to Guggul
Guggul is a resinous substance derived from the Commiphora wightii tree, a small, thorny shrub native to arid regions of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This oleo-gum resin has a long history of use within Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient traditional healing system originating in India.
Traditionally, guggul has been used to address a range of health conditions, including inflammation, joint health (such as arthritis and gout), and concerns related to metabolism and obesity. The resin is collected by making incisions in the tree’s bark, allowing the sap to exude and harden before collection.
How Guggul Influences Cholesterol
The mechanisms by which guggul may influence cholesterol levels involve its active compounds, guggulsterones (specifically the E and Z isomers). These plant steroids interact with various biological pathways involved in lipid metabolism, particularly the synthesis and excretion of bile acids.
Guggulsterones enhance the expression of the bile salt export pump (BSEP), a protein responsible for moving bile acids out of liver cells. Increased bile acid excretion prompts the liver to convert more cholesterol into new bile acids, aiding in excess cholesterol removal. Guggulsterones also act as antagonists of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR).
This antagonism influences cholesterol metabolism by potentially increasing the activity of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), an enzyme that initiates cholesterol conversion into bile acids in the liver. Beyond bile acid dynamics, guggulsterones may also influence the hydrolysis and reesterification cycle of lipids. This could facilitate the maturation of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles and support cholesterol elimination.
Research on Guggul’s Cholesterol Effects
Scientific investigations into guggul’s impact on cholesterol levels have yielded varied outcomes. Earlier studies, conducted before 2003, often indicated that guggulipid, a guggul extract containing guggulsterones, could lead to reductions in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Some initial findings also suggested potential increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
However, many of these earlier studies were relatively small and faced methodological limitations. A notable double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in 2003, which focused on adults with high cholesterol in a Western population, presented different results. This study observed that guggulipid treatment led to a modest increase in LDL cholesterol (approximately 4% to 5%), compared to a decrease in the placebo group.
In this trial, there were no significant changes in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides. A more recent study comparing guggul to atorvastatin, a conventional cholesterol medication, found that atorvastatin was more effective. Atorvastatin significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 25.9% compared to a 9% reduction with guggul, and it increased HDL cholesterol by 6% while guggul showed no change. The current scientific evidence does not consistently support the use of guggul for lowering cholesterol, especially when compared to established medications.
Safe Use and Potential Side Effects
While specific dosage guidelines from clinical trials are limited, some studies have administered 75 to 150 mg of standardized guggulsterones daily. Other recommendations suggest a range of 500 to 1000 mg of standardized guggulipid taken two to three times each day.
Potential side effects associated with guggul use include:
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., diarrhea or nausea)
Skin reactions (e.g., rashes)
Headaches
A rare case report suggests a possible link to muscle deterioration
Guggul is not suitable for everyone and has several contraindications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid guggul, as it may stimulate menstrual flow and uterine activity. Individuals with severe liver disease should also avoid guggul.
Guggul can interact with various medications:
It may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding when taken with blood thinners like warfarin due to its antiplatelet or anticoagulant effects.
Guggul may also alter thyroid hormone levels, interfering with thyroid medications.
It could also affect the metabolism of birth control pills, reducing their effectiveness.
Given these interactions and side effects, consult a healthcare professional before starting any guggul supplement.