Comparative Quality Assessment of Genuine and Market Samples of Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Oleo-Gum-Resin

Guggulu, the oleo-gum-resin of Commiphora wightii (Arn.) family -Burseraceae, is an important Ayurvedic drug used in medoroga, sandhivata, and vrana. Because the source plant is scarce and demand is high, marketed Guggulu is prone to adulteration with other gums and resins and to poor quality from improper collection, processing, and storage, which can affect the efficacy of the drug and its formulations. The present study aimed to assess and compare the quality of genuine and market samples of Guggulu on the basis of organoleptic, physicochemical, and phytochemical parameters. A taxonomically authenticated genuine sample (Sample A) and four market samples from Mumbai (Sample B), Delhi (Sample C), Bangalore (Sample D), and Kolkata (Sample E) were evaluated. Organoleptic characters (color, odour, taste, texture, and appearance) were recorded as a quick indicator of authenticity. Physicochemical parameters, including loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble ash, and alcohol- and water-soluble extractive values, were determined as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India methods to indicate moisture, inorganic impurities, and extractable active matter. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out to detect alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, and carbohydrates. Sample A showed Organoleptic characteristic with physicochemical values within pharmacopoeial whereas market samples differed in organoleptic characters and showed higher or lower values, with the greatest variation in physicochemical evaluation . Phytochemical screening confirmed steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, etc. in Sample A, while some market samples showed absent or weak reactions for these constituents. Together, these parameters provide a simple, reliable, and low-cost means of judging Guggulu quality, and the differences observed between the genuine and market samples indicate adulteration or substandard quality in some marketed material, supporting routine standardization before use in formulations.