Guggul pioneer

THE weekend in mid-April this year was most exciting for me. I was able to spend quite a bit of time with Dr G.V. Satyavati. She will go down in history as the lady who discovered the cholesterol lowering ability of Guggul (Commiphora mukul). This ancient herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as an arthritic drug. The herb would have remained a somewhat minor tropical herb used largely in the Indian sub-continent if not for Dr Satyavati.  

However, on a dark cold night in Banares Hindu University, on 25th August 1964, that changed forever. Guggul was about to go global and become a major international herb. I wish to share with you a story of brilliant insight, courage and determination.