Guggul is taken from the resin of the guggul plant and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. This substance has been used to help treat a variety of conditions, though more research needs to be done to learn more about guggul and its medicinal effects. Before using guggul, ask your health care provider if it is safe for you to take, as it can interfere with certain kinds of medications.
Inflammation
Extracts of the guggul plant have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation. According to Drugs.com, studies found that in animals, guggul was as effective as ibuprofen in treating chronic and acute inflammation. A study in humans found that patients with osteoarthritis who took 500 mg of guggul three times a day for one month reported a decrease in their symptoms.
Acne
Guggul may be used in treating acne. The University of Maryland reports a study finding that taking 500 mg of guggul two times daily was as effective as tetracycline in treating acne. Drugs.com adds that this herb has been successfully used to treat nodulocystic acne, but there is no other data for other kinds of acne; more research needs to be done.
Obesity
Compounds in guggul called guggulsterones have been found to stimulate the thyroid, thus increasing the body's metabolism. The University of Maryland suggests taking 25 mg of guggulsterones three times a day to help promote weight loss, as this has been shown to help people lose more weight than those not taking this supplement. Other studies have found similar results, including lowered levels of low-density lipoprotein, the "bad" kind of cholesterol.
Cholesterol and Triglycerides
High cholesterol levels and triglycerides can cause heart disease and other problems, and guggul may be effective in lowering levels of these lipids for some people. Drugs.com reported a study in which individuals who took 500 mg daily of guggulipid, a component found in an extract of the guggul plant, for 12 weeks, had lower overall serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels than those who did not take the supplement.
Considerations
The safety of guggul has not been established for pregnant women, nursing women and children, so these individuals should not take guggul. Individuals with hepatic or renal diseases should also not take these herbs, warns Drugs.com. This herb can interact with blood thinning medications and other drugs, so consult your health care provider about possible interactions.
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