Guggul
© Martin Wall
Parts Used & 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.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- This interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
|
High Triglycerides
|
25 mg guggulsterones three times per day |
[3 stars]
Clinical trials indicate that guggul is effective in treating high triglycerides, in one trial, serum triglycerides fell by 30.3%. |
|
Acne Vulgaris
|
500 mg extract twice per day |
[2 stars]
A controlled trial found that guggul (Commiphora mukul) compared favorably to tetracycline in treating cystic acne. |
|
High Cholesterol
|
25 mg guggulsterones three times per day |
[2 stars]
Guggul appears to be helpful in lowering cholesterol and raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. |
|
Osteoarthritis
|
500 mg of a concentrated extract (3.5% guggulsterones) three times per day |
[2 stars]
In one trial, supplementing with guggul significantly improved symptoms in people with OA of the knee. |
|
Obesity
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Coupled with exercise, a combination of guggul, phosphate salts, hydroxycitrate, and tyrosine was shown in one study to improve mood and weight loss in overweight adults. |
Traditional Use (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 are approved in India for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
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The information presented in Aisle7 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 June 2013.
