Guggul | vital.ly

Guggul

Scientific names: Commiphora wightii, Commiphora mukul, Balsamodendrum wightii, Balsamodendrum mukul

Family: Burseracaea

Alternate names: Devadhupa, Gomme Guggul, Gomme-Résine de Guggul, Guggal, Guggul Gum, Guggul Gum Resin, Guggul Lipids, Guggulipid, Guggulipide, Guggulsterone, Guggulstérone, Guggulsterones, Guggulstérones, Guggulu, Guggulu Suddha, Guglipid, Gugulipid, Gum Guggal, Gum Guggulu, Indian Bdellium, Indian Bdellium-Tree, Indian Guggulipids, Koushika, Mukul Myrrh Tree, Palankasha, Yogaraj Guggul Gum Resin

Actions: Antiacne, Antibacterial, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet, Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antilipemic, Antineoplastic, Antioxidant, Bone, Cytochrome 450, Hormone-modulating, Neurologic, Thyroid

Scientific names: Commiphora wightii, Commiphora mukul, Balsamodendrum wightii, Balsamodendrum mukul

Family: Burseracaea

Background

Guggul is made from the oily sap (gum resin) of the guggul tree (Commiphora wightii). The guggul tree grows in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Guggul contains plant steroids that might affect cholesterol levels in the body. One of these substances might also reduce redness and swelling from acne.

People use guggul for acne, obesity, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using guggul for COVID-19.

Don't confuse guggul with Boswellia serrata or myrrh. These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Guggul is possibly safe when used for up to 24 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated, but some people may experience a bitter taste when ingested. Side effects might include stomach upset and headache.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guggul is safe or what the side effects might be. Some people might develop an allergic rash.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Guggul is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might stimulate the uterus and cause a miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guggul is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Guggul can slow blood clotting. This might cause bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Guggul might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, do not use guggul.

Surgery: Guggul might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using guggul at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Underactive or overactive thyroid (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism): Guggul might interfere with treatment for these conditions. If you have a thyroid condition, speak with a healthcare provider before use.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions

Obesity. Taking guggul by mouth doesn't seem to reduce body weight in overweight or obese people.

There is interest in using guggul for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Dosing & administration

Guggul has most often been used by adults in doses of 0.5-1 gram by mouth three times daily for up to 75 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.