Guggul, made from the resin of the mukul myrrh tree, is used in Indian traditional medicine, or Ayurveda. Although it has been used for centuries, clinical studies into the benefits of guggul are limited. Guggul is not safe for everyone, so check with your doctor before taking this Ayurvedic medicine.
Uses
People use guggul to treat conditions including diabetes, weight loss, acne and high cholesterol. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of guggul for treating these conditions is preliminary and contradictory. Speak with your doctor regarding other treatments for these conditions if you are pregnant, as conventional treatments may exist that are safer during pregnancy, as well as more effective.
Side Effects
Guggul may cause some side effects, including allergic skin reactions, hiccups, belching, loose stools, nausea, headache and mild gastrointestinal symptoms. These side effects are relatively mild and unlikely to affect your pregnancy. There is a chance that guggul may increase your risk for liver problems, as a woman taking a supplement containing red yeast rice and guggul developed liver problems that resolved after stopping the use of this supplement, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Contraindications
If you have certain medical conditions or take certain medications, you should not take guggul. Medical conditions that contraindicate guggul use include a history of hormone-related cancers and severe kidney or liver disease. Medications that may interact with guggul include thyroid medications, diltiazem, propranolol, blood thinners, tamoxifen, birth control pills, statins, aspirin and NSAIDs.
Safety
Information on the safety of guggul use during pregnancy is limited. It has not been well studied in this population, so the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that pregnant women do not consume guggul. Speak with your doctor about other treatment options that are safe during pregnancy if you are taking guggul for any health condition.
