Overview

Guggul is made from the oily sap (gum resin) of the guggul tree (Commiphora wightii). The guggul tree grows in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Guggul contains plant steroids that might affect cholesterol levels in the body. One of these substances might also reduce redness and swelling from acne.

People use guggul for acne, obesity, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using guggul for COVID-19.

Don't confuse guggul with Boswellia serrata or myrrh. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Ineffective for

There is interest in using guggul for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Guggul is possibly safe when used for up to 24 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated, but some people may experience a bitter taste when ingested. Side effects might include stomach upset and headache.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guggul is safe or what the side effects might be. Some people might develop an allergic rash.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Guggul is possibly safe when used for up to 24 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated, but some people may experience a bitter taste when ingested. Side effects might include stomach upset and headache.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guggul is safe or what the side effects might be. Some people might develop an allergic rash.

Pregnancy: Guggul is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might stimulate the uterus and cause a miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guggul is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Guggul can slow blood clotting. This might cause bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Guggul might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, do not use guggul.

Surgery: Guggul might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using guggul at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Underactive or overactive thyroid (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism): Guggul might interfere with treatment for these conditions. If you have a thyroid condition, speak with a healthcare provider before use.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Estrogens interacts with GUGGUL

    Guggul contains chemicals that might work like estrogen. Taking large amounts of guggul might increase the side effects of estrogen.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with GUGGUL

    Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Guggul contains chemicals that might work like estrogen. Guggul might increase the side effects of birth control pills.

  • Diltiazem (Cardizem, others) interacts with GUGGUL

    Taking guggul can decrease how much diltiazem the body absorbs. Taking guggul along with diltiazem might decrease the effects of diltiazem.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with GUGGUL

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Guggul might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with GUGGUL

    Guggul might slow blood clotting. Taking guggul along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Propranolol (Inderal) interacts with GUGGUL

    Guggul might decrease how much propranolol the body absorbs. Taking guggul along with propranolol might decrease the effects of propranolol.

  • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) interacts with GUGGUL

    Tamoxifen is used to help treat and prevent cancers that are affected by estrogen levels in the body. Guggul might affect estrogen levels in the body. By affecting estrogen in the body, guggul might decrease the effects of tamoxifen.

  • Thyroid hormone interacts with GUGGUL

    Guggul might increase thyroid hormone in the body. Taking guggul along with thyroid hormone therapy might increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormones.

  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor) interacts with GUGGUL

    Guggul might increase how much rosuvastatin the body absorbs. Taking guggul along with rosuvastatin might increase the effects and side effects of rosuvastatin.

Dosing

Guggul has most often been used by adults in doses of 0.5-1 gram by mouth three times daily for up to 75 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.