Guggul is one of the most famous herbs in ayurvedic medicine. Guggul (Commiphora mukul), a resin from the guggul tree, has been used for more than 2,000 years. It is a small shrub, not more than 4 meters in height and found abundantly in the temperature climate of North India. Guggul possesses strong purifying and rejuvenating powers. The gum of the guggul tree is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. Guggul contains ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones which are believe to be responsible for guggul's cholestrol- and triglyceride-lowering actions. In Ayurveda, guggul is rarely taken in its pure form. Whenever it is prescribed for direct oral medication, the guggul needs to be purified.