsterone is obtained from this plant.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7848901&dopt=Citation
