Guggul is a gummy yellowish resin (Commiphora
mukul) plant extract from India. It is clearly a
cardiac tonic that strengthens muscle, nerve, bone
tissue. Its properties are similar to niacin and
fish oil. It clears cholesterol from arteries and
veins, lowers triglycerides and breaks up
hardening and stagnation. It builds the lymphatic
and immune system and reduces inflammation; also
good for weight loss.
Use with LOCLOŽ or Nature's Three fiber
supplements as part of a low-fat, high-fiber
diet. About 1% of people who try guggul experience
a mild allergic skin reaction.
Research: Guggul (4 clinical trials) lowers
triglycerides as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols
(the “bad” cholesterols).1 At the same
time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the
“good” cholesterol). As antioxidants,
guggulsterones keep LDL cholesterol from
oxidizing, an action which protects against
atherosclerosis.2 Guggul has also been
shown to reduce the stickiness of
platelets—lowering the risk of coronary artery
disease. One double-blind trial found guggul
extract similar to the drug clofibrate for
lowering cholesterol.3
(1) Nityanand S, Kapoor NK. Indian J Exp Biol
1971;9:367–77.
(2) Singh K, et al Phytother Res
1997;11:291–4.
(3) Malhotra SC, Ahuja MMS, et al
Ind J Med Res 1977;65:390–5.
