Guggul

Scientific names: Commiphora mukul

Common names: Guggul also is known as guggal, gum guggal, gum guggulu, and gugulipid.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

●...Little exposure or very minor concerns.

What is Guggul?

The guggul plant is widely distributed throughout India and adjacent regions. It is in the same genus as C. myrrha, the myrrh mentioned in the Bible. Guggul and gum guggulu are the names given to a yellowish resin produced by the stem of the plant.

What is Guggul used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

The plant has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries in the treatment of a variety of disorders, most notably arthritis, and as a weight-reducing agent in obesity. More recently, extracts of the plant have been investigated for their ability to reduce serum lipid levels. A commercial product (Guggulow) has been introduced in the US claiming the cholesterol-lowering properties of the plant. This has raised interest in the activity of the plant.

Cholesterol reduction

In clinical studies, guggul was shown to lower serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides. HDL cholesterol increased in guggul therapy, also.

Obesity

A small study showed that adult obese patients lost weight when placed on a diet and guggulu. Guggul may stimulate thyroid activity.

Acne

One small study showed guggulsterone (active component of guggul) to be as effective as tetracycline in the treatment of acne.

Anti-inflammatory

A recent study showed that osteoarthritis symptoms significantly improved with guggul treatment.

Cardiac effects

Guggulsterone has been shown to exert a protective effect on cardiac enzymes. It was found to improve patients' ECG readings and decrease episodes of dyspnea and chest pain. Guggul increased fibrinolytic activity and decreased platelet adhesiveness, also.

What is the dosage of Guggul?

Hypercholesterolemia: 75 to 150 mg standardized guggulsterones daily. Obesity: Guggulu 250 mg 3 times/day. Acne: Gugulipid (standardized to 25 mg guggulsterone) twice daily for 3 months. Dosage adjustment of thyroid medication may be necessary.

Is Guggul safe?

Contraindications

Do not use in patients who are on propranolol or diltiazem. Use with caution by patients taking thyroid medication.

Pregnancy/nursing

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

During coadministration, gugulipid significantly reduces propranolol and diltiazem bioavailability. Guggul also potentially can add to bleeding risk in patients taking anticoagulants/antiplatelet medications.

Side Effects

Adverse GI effects have been reported.

Toxicities

Research reveals little or no information regarding toxicology with the use of guggul.

References

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