Common names: Gugulipid, Gum guggulu
Botanical name: Commiphora mukul
Botany
Parts used and where grown: The mukul myrrh (Commiphora mukul) tree is a small, thorny plant distributed throughout India. Guggul and gum guggulu are the names given to a yellowish resin produced by the stem of the plant. This resin has been used historically and is also the source of modern extracts of guggul.
Condition-Summary
Guggul has been used in connection with the following conditions
Traditional-Use
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies): The classical treatise on Ayurvedic medicine, Sushrita Samhita, describes the use of guggul for a wide variety of conditions, including rheumatism and obesity. One of its primary indications was a condition known as medoroga. This ancient diagnosis is similar to the modern description of atherosclerosis. Standardized guggul extracts areapproved in India for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Constituents
Active constituents: Guggul contains resin, volatile oils, and gum. The extract isolates ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones. These compounds have been shown to provide the cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering actions noted for guggul.1 Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols. At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol. As antioxidants, guggulsterones keep LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, an action which protects against atherosclerosis. Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelets—another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease. One double-blind trial found guggul extract similar to the drug clofibrate for lowering cholesterol levels. Other clinical trials in India (using 1,500 mg of extract per day) have confirmed guggul extracts improve lipid levels in humans.
A combination of guggul, phosphate salts, hydroxycitrate, and tyrosine coupled with exercise has been shown in a double-blind trial to improve mood with a slight tendency to improve weight loss in overweight adults.
One small clinical trial found that guggul (Commiphora mukul) compared favorably to tetracycline in the treatment of cystic acne. The amount of guggul extract taken in the trial was 500 mg twice per day.
Dosage
How much is usually taken? Daily recommendations for the purified guggul extract are typically based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract. A common intake of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts contain 2.5–5% guggulsterones and can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks for lowering high cholesterol and/or triglycerides
Side-Effects
Are there any side effects or interactions? Early studies with the crude oleoresin reported numerous side effects, including diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, and skin rash. Modern extracts are more purified, and fewer side effects (e.g., mild abdominal discomfort) have been reported with long-term use. Guggul should be used with caution by people with liver disease and in cases of inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea. A physician should be consulted before treating elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.
Interactions
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements.
Interactions With Drugs
Guggul could reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure drugs, including propranolol (Inderal) and diltiazem (Cardizem). Guggul could increase effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering drugs. In theory, Gugulipid may increase the activity of the thyroid. As a result, it should be used carefully with drugs taken for thyroid disease, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid).
Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements
Guggul may have increased effects when used with herbs that lower cholesterol levels, such as red yeast. In theory, guggul may alter the activity of the thyroid gland and should be used carefully with herbs that can affect thyroid function, such as bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).
Dosing
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas.
There are no standard or well-studied doses of guggul, and many different doses are used traditionally. Safety of use beyond four months has not been studied.
Adults (Aged 18 Or Older)
Oral use: For high cholesterol, a dose of 500 to 1,000 milligrams of Gugulipid per day has been studied. A dose of 25 milligrams of guggulsterone taken by mouth three times daily or 50 milligrams taken by mouth twice daily has also been used. For severe nodular and cystic acne, a dose equivalent to 25 milligrams of guggulsterone has been used.
Children (Younger Than 18)
There are not enough scientific data to recommend guggul for use in children, and guggul is not recommended because of potential side effects.
Summary
Guggul and related substances have been suggested as treatments for many conditions. There is some research to support the use of guggul in lowering cholesterol, although it is not clear what dose is safe and effective. There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of guggul for any other medical condition. Guggul may cause stomach discomfort. It should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women and in children. Safety of use beyond four months has not been studied. Consult your health care provider immediately if you have any side effects.
References:
1. Satyavati GV. Gum guggul (Commiphora mukul)—The success of an ancient insight leading to a modern discovery. Indian J Med 1988;87:327–35.
2. Nityanand S, Kapoor NK. Hypocholesterolemic effect of Commiphora mukul resin (Guggal). Indian J Exp Biol 1971;9:367–77.
3. Singh K, Chander R, Kapoor NK. Guggulsterone, a potent hypolipidaemic, prevents oxidation of low density lipoprotein. Phytother Res 1997;11:291–4.
4. Mester L, Mester M, Nityanand S. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by guggulu steroids. Planta Med 1979;37:367–9.
5. Malhotra SC, Ahuja MMS, Sundarum KR. Long-term clinical studies on the hypolipidemic effect of Commiphora mukul (guggul) and clofibrate. Ind J Med Res 1977;65:390–5.
6. Nityanand S, Srivastava JS, Asthana OP. Clinical trials with gugulipid—a new hypolipidemic agent. J Assoc Phys India 1989;37:323–8.
7. Antonio J, Colker CM, Torina GC, et al. Effects of a standardized guggulsterone phosphate supplement on body composition in overweight adults: A pilot study. Curr Ther Res 1999;60:220–7.
8. Thappa DM, Dogra J. Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline. J Dermatol 1994;21:729–31.
9. Brown D, Austin S. Hyperlipidemia and Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease. Seattle, WA: NPRC, 1997, 4–6.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
The information presented in Healthnotes Online is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2002.
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