 | 
Guggul (Commiphora mukul) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain guggul. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with a pharmacist or health care professional before starting.
Scientists have studied guggul for the following health problems: High cholesterol | Guggul (gum guggul) is a resin produced by the mukul mirth tree. Guggulipid is extracted from guggul and contains chemicals called "plant sterols" (guggulsterones E and Z), which are believed to be active in the human body. Multiple studies published before 2003 suggested that guggul and guggulipid may lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. However, most of these trials were not well designed. More recent, well-designed research reports no improvements in cholesterol levels. In fact, small increases in "bad cholesterol" (low-density lipoprotein) are suggested. It is not clear why the results of different studies do not agree with each other. One possible explanation is that the earlier positive studies were done in India, and the later negative research is from the United States. There may be differences in these regions, such as dietary habits, that would cause different results. At this time, because of these differences in results, it remains unclear if guggul is helpful in people with high cholesterol levels or heart disease. | Acne | Although there are several studies in this area, it is not clear what effects guggul has on acne. Studies have been small, with flaws in their designs. | Obesity | Guggul has been proposed as a possible therapy for weight reduction. Preliminary studies suggest that guggul may be associated with a small loss in weight or a reduction in tissue folds. However, studies have been small, and it is not clear whether guggul offers any benefits over diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity. | Arthritis | Guggul has been proposed as a possible arthritis therapy. Animal studies suggest that guggul may have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies in humans have been small and have had flaws in their designs. However, there is early evidence that some patients may experience less joint stiffness in the morning, less fatigue and improved grip strength and may be able to write, dress and walk easier while taking guggul preparations. |
Guggul has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care professional before taking guggul for any unproven use. Asthma
Bleeding
Cold symptoms
Colitis
Diabetes
Gingivitis
Hemorrhoids
Leprosy
Menstrual disorders | Mouth infections
Nerve pain
Pain
Psoriasis
Sore throat
Sores
Tumors
Vaginal discharge
Wounds |
Allergies Allergic rash may occur with the use of guggulipid by mouth, particularly at high doses. People with known allergies to guggul should avoid guggul, guggulipid, gum guggulu and guggulsterones. Other signs of allergy may include itching and shortness of breath. Side Effects Some people may experience stomach discomfort, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hiccup or burping. These symptoms may improve with the use of antacids. Allergic rash may occur at higher doses. Other side effects may include restlessness or apprehension. In theory, guggul may cause weight loss, may interfere with the ability to become pregnant or may alter thyroid function. If you have thyroid disease and are considering taking guggul, you should discuss this with a health care professional. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown) has been reported. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Guggul cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding because of a lack of information.
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 a health care professional or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Guggul may reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure drugs, such as propranolol (Inderal) and diltiazem (Cardizem). It is not clear what effects guggulipid has on the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering drugs, but effects or side effects may be increased when taken together. In theory, guggulipid 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). Guggul may also alter the effects of drugs broken down by liver enzymes or those that affect estrogen and progesterone. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements It is not clear what effects guggulipid has on herbs that lower cholesterol levels, such as garlic (Allium sativum). 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). Guggul may also alter activity of herbs and supplements broken down by liver enzymes or those that affect estrogen and progesterone.
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 professional 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. Guggulipid preparations are often standardized to contain 2.5 percent to 5 percent guggulsterones. Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) For high cholesterol, a dose of 500 to 1,000 milligrams of guggulipid (standardized to 2.5 percent guggulsterones) taken by mouth three times 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 taken by mouth daily 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.
Guggul and related substances have been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years, particularly in India. The effects of guggulipid in patients with high cholesterol are not clear, with some studies finding cholesterol-lowering effects, and other research suggesting no benefits. At this time, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of guggul for any medical condition. Guggul may cause stomach discomfort or allergic rash. It should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women and in children. Safety of use beyond four months has not been studied. Consult a health care professional immediately if you have any side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Guggul Natural Standard reviewed more than 130 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below: - 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;60:220-227.
- Bhatt AD, Dalal DG, Shah SJ, et al. Conceptual and methodologic challenges of assessing the short-term efficacy of guggulu in obesity: data emergent from a naturalistic clinical trial. J Postgrad Med 1995;41(1):5-7.
- Bianchi A, Cantu P, Firenzuoli F, et al. Rhabdomyolysis caused by Commiphora mukul, a natural lipid-lowering agent. Ann Pharmacother 2004;Jul-Aug, 38(7-8):1222-1225.
- Gaur SP, Garg RK, Kar AM, et al. Gugulipid, a new hypolipidaemic agent, in patients of acute ischaemic stroke: effect on clinical outcome, platelet function and serum lipids. Asia Pacif J Pharm 1997;12:65-69.
- Singh BB, Mishra L, Aquilina N, et al. Usefulness of guggul (Commiphora mukul) for osteoarthritis of the knee: an experimental case study. Altern Ther Health Med 2001;7(2):120, 112-114.
- Singh RB, Niaz MA, Ghosh S. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of Commiphora mukul as an adjunct to dietary therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1994;8(4):659-664.
- Singh RP, Singh R, Ram P, et al. Use of Pushkar-Guggul, an indigenous antiischemic combination, in the management of ischemic heart disease. Int J Pharm 1993;31(2):147-160.
- Szapary PO, Wolfe ML, Bloedon LT, et al. Guggulipid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290(6):765-772.
Last updated June 23, 2005
|
