GUGGUL (Commiphora Mukul)

(A safe and effective alternative to NSAIDs)

Introduction:
Guggul is a yellowish resin, which is secreted by a small, thorny mukul myrrh
tree called (Commiphora Mukul or Commiphora ightii). The herb has been
playing a major role in the traditional medicine of India. It is known by the
Sanskrit name "Guggul," which means, "protects from disease”. It is also
called as Guggul gum, guggal, gugglesterone, gugulu and gum gugal. It has
been used for over 3,000 years ago and described in all of the classical
Ayurveda texts including the Sushruta Samhita (3rd to 4th centuries) where
it is especially recommended for the treatment of rheumatic pains and
medoroga (obesity). It is one of the most important Rasayanas (herbal tonics)
of Ayurveda where it is described as warm, dry, pungent-flavored and
aromatic with nutritive, lubricant, stimulant and digestion-enhancing
properties. There are ample references to Guggul and its medicinal properties in 'Sushruta Samhita', the
classical ancient treatise on Ayurveda medicine, which describes the use of Guggul for a wide variety of
conditions. Some of these are rheumatism, obesity, and atherosclerosis. In the treatment of arteriosclerosis
it is useful in reducing existing plaque in arteries. "Guggul is the best among herbs that are used for obesity
and Vata disorders." (Charka Samhita, Sutra Section, Ch.25). The Atharva Veda is the earliest reference
for its medicinal and therapeutic properties regarding its actions, uses and indications as well as the
varieties of Guggul have been described in numerous Ayurveda treatises
including Charka Samhita (1000BC), Sushruta Samhita (600 BC and Vagbhata (7th century AD).
Guggul increases body’s metabolic rate, responsible for reducing fat, indicated for healing bone fracture
to inflammation, arthritis, atherosclerosis, obesity and hyperlipidemia. It has also demonstrated properties
that can break down kidney stones, stimulate the thyroid gland, protect and improve heart and brain and
memory function, heal wounds and improve skin appearance, and even exert anti-cancer effects. Current
research substantiates its benefit for the treatment of elevated blood lipids and coronary and arterial plaque
known as atherosclerosis. Traditionally, Guggul is given in the form of Yoga, wherein it is mixed with other
drugs along with castor oil or Indian clarified butter. As a result, today standardized its extracts are being
approved for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in India.

As a pain relieving analgesic, Guggul is an excellent alternative to non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs) in its ability to relieve pain, skin and other inflammations as well as promoting healing of the
underlying cause. Pharmaceutical NSAIDs are sold without prescription to millions of people throughout
the world daily for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This includes a wide number of drugs
ranging from aspirin to acetaminophen. Most educated consumers are already aware of the dangerous
side-effects of NSAIDs, a few of which are outlined below. A British study in the journal Pain reviewed 49
randomized, controlled trials with data on gastric or duodenal ulcer, ulcer hemorrhage or perforation, and
death attributable to NSAID (aspirin) use. The authors estimated that one in 1,200 patients taking NSAIDs
for at least two months died from gastroduodenal complications. They also estimated that 2,000 people in
the United Kingdom die each year from gastroduodenal lesions who would not have died if they were not
taking NSAIDs.

Availability:
The Guggul tree is a small thorny plant grows wild and also cultivated in deserts
or semi-desert and rocky as well as sandy area of Rajastan, Gujurat,
Karnataka, Assam and rocky tracks of Western India and Eastern Himalayas.
It is derived from the gummy resinous exudate of a plant closely related to
myrrh that is found in arid to semi-arid areas of Northern India, Bangladesh and
Pakistan. It earlier used to grow abundantly in the states of Karnataka, Gujarat, Assam and Rajasthan. The
shrub reaches a maximum height of 4 to 6 feet and bears thorns on its branches. The leaves are small
similar to those of neem. The flowers are red and the fruit is oval in shape and pulpy in nature. It is a small
tree of 3 meters to 4.5 meters in heights with thick out by incising the thick stems. A small cup is tied to the

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lower end of the incision. In this cup, the gum accumulates gradually. This gum is also yields about ½ kg
to 1 kg of the gum which is collected in the cold season. The gum resin is brown or sometimes dark green
in colour and has a bitter taste with an aromatic odour. The production from wild sources requires years of
maturing before the plant to start secreting the resin. Gum resin resides in the ducts located in the soft bark
of the tree, is obtained through tapping. Circular incisions are made on the main stem, not beyond the
thickness of the bark of stem. From these incisions, a pale yellow, aromatic fluid exudes that quickly
solidifies to form a golden brown or reddish brown agglomerate of tears or stalactic pieces. The dried resin
has a bitter aromatic taste and a balsamic odour. It has been grossly over-harvested in recent decades and
wild populations of the tree have become endangered. For this reason, where and how Guggul is harvested
very directly impacts long-term sustainability. The good news is that Guggul can be harvested on private
farms where sustainable farming can be ensured. Harvesting and processing Guggul is both delicate and
labor intensive.
Chemical composition:
Guggul contains resin, volatile oils and gum. It contains essential oil, mainly consisting of Thiobarbituric
acids, pyrogallolmyrecene, dimyrecene and polymyrecene, Z-gugglusterone, E-gugglusterone,
gugglusterone-I, gugglusterone-II, and gugglusterone-III were obtained. These isolates have been found
useful in curing many diseases like rheumatism, arthritis, hyper-lipidemia, obesity, inflammation,
atherosclerosis, wrinkles and acne.The primary chemical constituents of gum include phytosterols,
gugulipids, allo-cembrol, allyl-cembrol, aluminum, amino acid, cembranoids, cembrenes, cis-Guggulsterol,
cis-Guggulsterone, copper, ellagic acid, ferrulates, ferulic acid, flavanones, pelargonin, quercetin,
sesquiterpenoids, sterols, sterones, trans-Guggulsterone, resin, essential oil, Guggulsterones, E
stereoisomers, Z stereoisomers, gugulipid, myrrhanol, alpha-camphorene. The oleoresin contains 0.37%
essential oil, containing mainly myrecene, dimyrecene and polymyrecene. Solvent extraction using ethyl
acetate separates the oleo-gum-resin into two parts, i.e. gum and resin. The gum insoluble in ethyl acetate
is chemically characterized as carbohydrate. Solvent extraction, hydrolysis and column chromatography
over silica gel of Guggul resin identifies a number of compounds such as diterpene hydrocarbon, diterpene
alcohol, Z-Guggulsterone, E-Guggulsterone, Guggulsterol-I Guggulsterol-II &Guggulsterol-III, cholesterol,
sesamin and camphorene. The resinous portion dissolves in ethyl acetate and possesses both anti-
inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties. It was further separated into acidic, basic, and neutral fraction
that comprised approximately 4%w/v, 0.3%w/v, and 95%w/v of the ethylacetate soluble resin,
respectively.The lipid-lowering activity is found in ketonic fraction, which is a complex mixture of chemical
compounds belonging to steroids. The extract isolates ketonic steroid compounds known as
Guggulsterones. As per the ancient pharmacopeia of Ayurveda the Guggulu has properties of Rasa (taste)
Bitter and Pungent, Virya (action) Hot, Vipaka (post-digestive effect) Pungent, Prabhav[Special potency] –
Rasayana and Dosha effect VK-(Reduces Vata and Kapha) & P+(Increases Pitta).

Traditional Medicinal and Energetic Properties of Guggul as Ayurveda:

Guggul is considered tridoshic or balancing to all three doshas in the body. The three doshas or bodily
humours of the body represent the foundation of traditional Ayurveda. These are: kapha or the anabolic
humour, watery humour; pitta or the catabolic, fiery humour; and vata, the air or nervous system humour.
When all three humours are in balance, the result is health and wellness. When one or more are excess or
deficient this represents imbalance or disease. It stimulates pitta and thus enhances warmth, digestion,
circulatory and reproductive processes. It also regulates vata (nerve force) and kapha (fluidic aspects). This
attests to the wide respect and therapeutic Ayurveda applications for this botanical, considered the most
important for the removal of "ama," toxic substances which accumulate as a result of sluggish digestion
and circulation associated with a slowing of metabolism. As an "ama"-resolving herb, it has a wide range
of applications beginning with rheumatic and arthritic pains and obesity. In addition it treats sluggish liver,
malaria, stimulates libido, nervous diseases, bronchial congestion, cardiac and circulatory problems, weak
digestion, fractures, gynecological problems, leucorrhea, sterility, impotence, STDs (sexually transmitted
diseases) and various skin diseases including acne and psoriasis.

Guggul has very subtle and penetrating qualities and because of this is considered a yogavahi, meaning
that it is often employed specifically to carry other substances deep into the tissues. Further, its combination
with other herbs actually lends direction to its powerful detoxifying and rejuvenating qualities. It pacifies
vata, pitta, and kapha though it is especially renowned for alleviating vata aggravations. In general, it has
GUGGUL (Commiphora Mukul)-Dr Pramod Nanda-9437409132
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an affinity for all of the tissues in the body as well as the circulatory, digestive, nervous, and respiratory
systems. It is very scraping, which enables it to clear toxins from the tissues and channels while
rejuvenating them.

The traditional properties of Guggul are alterative, anti-atherogenic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-

inflammatory (powerful), antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-supportive, aperient, aphrodisiac,
astringent, bitter, carminative, demulcent, diaphoretic, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, enhances
phagocytosis, immune stimulant (increases leukocytes), stimulating, expectorant, stomachic, thyroid
stimulant, uterine stimulant. On the mucus membranes, it serves as an astringent and antiseptic. Internally,
its bitter principles stimulate appetite and relieve bloating and gas. Its oleo-resins are excreted through the
skin, mucus membranes, and the urinary system, stimulating and disinfecting their secretions. It is also a
uterine stimulant, making it useful for regulating menstruation but contraindicated during pregnancy. The
warming circulatory properties of it also serve as a potent aphrodisiac.
Pharmacological action:
It increases thyroid stimulation, improves digestion and accelerates metabolism to pass the food along the
GI tract quickly. It also prevents the transformation of undigested carbohydrates into triglycerides and
reduces cholesterol in blood by metabolizing the existing fatty acid. It is considered to be a well-established
fat burning agent. Dietary supplements containing Guggul patented in United States claim reduction in the
build-up of body fat other than associated with medical problems of the endocrine or neuro-endocrine
system. Lipophilic extract, when combined with a mixture of phosphate salts demonstrates outstanding
weight loss, fat loss and mood elevating properties. It has antioxidant effect because of its active constituent
gugglusterone, which inhibits the generation of oxygen free radical. Guggulipid is effective against
myocardial infarction and known to cause thyrogenic effect. Guggulsterone inhibits platelets aggregation
and provide protection against myocardial ischemia induced by isoproterenol.

Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the
"bad" cholesterols) by approximately 25%. At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good”
cholesterol). Guggulsterones as antioxidants, keep LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and an action which
protects against atherosclerosis. Guggulipids have been found having capacity to lower the VLDL, LDL and
triglycerides with simultaneously raising the HDL revealing that it is useful in providing protection against
atherosclerosis. The effect is proclaimed to resulting out from its action on liver and thyroid, wherein, thyroid
is stimulated to increase body's metabolic rate and the liver is stimulated to metabolize LDL cholesterol.
The antioxidant properties of Guggulsterols could be explained by the fact that their hydroxyl groups are
present at α-positions of double bonds, similar to antioxidant vitamins and are soluble in lipids. The drug
exhibits nontoxic potential, because it has no highly reactive groups in any position of the isomer structure,
similar to tocopherols. It has antioxidant potential against oxidative stress along with antidiabetic and
hypolipidemic potential. Molecules derived from Guggulipid extract are reported to be capable of reducing
insulin resistance in humans. Moreover, it has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelet, another
effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease.

Guggul is warming and stimulates metabolism that is why it is one of the few botanicals that has been
shown to treat hypothyroid conditions. It has been found to have the capacity to enhance production of
thyroxin (T4), triidothyronine (T3) (thermogenic activity), which also account for its lipid lowering activity.
Thyroid hormones increase metabolism of carbohydrates, enhance protein synthesis and stimulate use and
breakdown of lipids. A keto steroid, 2-gugglusterone was found to counteract the thyroid suppressant
activity of carbimazole. Its compounds are antagonist ligands for bile acid receptor called farnesoid X
receptor (FXR), which is an important regulator of cholesterol homeostasis. It increases fecal excretion of
bile acids (cholic and deoxycholic acids) & cholesterol and lowers intestinal absorption of fat and
cholesterol. It stimulates the LDL receptor binding activity in hepatocytes and enhances its catabolism. It
also inhibits oxidative modification of LDL due to its constituent gugglusterone. Protective and antioxidant
properties of Guggul also play a part in its lipid lowering activity and reduce lipid peroxides, xanthine
oxidase, and increases superoxide dismutase.

With a topical administration of a preparation containing Guggulsterone-enriched fraction of Guggul, benign

prostatic hypertrophy with symptoms of dysuria, diurnal & nocturnal pollakiuria and urinary retention have

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been treated. It has been extensively studied in inflammation and pain in bones, joints, muscles and related
connective tissues. The aqueous extract significantly inhibited both the maximal edema response and the
total edema response during 6 hrs of carrageen an induced rat paw edema. Fraction containing gum-
Guggul (acidic fraction of ethyl acetate extract) in experimental arthritis decreased the thickness of the joint
swelling during the course of drug treatment. Activation of NF-kappa B has been closely linked with
inflammatory diseases affected by Guggulsterone. It suppressed DNA binding of NF-kappa B induced by
tumor necrosis factor (TNF), phorbol ester, okadaic acid, cigarette smoke condensate, hydrogen peroxide
and interleukin-1. NF-kappa B activation was not cell type-specific, because both epithelial and leukemia
cells were inhibited. Guggulsterone also suppressed constitutive NF-kappa B activation expressed in most
tumor cells.

The essential oil, chloroform extract and 7 sesquiterpenoids compounds isolated from the oleo-gum-resin
of Guggul showed a wide range of inhibiting activity against both Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria. It is one
among many plants known for immunomodulatory properties. It provides effective support to immune
functions ensuring an optimal response. The best level of resistance is indicated by normalization of
leukocyte function through improved phagocytosis. The defense mechanism of the body is enhanced
through increased white blood cell production. Fraction containing Guggulsterones have been found to be
particularly useful in the treatment of allergic dermatitis. Guggulipid and alcoholic fractions thereof possess
a rare quality of providing a dual benefit for skin care, i.e. antisebum and antioxidant activity. The
compositions provide control of sebum secretion from sebocytes, improved oil control and improved skin
feel, prevent shine and stickiness, protect skin from damaging free radical activity, which results in reduced
appearance of wrinkles and aged skin, improved skin color, treatment of photo aged skin, improvement in
skin's radiance, healthy and youthful appearance of the skin.It has ability of promoting synthesis of
intracellular triglycerides or lowering degradation of intracellular triglycerides, and thereby, reducing depth
of large and small wrinkles and giving the skin a smooth appearance. The extracts showed stimulating
activity on lipogenesis inside the fibroblasts, leading to better contact with the extra cellular protein network,
toning the dermis and thereby reducing the depth of wrinkles. Anti-inflammatory activity of Guggulipid and
a Guggulsterone-enriched fraction have been reported. An appetite suppressant toothpaste formulation,
containing Guarana, green tea, myrrh, Guggulipid and black current seed oil suppresses the users’ appetite
while promoting intraoral cleanliness.

Method of preparation& Internal uses:

This gum when obtained from commercial sources contains a lot of foreign material such as pieces of wood,
leaves and stone, it is necessary, first of all, to make this gum free from these impurities. For this purpose,
ordinary water of the decoction of triphala is generally used. The fruit pulp of haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica) and amalaki (Emblica Officinalis) taken in equal quantities are collectively
called triphala. The coarse powder of this is boiled with eight times, the quantity of water and
reduced to one fourth. This should then be strained through a cloth or a strainer and the
decoction added to Guggul. The decoction should be four times the quantity
of Guggul. This should then be boiled over a medium fire till the gum becomes
very soft. After taking it off the fire it should be strained through a cloth of a
strainer while it is warm. When it is cold the gum becomes very sticky. A certain amount
of pressure will be needed to squeeze out the gum from the cloth or the strainer. Foreign
bodies will generally remain in the strainer or the cloth and the pure gum will come out. This is then
dried and used in medicine. Approximately, one lakha beats of the hammer are necessary for this purpose.
It is then stored in a clean and airtight glass jar in a cool place.

The administration of Guggul with other herbs has the effect of purging Ama (toxic, morbid substance) from
the body. The main recommendations was the use of it as Promotes detoxification and rejuvenation,
Purifies the blood, Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range,
Kindles Agni (digestive fire), Promotes healthy weight management, Supports comfortable movement of
the joints, natural source of antioxidants, Supports the immune system, Helps engender vibrant, healthy
skin and Supports a regular menstrual cycle. It has a strong connection with raktadhatu (the blood). It is
improve blood flow and enhance the quality of the blood, works very effectively to purify blood, promoting
healthy cholesterol levels and scraping toxins from the circulatory system. In addition, it promotes supple
GUGGUL (Commiphora Mukul)-Dr Pramod Nanda-9437409132
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arteries and tonifies the heart. In Ayurveda, excess weight is the result of a kapha imbalance. It helps to
clear excess kapha from the system with its pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes, its heating energy, and
its pungent post-digestive effect. It also supports healthy thyroid function, ‘scrapes’ fat, and
improves medadhatuagni (the metabolic principle within adipose tissue).It simultaneously kindles Agni (the
digestive fire) and promotes proper elimination. It is an appetizer, a liver stimulant and it assists with the
digestion of oils and fats, thereby supporting weight management in a number of ways.

When it comes to ailments of the joints, the accumulation of ama (toxic residues) within the tissues is often
at the root of the problem. Guggul’s scraping and detoxifying qualities act to clear these toxins from the
joints. Its simultaneous ability to lubricate and rejuvenate the tissues within and around the joints helps to
promote strength and proper movement within these delicate spaces. The anti-inflammatory properties of
Guggul, like all oleoresins, are due at least in part to their ability to increase leucocytes in the blood and to
stimulate phagocytosis. When taken internally, it acts as a bitter stomachic and carminative, stimulant of
appetite and promoter of digestion. Like all oleo resins, it causes an increase of leucocytes in the blood and
stimulates phagocytosis. It acts as a diaphoretic, expectorant and diuretic. It is a uterine stimulant and
emenagogue. During the course of using Guggul one should avoid the following: foods that are sour or
bitter in taste, alcohol, excessive exercise, physical and mental strain, anger, and exposure to direct
sunlight.

In ancient, hundreds of preparations of Guggul are described and currently used by Ayurveda physicians.
Some important preparations along with their specific therapeutic activities are discussed as follows.
 This synergistic combination of herbs is named as Yogaraj Guggul particularly adept at clearing excess
vata from the body, especially when it is lodged in the musculoskeletal system. It is powerfully
detoxifying and rejuvenating and it has a special affinity for the joints, muscles and nerves. It helps this
preparation to scrape and eliminate natural toxins from the joints and muscle tissues as it rejuvenates
and strengthens the skeletal and neuromuscular systems overall. It is used to treat enlargement of the
abdomen, peritonitis, rheumatism, neurasthenia, sciatica, and, most importantly, degenerative nervous
system diseases (Vata derangements). It also has significant anti-inflammatory properties.
 Kaishore Guggul is especially balancing for pitta, particularly when it is disturbing the musculoskeletal
system. Its main ingredients guduchi, triphala, and trikatu, when combined with Guggul, create a
powerful detoxifying and rejuvenating combination aimed primarily at removing deep-seated pitta from
the tissues. It also acts to nourish and strengthen the system, supporting the overall health and proper
function of the joints, the muscles, and the connective tissue. It is used to treat weak digestion,
constipation, arthritis, boils, diabetic ulcers, abdominal tumors, leprosy, leukemia, cancer, psoriasis,
and most inflammatory conditions associated with an imbalance of pitta or fire humour.
 Punarnavadi Guggul is very useful for clearing excess kapha
from the urinary system, kidneys, heart, and joints. Its main Guggul possesses strong
ingredients—punarnava, triphala, and trikatu—when disinfecting properties and is a
combined with Guggul, create a powerful detoxifying and weight loss and fat burning agent.
rejuvenating combination that supports the healthy
elimination of liquids, thereby balancing the water element in the body and releasing deep-seated
kapha from the tissues. It also supports the lymph and blood and encourages healthy circulation and
comfortable movement of the joints.
 Triphala Guggul combines the detoxifying and rejuvenating actions of triphala with the deeply
penetrating and cleansing actions of Guggul. It decongests the channels of the body, while scraping
natural toxins held within the tissues. It promotes healthy metabolism, and releases excess kapha from
the system. In maintaining overall health, it minimizes the accumulation of toxins in the GI tract, blood,
and joints by supporting proper digestion and elimination.
 This combination of herbs is called Kanchanar Guggul primarily used to address deep-seated kapha
imbalances and is particularly supportive of the thyroid gland and the lymphatic system. Kanchanar is
a very astringent herb that helps to clear the moist, stagnant qualities of kapha. When mixed with
triphala, trikatu, and Guggul, the combination is powerfully detoxifying and removes excess kapha from
the tissues.
 Gokshuradi Guggul compound has a strong affinity for the genitourinary tract, strengthening and toning
the kidneys, the bladder, the urethra, and the reproductive organs, while balancing vata, pitta, and

GUGGUL (Commiphora Mukul)-Dr Pramod Nanda-9437409132

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 kapha. Its main ingredient, Gokshura, is renowned for its rejuvenating action on the kidneys, the
prostate, and the reproductive system.
 Sinhanad Guggul is specifically geared toward detoxifying, rejuvenating the joints and is balancing for
vata & kapha; in excess, it may aggravate pitta. It combines the scraping and rejuvenating qualities of
Guggul with the potent cleansing capacity of castor oil and triphala, allowing it to remove natural toxins
from the joints, blood, and GI tract. The soothing and lubricating qualities of the herbs then work to
nourish and strengthen the joint tissues, supporting proper function and mobility.
 Trayodasanga Guggul is used in the treatment of boils, abscess, itches, eczema, fissure in the anus
and fistula in the anus.

External uses:
A paste of Guggul can be applied to the exterior of the body to promote healthy skin, freedom of movement
in the joints, reduction of swelling, and detoxification of the tissues. It is used as a gargle for dental care,
weak spongy gums, pyorrhea, chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis and ulcerated throat. It can be gargled or held
in the mouth and then spit to support healthy oral mucous membranes, teeth, and gums.The resin is used
in the form of a lotion for indolent ulcers, and as a gargle, in caries of the teeth, weak and spongy gums,
pyorrhea alveolaris, chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis and ulcerated throat. It is also used as a stomachic in
chronic dyspepsia with dilatation and atony of the walls of the stomach. Inhalation of the fumes from burnt
Guggul is recommended in hay fever, acute and chronic nasal catarrh, chronic laryngitis, chronic bronchitis
and phthisis. It is an ingredient of ointments of ulcers. The fumes of burning Guggul can be inhaled for hay
fever, acute and chronic nasal congestion, chronic laryngitis, chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis. A plaster
of the powder applied to the pit of the stomach stops hiccough instantly. A teaspoon of the tincture
(extracted with 90% alcohol), is added to 10 ounces of water to make a useful gargle and liniment for
indolent sores.

GUGGUL SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS:

Although the use of Guggul in therapeutic doses appears to be safe and non-toxic, the following
precautions are advised.
 Guggul is likely safe when taken in typical doses for up to six months.
 Guggul may affect the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or taking
drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Some examples
include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet
drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
(Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
 Use cautiously in people who have stomach or intestine disorders. Guggul may cause diarrhea, loose
stools, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, anorexia, abdominal pain and skin irritation in some
individuals.
 Use cautiously in people with thyroid disorders or those taking thyroid agents. It may affect thyroid
function and cause thyroid problems. Thyroid patients should consult a doctor before using Guggul
extract.Those taking thyroid supplementation should tell their doctor and be sure to monitor free T4 and
T3 hormone levels.
 It may compete with some cholesterol reducing medications, so those on such medications you should
consult a doctor before taking Guggul.
 Guggul may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or low blood sugar,
and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood sugar levels may need
to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist and medication
adjustments may be necessary.
 It may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450"
enzyme system.
 Use cautiously in people taking beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. It may decrease the effects
of these agents.
 Use cautiously in people taking red yeast rice, green tea extract, or usnic acid. It may cause liver failure
and inflammation when taken with these.
 Avoid using large amounts of Guggulsterones with estrogens compound medicine. It may affect
estrogen receptors and cause side effects.
GUGGUL (Commiphora Mukul)-Dr Pramod Nanda-9437409132
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 Avoid in children, due to a lack of safety information.
 Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in women who are trying to get pregnant. It may cause
abortion.
 Avoid in people with a known allergy or sensitivity to Guggul, its parts, or other members of the
Burseraceous family.
 It may also cause allergic skin reactions, anxiety, belching, changes in weight, chemical changes in
reproductive organs, headache, hiccup, increased hemoglobin (blood protein that carries oxygen) in
the urine, muscle fiber breakdown, rash, restlessness, and shortness of breath.
 Don’t take Guggul extract if you have chronic diarrhea, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease or liver
disease. It could also interact negatively with certain medications, such as thyroid supplements or drugs
and blood-thinners such as aspirin or Coumadin.
 People with liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea should use it with caution.
 Guggul is considered an emenogogue (an agent that promotes the menstrual discharge) and a uterine
stimulant and should not be used during pregnancy. Possible diarrhea, hiccups, restlessness, may be
apprehension.
 Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of
toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with
antiarrhythmic and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs;
may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensive; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with
corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of
hypokalemia.
 Guggul may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450"
enzyme system.
Conclusion:

A number of interactions between Guggul and prescription medications have been observed; use caution
when taking Guggul in combination with hypo-glycemic medications, lipid-lowering agents, anti-coagulants,
anti-platelets, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics, or estrogens. If you are taking prescription medication of
any kind, it is always best to check with your doctor before introducing an herbal regimen.
Guggul can increase pitta, especially in combination with a pitta-aggravating lifestyle. It is therefore
recommended, while taking Guggul, to avoid sour foods, alcohol and prolonged exposure to the sun, anger,
and excessive sexual activity. Gastro-intestinal upsets, most commonly involving loose stools and
diarrhea—are the most predominant adverse effects reported. Guggul is a powerful herb and should be
used judiciously. Excessive dosage or misuse can lead to dryness of mouth, weight loss, impotency, skin
disturbances, vertigo, and pathological changes in the liver or lungs; in these cases, saffron is said to be
the antidote. Early, low-quality evidence suggests that Guggulipid may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL
or "bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.
Studies attempting to measure changes in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides have found
inconsistent results with previous research indicating a lack of effect. Future studies are required to evaluate
those activities and the associated benefits in the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases,
especially myocardial ischemia and atherosclerosis in humans.

Dr Pramod Nanda
Associate Programme Manager
CYSD-Plan, Project | At/PO- Thakurmunda, (Near State
Bank of India) Dist.: Mayurbhanj, Odisha, Pin-757038, Cell
Phone 9437409132 (WhatsApp), 7978058548, Email ID-
pramodnanda@cysd.org,
drpramodnanda1971@gmail.com,
drnandaus@yahoo.com, & Skype- drpramodnanda
************X *************

GUGGUL (Commiphora Mukul)-Dr Pramod Nanda-9437409132

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