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.
Is It Effective?
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.
- 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.
Is it Safe?
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.
Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Guggul contains chemicals that might work like estrogen. Guggul might increase the side effects of birth control pills.
Diltiazem (Cardizem, others)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking guggul can decrease how much diltiazem the body absorbs. Taking guggul along with diltiazem might decrease the effects of diltiazem.
Estrogens
Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.
Guggul contains chemicals that might work like estrogen. Taking large amounts of guggul might increase the side effects of estrogen.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Guggul might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Guggul might slow blood clotting. Taking guggul along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Propranolol (Inderal)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Guggul might decrease how much propranolol the body absorbs. Taking guggul along with propranolol might decrease the effects of propranolol.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Guggul might increase how much rosuvastatin the body absorbs. Taking guggul along with rosuvastatin might increase the effects and side effects of rosuvastatin.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Tamoxifen is used to help treat and prevent cancers that are affected by estrogen levels in the body. Guggul might affect estrogen levels in the body. By affecting estrogen in the body, guggul might decrease the effects of tamoxifen.
Thyroid hormone
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Guggul might increase thyroid hormone in the body. Taking guggul along with thyroid hormone therapy might increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormones.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Guggul might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Herbs that might act like estrogen: Guggul might have the same effects as estrogen. Using it along with other supplements with similar effects might increase estrogen-like effects and side effects. Examples of supplements with this effect include black cohosh, hops, kudzu, peony, and red clover.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
Balsamodendrum wightii, Balsamodendrum mukul, Commiphora mukul, Commiphora wightii, Devadhupa, Gomme Guggul, Gomme-Résine de Guggul, Guggal, Guggul Gum Resin, Guggul Lipids, Guggulipid, Guggulipide, Guggulu, Guggulu Suddha, Guggulsterone, Guggulstérone, Guggulsterones, Guggulstérones, Guglipid, Gugulipid, Gum Guggal, Gum Guggulu, Indian Bdellium, Indian Bdellium-Tree, Koushika, Mukul Myrrh Tree, Palankasha, Yogaraj Guggul Gum Resin.
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