Guggul

Commiphora mukul, Guggulipid

Efficacy

• Indications with possible efficacy:
  None
• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy :
  Acne
• Other indications but with no proof of efficacy:
  Hypercholesterolemia
  Obesity
  Osteoarthritis
  To prevent atherosclerosis

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Moderate
• Adverse Effects: Low

Description

Part of the plant used: resin

Guggul is extracted from the yellowish resin of a small tree called Commiphora mukul that grows in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Guggulipid is thought to be the active component extracted from guggul. The product has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, in particular in Ayurvedic medicine. Traditionally, Indians have used the dried guggul resin.

Direction of use

• Hypercholesterolemia:
  Several studies have been conducted to determine guggul's efficacy in this indication. However, these studies were performed in India in the 1970's and 1980's and their quality level is unknown.

  Used doses: Guggulsterone extract - 25 to 50 mg three times a day

• Acne:
  Guggul may be as effective as some prescription agents (such as tetracycline) when used at this dose in the treatment of acne.

  Used doses: Guggulsterone extract - 25 mg twice a day

There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that guggul is effective in any other indication.

Precautions

• Side effects
  Guggul appears safe when used in a proper manner. Most common adverse effects associated with guggul are headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and hiccups. Allergic reactions, such as itching, have occurred.
• Contraindications
  People with thyroid disorders should use guggul with caution.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  Guggul should not be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding because it can stimulate the uterus and has a regulating effect on the menstrual cycle.
• Interactions
  Guggul could interact with various drugs. Before taking guggul, check with your pharmacist to make sure that there are no interactions with your regular medications.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

References

1. Facts & Comparisons, Guide to Popular Natural Products, 1998
2. Lexi-comp, Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, 2000-2001
3. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
4. Pierce Andrea, Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, 1999
5. Passeportsanté.net. Guggul. www.passeportsante.net
6. Taylor J. CE: Phytomedicinals: Uses, precautions, and drug interactions. Drug Topics 2003;1:79
7. Moranville MP. Shields KM. Guggul for hypercholesterolemia. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. Vol 62 May 15, 2005.
8. The Review of Natural Products, 6th Edition, 2010