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What Is Guggul?

Guggul is a resin extracted from the mukul myrrh plant, a plant native to India. According to HealthCentral.com, guggul was originally used in Indian and Chinese medicine during biblical times to clean the blood and prevent obesity. Ayurvedic medicine used guggul primarily to control weight, however. Today, guggul is used in Western medicine for the treatment of acne, high cholesterol, arthritis and obesity. It is available in several cholesterol and diet supplements.

  1. Benefits

    • Some studies show guggul lowers cholesterol levels and weight. According to a study reported by the Journal of the American Medical Association, 80 percent of participants lowered their cholesterol by 24 percent and their triglycerides by 23 percent when taking gugulipid. According to another study reported by the Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, participants who weighed over 198 pounds lost weight after taking guggul for one month. People who weighed under 198 pounds did not lose any weight.

    Time Frame

    • According to the studies reported by JAMA and JPGM, participants experienced results after one month of using guggul. The effects increased with continued usage of guggul. The extent of the cholesterol-lowering effects were experienced within three months, whereas the weight-loss effects were experienced in one month.

    Types

    • Guggul is available in capsule form in its natural state or mixed with other ingredients. In weight-loss supplements, guggul is combined with other weight-loss ingredients such as green tea and guarana. Guggul's extracts, including gugulipid and guggulsterones, are also available in capsule form by itself or in acne, weight-loss or cholesterol supplements.

    Side Effects

    • Guggul mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract. Side effects associated with guggul, according to Drugs.com, include headache, hiccup and an allergic rash. Guggul also causes abdominal cramps and stomach discomfort. According to eVitamins.com, guggul also worsens diarrhea.

    Considerations

    • Guggul increases thyroid production, causing adverse complications in people with a thyroid disorder. Guggul also increases the risk of bleeding. People taking anticoagulant or anti-platelet medication should speak with a physician before taking any supplements containing guggul.

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