A resin from the mukul myrrh tree, used in Ayurveda.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used to support normal cholesterol and metabolism.
Guggul is a sticky gum resin from Commiphora mukul (also called Commiphora wightii), the mukul myrrh tree, a small thorny shrub that grows in the dry regions of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. When the bark is cut, it releases a fragrant yellowish resin that hardens on contact with air. It is a close relative of myrrh.
Guggul has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years, often in combination formulas, and it is traditionally used to support normal cholesterol and metabolism. Its compounds of interest are plant sterols called guggulsterones. Researchers have studied standardised guggul extracts in a handful of trials with mixed results, and it has no authorised health claim.
On labels you will see guggul, gugulipid, Commiphora mukul resin extract or extracts standardised to a percentage of guggulsterones. That percentage is the most useful figure for comparing products, because raw resin and purified extracts differ considerably. In Ayurvedic formulas, guggul is often blended with other herbs and resins rather than used alone.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 randomised trials of Ayurvedic herbs with 1,386 people with high cholesterol. Guggul lowered total cholesterol by about 17 mg/dL and LDL by about 19 mg/dL, with minimal side effects reported.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 61 people with high cholesterol, taking 50 mg guggulipid twice daily for 24 weeks. Total cholesterol fell by 11.7%, LDL by 12.5% and triglycerides by 12.0%, with no change on placebo.
Multicentre trials in India: 205 people took 500 mg gugulipid three times daily for 12 weeks, and 70–80% saw cholesterol fall by an average 23.6%. In a double-blind crossover comparison, gugulipid's effect was similar to the drug clofibrate.
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Guggulsterones are plant sterols found in guggul resin and are the compounds researchers focus on. Extracts are often standardised to a percentage of guggulsterones, which makes products easier to compare than the total resin weight alone.
It can. Guggul may lower the levels of propranolol and diltiazem, which could make them less effective, and it may affect oestrogen-containing medicines including the pill. If you take any prescription medicine, check with your pharmacist before taking guggul.
They are close relatives. Guggul comes from Commiphora mukul, and myrrh comes from other Commiphora species. Both are fragrant resins, but guggul is the one used in Ayurveda for its traditional role in supporting normal cholesterol and metabolism.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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