Guggul for Weight Control

Common names: Gugulipid, Gum guggulu

Botanical name: Commiphora mukul

Why do dieters use it?*

Some dieters say that guggul

helps promote weight loss.

What do the advocates say?*

One study conducted in India showed that guggul increased the production of the thyroid hormone. Since this hormone is involved in the cells‘ breakdown of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, theoretically this herb should promote weight loss. More research is needed to prove whether or not this is the case.

Most of the research conducted on guggul has been in relation to its ability to lower cholesterol.

How much is usually taken by dieters?

Coupled with exercise in a double-blind trial, a combination of guggul, phosphate salts, hydroxycitrate, and tyrosine has been shown to improve mood with a slight tendency to improve weight loss in overweight adults.¹ Daily recommendations for guggul are typically based on the amount of guggulsterones in the extract. A common intake of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most guggul extracts contain 5 to 10% guggulsterones and can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Early studies with the crude oleoresin reported numerous side effects, including diarrhoea, anorexia, abdominal pain, and skin rash. Modern extracts are more purified, and fewer side effects (e.g., mild abdominal discomfort) have been reported with long-term use. Rash was reported, however, as a fairly common side effect in one recent study.² Guggul should be used with caution by people with liver disease and in cases of inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhoea. A physician should be consulted before treating elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with guggul.

Parts used and where grown

The mukul myrrh (Commiphora mukul) tree is a small, thorny plant distributed throughout India. Guggul and gum guggulu are the names given to a yellowish resin produced by the stem of the plant. This resin has been used historically and is also the source of modern extracts of guggul.

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*Dieters and weight-management advocates may claim benefits for guggul based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on guggul. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see Guggul as an herbal remedy.

References
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1. Antonio J, Colker CM, Torina GC, et al. Effects of a standardized guggulsterone phosphate supplement on body composition in overweight adults: A pilot study. Curr Ther Res 1999;60:220–7.

2. Szapary PO, Wolfe ML, Bloedon LT, et al. Guggulipid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: an randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290:765–72.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.