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Gugulipid, derived from the mukul myrrh tree, has been used for thousands of years in Aryuvedic medicine to treat obesity and arthritis. Recent studies suggest it may lower triglycerides but have little effect on LDL cholesterol levels. It may also have antidiabetic and acne-reducing properties, but larger clinical trials are needed. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid it, and it may cause mild to moderate stomach discomfort and allergic skin rashes. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using any herbal preparation.
Gugulipid, or guggul, is a natural substance derived from the mukul myrrh tree. Mukul myrrh gives off a sticky resin, which is processed into the extract. It has been used for thousands of years in Aryuvedic medicine to treat obesity and arthritis. Recently, herbalists have begun recommending gugulipid not only for these conditions, but also to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) forms of cholesterol and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Herbalists and other alternative medicine practitioners also claim it can prevent atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries and reduce high triglyceride levels.
There have been a few clinical studies of gugulipid to investigate these claims. Several studies in India suggest a very small decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, though not equal to pharmaceutical preparations made to treat the same. In the larger study, gugulipid appeared to slightly raise LDL levels, making the claim that it lowers cholesterol suspicious. There is some evidence from these studies that it reduces triglycerides by about 12%. Since cholesterol-lowering medications don’t usually reduce triglycerides, it may be helpful to use the extract to address high triglyceride levels.
Studies in mice have found that gugulipid may have antidiabetic properties. A further study suggests it may also reduce acne. These studies were small and need to be corroborated by larger clinical trials. Unfortunately, this research is often used to market gugulipid and tends to exaggerate the nature of clinical trials and their results.
Gugulipid has not been evaluated for safety in pregnant or nursing women and such women should probably avoid it. Some people experience mild to moderate stomach discomfort, such as pain, flatulence and diarrhea, when using it. Periodically, those who use gugulipid develop allergic skin rashes. It is concerning that some websites marketing this product not only inflate the evidence but also report that there are no side effects.
The recommended dose of gugulipid is 1,500 mg per day. Tablets and capsules are usually 500mg, so a bottle of 60 tablets does not make up a full month’s supply.
When considering adding any type of herbal preparation to your health regimen, consulting a doctor is an excellent course of action. Some herbs can compete with some drugs, creating health problems. Some healthcare professionals are more receptive to the use of alternative medicines than others. If you are inclined to use alternative medicines or therapies, medical professionals using complementary medicine, the combination of traditional medicine and alternative medicine, may be your best choice for consultation about this or any other herbal product.
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