Guggul Herb and Extract Benefits

Scientific Name(S): Commiphora mukul Family: Burseracaea.

Common Name(S): Guggul, guggal, gum guggal, gum guggulu

Guggul is a resin which is produced by the stem of the commiphora mukul tree, a relatively small, thorny plant native to India. Historically guggul has been used in connection with a wide variety of conditions, including rheumatism and obesity.

Guggul contains ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones which are believe to be responsible for guggul's cholestrol- and triglyceride-lowering actions.

Botany: The guggul plant is widely distributed throughout India and adjacent regions. It is in the same genus as C. myrrha, the myrrh of the Bible.

History: The plant has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine (Asiatic Indian plant medicine) for centuries in the treatment of a variety of disorders, most notable 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 touting the cholesterol-lowering properties of the plant. This has raised interest in the activity of the plant.

Uses of Guggul

Traditionally used to treat arthritis, obesity and other disorders, guggul has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides and to stimulate thyroid activity.

Side Effects of Guggul

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. Rash was reported, however, as a fairly common side effect in one recent study. 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.

Dosage and Adminstration

Dosage recommendations for guggul are usually based on guggulsterones concentration in the extract. A typical dosage of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks for lowering high cholesterol and/or triglycerides.

Toxicology: While the human safety profile of the extract has not been well described, no significant adverse events were reported in clinical studies; the reported events were primarily gastrointestinal in nature.

Summary: Guggul and its extracts have been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. A growing body of evidence suggests that components of the plant can exert a lipid-lowering effect possible equivalent to that of the drug clofibrate.