Guggul has long been used as a traditional medicine for a variety of health conditions. There is evidence that the active components inside this plant have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Learn about the potential health benefits of guggul as well as the side effects.<\/p>\n
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Guggul is the most common name for a small medicinal tree Commiphora Mukul<\/i> (Wightii), which is mostly found in the Indian subcontinent. In Ayurveda, guggul dry gum resin is obtained from the stem of the Guggul tree. It has been used for thousands of years in the Ayurvedic medicine system [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Guggul is one of the oldest Ayurvedic herbs taken orally for a variety of diseases. The term \u201cguggul\u201d in Sanskrit means \u201cprotects against diseases\u201d. Guggul supplements are sometimes referred to as guggulipid or guggul lipid [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Despite its long history and purported health benefits, the available clinical research on guggul is limited.<\/p>\n Guggul contains a mixture of sterols, steroids, esters, and alcohols with multiple purported benefits:<\/p>\n The following purported benefits of guggul are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of guggul for any of the uses listed below. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking guggul. It should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.<\/p>\n A number of older clinical trials performed in India show that guggul may help with high cholesterol. In these studies, supplementation with guggul reduced LDL<\/a>, total cholesterol, and triglycerides<\/a> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, there is some conflicting evidence. A more recent randomized placebo-controlled trial of 103 healthy adults found that guggul did not improve cholesterol levels, and in fact slightly raised LDL levels. Researchers also noted that the supplement caused an allergic skin reaction in some people [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n According to some researchers, the guggul\u2019s effect on cholesterol may be due to its ability to block the bile acid receptor farnesoid x receptor<\/a>, a key component for the maintenance of cholesterol and bile acid [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n According to a study of 30 people with osteoarthritis of at least one knee, supplementation with guggul capsules for 2 months may reduce pain and improve mobility [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Nodulocystic acne is a severe form of acne where nodules and cysts form on the face, chest, and back.<\/p>\n An older study of 20 patients with nodulocystic acne found that oral guggul supplements may reduce inflammation and the frequency of relapses [R<\/a>].<\/p>\nActive Compounds<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Purported Health Benefits of Guggul<\/span><\/h2>\n
Insufficient Evidence For:<\/span><\/h3>\n
Lowering Cholesterol<\/h4>\n
Osteoarthritis Pain Relief<\/h4>\n
Acne Treatment<\/h4>\n