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What Is Gugulipid?

People have choices when it comes to managing cholesterol. Doctors often prescribe pharmaceutical drugs, yet in some cases, the dietary supplement gugulipid can be equally effective, with few or no side effects.

  1. Tradition and Science

    • Guggul is the resin from a species of myrrh tree that has been used for thousands of years among India's traditional Ayurvedic practitioners to rejuvenate blood vessels. In 1992 the Sabinsa Corporation of New Jersey identified a marker compound in the herb referred to as guggulsterones, and trademarked their own brand of standardized guggul, calling it Gugulipid. Today gugulipid refers both to the registered product and to refined guggul resin in general.

    Balances LDL and HDL

    • WholeHealthMD website reports that gugulipid inhibits the hardening of arterial plaque, while the marker compound lowers LDL cholesterol. A 1990 clinical trial published in the Journal of Associated Physicians in India confirms this fact, adding that it also raised HDL cholesterol in 60 percent of trial participants who responded to gugulipid therapy.

    Effective Dosage

    • Read labels carefully. Instead of looking for total milligrams, choose a product that provides 25 mg of guggulsterones, the marker compound, per serving and take it three times a day. Use a refined gugulipid supplement rather than one marked only as guggul, as the latter could contain toxic compounds.

    Safety and Side Effects

    • In rare cases, people using gugulipid may feel mildly nauseated or experience gas, hiccups, restlessness, anxiety, diarrhea, rashes, or headaches. Although gugulipid is regarded as safe, please advise your doctor when beginning any new supplement.

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