Guggul for High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides and Weight , loss?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Matthew Benn
Posted on: December 29, 2001

I recently read an article in the Journal of Longevity about Gugulipid (plant extract) and that it was 10,000 year old medical tradition of India to help balance blood fats and promote weight loss. Any info you can give me concerning this?

Prominent herbalist Kerry Bone, in his book "Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs" (Phytotherapy Press, Australia), states that Guggul (Commiphora mukul), a tree resin, was found in ancient Sanscrit texts as a treatment for obesity and associated blood fat disorders.

Bone sites clinical studies using a gugulipid extract in time periods ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months. The results show a decrease in total cholesterol ranging from 11.7 to 24.5. One study notes a decrease in LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) of 12.5%. A decrease in triglycerides ranges in the studies between 12% and 30.3%.

As for weight loss, Bone states only that "this was evident in some trials".

Guggul is used widely in arthritis for its anti-inflammatory action.

Dosage suggested by Bone is 1200 to 1500 mg/day of the extract (gugulipid) corresponding to 48-60 mg/day of guggulsterones. Not to be taken when breastfeeding.

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