Commiphora wightii

Indian bdellium-tree

Commiphora wightii, commonly known as African Myrrh, is a precious medicinal plant native to arid regions. Renowned for its aromatic resin, it possesses potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally used in holistic healing, this species offers significant therapeutic potential for treating skin ailments, respiratory issues, and promoting overall wellness.

  • Scientific name: Commiphora wightii
  • Family: Burseraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically categorized within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Following the order Sapindales, it is a member of the Burseraceae family. Ultimately, it is classified under the genus Commiphora as the species Commiphora wightii.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Burseraceae WCVP
Genus Commiphora WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Commiphora wightii, is recognized by various traditional names across different languages and regions. In Hindi, it is commonly referred to as गुग्गुल, while in Punjabi, it is known as ਗੁੱਗਲ. The name also appears in Malayalam as ഗുൽഗുലു. Moving to European contexts, it is identified as Guggul in both German and Polish.
Language Common Name Source
hi गुग्गुल Wikidata
de Guggul Wikidata
ml ഗുൽഗുലു Wikidata
pl Guggul Wikidata
pa ਗੁੱਗਲ Wikidata
sa गुग्गुलुसस्यम् Wikidata
et India mürripuu Wikidata
zh 求求羅香 Wikidata
zh-hant 求求羅香 Wikidata
zh-hans 求求罗香 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Commiphora wightii, exhibits a specific geographical range spanning across diverse regions. Within the Arabian Peninsula, its presence is noted in the country of Oman. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species is also widely distributed throughout India. Additionally, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Pakistan. These locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in specific environments across both the Middle East and South Asia.

Region Area Source
Arabian Peninsula Oman WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Pakistan WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Commiphora wightii, is valued primarily for its exudates, which are harvested from the stem and bark of the tree. The most significant medicinal components are the resins and the oleo-gum resin produced by the plant as a defense mechanism. When the bark is wounded, it exudes a sticky substance known as gum resin, which contains a complex mixture of aromatic compounds used in traditional healing practices. While much of the focus is on these secretions, the root system also plays a vital role in the overall biological structure and survival of the species in its natural habitat.
Total parts
18
Scientific sources
21
Plant Part Sources Confidence
gum resin 3 ★★☆☆☆
oleo-gum resin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
resins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleo-resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleo-gum-resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleo gum resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ole-gum-resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Commiphora wightii has 25 reported phytochemicals identified across 30 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include guggulsterone, Guggulsterone, Zn, guggulipid, 5-methoxysesamin.

Total chemicals
25
Scientific sources
30

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
guggulsterone 3 ★★☆☆☆
Guggulsterone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Zn 2 ★☆☆☆☆
guggulipid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
5-methoxysesamin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cd 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Co 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cr 1 ★☆☆☆☆
E guggulsterone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Fe 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Commiphora wightii has 9 reported activities identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Hypolipidemic, Anticoagulant, Antimutagenic.

Total activities
9
Scientific sources
19

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 7 ★★★★☆
Antibacterial 4 ★★☆☆☆
Hypolipidemic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticoagulant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimutagenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cardioprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypocholesterolemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Commiphora wightii has 24 reported medicinal uses identified across 34 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include obesity, arthritis, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, hyperlipidemia.

Total uses
24
Scientific sources
34

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
obesity 5 ★★★☆☆
arthritis 3 ★★☆☆☆
atherosclerosis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cardiovascular diseases 2 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperlipidemia 2 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Acne 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diabetic Retinopathy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Uveitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acne 1 ★☆☆☆☆