Burseraceae
Guggul
Commiphora wightii
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: India, Pakistan
Also known as: Indian Bdellium, Guggulipid, Mukul Myrrh
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Resin
Therapeutic Uses
Hypercholesterolemia (LDL reduction — clinical trials), hypothyroidism, obesity, arthritis, acne. Guggulsterones antagonize FXR and activate thyroid function. Widely used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Herbal Actions
Hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, thyroid stimulant, antiplatelet
Active Constituents
Guggulsterones (Z and E — primary actives), guggulipids, essential oil, ferulic acid, flavonoids
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Not applicable — resin form |
| Tincture | Standardized extract (2.5% guggulsterones): 500mg 3x daily |
| Notes | Take with food. Standardized extract essential — crude resin variable. Effects on cholesterol: 4–12 weeks. Combine with exercise and dietary modification for best results. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (uterine stimulant). Avoid with thyroid medications (additive effect). Caution with anticoagulants. Avoid in hyperthyroidism.
Side Effects: GI upset, nausea, skin rash (common). Headache. May increase LDL in some individuals (paradoxical response).