Natural Products

Guggul

Commiphora mukul, Guggulipid

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  None
• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy - the use of this product cannot be recommended:
  Acne
• Also used for these other indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Hypercholesterolemia
  Obesity
  Osteoarthritis
  To prevent atherosclerosis

Security

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

What is it?

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.

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) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) 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 plants content varies 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 http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

A relatively large number of studies have been performed to try to assess guggul's efficacy in its various indications, but none has been able to prove its usefulness. In addition, because of the poor quality of these studies, we cannot issue recommendations concerning the use of this product. Guggul is widely used in India.

It has been suggested that guggul could lower total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels. Guggul might also reduce sebum secretion in the skin. It also appears to reduce the metabolism of bacteria involved in acne. Some think that this product has some anti-inflammatory properties.

• 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. Guggulsterone extract - 25 mg three times a day - could be recommended.
• Acne:
  The use of a guggulsterone extract (25 mg twice a day) has been studied. Guggul may be as effective as some prescription agents (such as tetracycline) when used at this dose in the treatment of acne.

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

Is it safe?

• 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.
• 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.
• People with thyroid disorders should avoid guggul.
• 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.

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, 2007
4. Pierce Andrea, Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, 1999
5. Passeportsanté.net. Guggul. http://www.passeportsante.net
6. Taylor J. CE: Phytomedicinals: Uses, precautions, and drug interactions. Drug Topics 2003;1:79