Guggul
Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
An Ayurvedic resin traditionally used for cholesterol, thyroid support, and inflammation, though modern evidence is mixed.
Guggul is a resin from the Commiphora mukul tree, used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It contains guggulsterones that may affect lipid metabolism, thyroid function, and inflammation. While early studies showed promise for cholesterol reduction, larger controlled trials have produced mixed results. It may still have benefits for inflammation and is sometimes used for thyroid support, though evidence is limited.
Mechanisms of Action
FXR Antagonism
Affects bile acid metabolism
Thyroid Support
May support thyroid function
Anti-Inflammatory
Reduces inflammatory markers
Recommended Dose
500-1500mg extract daily (standardized to guggulsterones)
Loading: Not required
Optimal Timing
- With meals
- Divided into 2-3 doses
Take with food
Best Form
Standardized extract (2.5-10% guggulsterones)
Alternatives: Guggul resin (traditional), Guggulsterone isolate
Standardized extracts are preferred for consistent dosing. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations may vary in potency.
Duration
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 24 weeks
Cycling: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Note: Take with food to reduce GI upset. Look for products standardized to 2.5-10% guggulsterones.
Personalized Dosage Calculator
Get a dosage recommendation tailored to your body weight, age, goals, and health profile.
Set up your health profile for personalized recommendations
Anti-Inflammatory
Reduced inflammation
Lipid Effects
Possible cholesterol support
Thyroid Support
May support thyroid function
Skin Reactions
Can cause rash in some people
Consult doctor; may affect thyroid function
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential hormonal effects.
Who Should NOT Take This
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid disorders (may affect thyroid hormone levels)
Drug Interactions
May affect thyroid hormone levels; monitor
May affect drug transport
May have additive antiplatelet effects
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Discontinue if occurs
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Reduce dose
Warnings
- Evidence for cholesterol lowering is mixed
- May affect thyroid function
- Can cause skin reactions
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Ijaz S et al. β’ Cell biology international (2024)
βThis comprehensive review provides a foundation for ongoing research, offering insights into the potential of GS as a valuable addition to the armamentarium against cancer.Β© 2023 International Federation of Cell Biology.β
Key Findings:
- The review synthesizes evidence from diverse studies, underscoring the multifaceted biological activities of GS in cancer prevention and treatment.
- To advance our understanding, future clinical and translational studies are imperative to determine effective doses in humans.
- Additionally, there is a need for the development of new pharmaceutical forms of GS to optimize therapeutic effects.
- This comprehensive review provides a foundation for ongoing research, offering insights into the potential of GS as a valuable addition to the armamentarium against cancer.Β© 2023 International Federation of Cell Biology.
Gyawali D et al. β’ Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) (2021)
βIn addition, minimal evidence was found for any side effects associated with these herbs, positioning them as safe adjuvants to conventional treatments.β
Key Findings:
- Meta-analysis of the trials showed that guggulu reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels by 16.78 mg/dL (95% C.I. 13.96 to 2.61; p-value = 0.02) and 18.78 mg/dL (95% C.I. 34.07 to 3.48; p = 0.02), respectively.
- Garlic reduced LDL-C by 10.37 mg/dL (95% C.I. -17.58 to -3.16; p-value = 0.005).
- Black cumin lowered total cholesterol by 9.28 mg/dL (95% C.I. -17.36, to -1.19, p-value = 0.02).
Shah R et al. β’ Phytotherapy research : PTR (2012)
βThis review highlights the taxonomic details, phytochemical properties and pharmacological profile of gum guggul.Copyright Β© 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.β
Key Findings:
- Its active constituents, the Z- and E-guggulsterones, have been demonstrated to exhibit their biological activities by binding to nuclear receptors and modulating the expression of proteins involved in carcinogenic activities.
- Considerable scientific evidence indicates the use of gum guggul as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of inflammation, nervous disorders, hyperlipidaemia and associated cardiac disorders such as hypertension and ischaemia, skin disorders, cancer and urinary disorders.
- This review highlights the taxonomic details, phytochemical properties and pharmacological profile of gum guggul.Copyright Β© 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Singhai H et al. β’ Current pharmaceutical design (2024)
βSome natural products with potential in the management of cardiovascular diseases such as Allium sativum L., Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona ledgeriana, Ginseng, Commiphora mukul, Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea L., Murrayakoenigii, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Polygonum cuspidatum, Fenugreek, Capsicum annuum, etc. are discussed in this article.CopyrightΒ© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.β
Key Findings:
- This potentiates the use of medicinal plants, which are still a viable alternative therapy for a number of diseases, including CVD.
- Natural products' cardio-protective effects result from their anti-oxidative, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-ischemic, and platelet aggregation-inhibiting properties.
- The conventional therapies used to treat CVD have the potential to be explored in light of the recent increase in the popularity of natural goods and alternative medicine.
Sahu A et al. β’ Current rheumatology reviews (2024)
βThis review provides a deeper understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms and potential of guggulipid in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.β
Key Findings:
- This review provides a deeper understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms and potential of guggulipid in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
- The collective evidence strongly supports the promising role of guggulipid as a therapeutic agent, encouraging further research and development in guggulipid-based treatments for these conditions.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.