The resin of Guggul, whose name translates as "that which protects against disease," is used as incense to repel mosquitoes. In Ayurveda, Guggul is taken internally. v.aGuggul is used for joint problems such as rheumatism, osteoarthritis, or arthritis, which is attributed to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. It is also used in Ayurveda for obesity, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, cysts, and abscesses.

The first scientific study on guggul, published in 1966, focused on its influence on lipid metabolism, particularly the relationship between obesity and arteriosclerosis. It was observed that patients administered guggul resin experienced an improvement not only in the condition of their blood vessels but also in their weight.

Today we know from clinical trials that guggul extract

• the proliferation of fibroblasts (fibroblasts play an important role in the formation of connective tissue and in wound healing) is stimulated
• collagen type I synthesis is increased
• Matrix metalloproteinases (in the development of tumor cells, the formation of tumor-specific blood vessels and the breakdown of basement membranes are supported by matrix metalloproteinases; matrix metalloproteinases are therefore enzymes that help malignant cancer cells to metastasize) are inhibited
• Elastase expression (pancreatic elastase is a digestive enzyme; an elevated level indicates pancreatitis) is inhibited

Guggul extract was also tested in vitro and showed

• an inhibitory effect on HMG-CoA reductase activity (inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis by inhibiting an early step of biosynthesis and thus lowers v.a. the LDL cholesterol)
• Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity and consequently reduced absorption of glucose (leading to diabetes)
• an anti-adipogenic effect through inhibition of pre-adipocyte (“precursor” of fat cells) differentiation and lipolysis of adipocytes (during lipolysis, stored fats are gradually broken down into glycerol (or cholesterol) and free fatty acids)
• Regulation of both glucose metabolism and fat burning by stimulating AMPK activity (AMP-activated protein kinase increases fat burning)

Active ingredients

The main active ingredients of guggul extract are its steroids, the so-called guggulsterones, which, with regard to therapeutic application, make the big difference between guggul (Commiphora mukul), the gum resin of the balsam tree, and all other Commiphora (= myrrh) plants.

This includes v.aTwo of the guggulsterones are believed to be responsible for the resin's cholesterol- and weight-reducing effects: E- and Z-guggulsterones. Their influence on lipid metabolism is now well-documented scientifically. However, the precise mechanism of this intervention is still under current scientific debate: guggulsterones may reduce fat absorption through their effect on bile or directly stimulate thyroid function and thus promote "hormonal fat breakdown." Furthermore, it has been found that guggul extract activates certain receptors in the liver, leading to increased absorption of LDL cholesterol from the body.

Cholesterol and fat metabolism

According to a recent study by the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Guggulu blocks the so-called famasoid X receptor, which plays a central role in human cholesterol metabolism.According to this, a daily dose of 10 to 15 g (note: this refers to powder/10 g of powder corresponds to 2 g (4 capsules) of the 5:1 extract) leads to a cholesterol reduction of up to 25% and a triglyceride reduction of up to 30% in the blood after three months. The first improvements in blood lipid levels occur after about 2 weeks.

The most remarkable study on guggul regarding its influence on body weight dates back to 1995 and was conducted at the Ayurveda Research Centre in Mumbai. Fifty-eight overweight patients were divided into two groups: both groups were instructed to follow a low-calorie diet and walk for half an hour daily; the other group also received a guggul extract. After just one month, both groups showed a significant weight loss. However, the guggul patients lost an average of 0.6 kg more body weight, and subjects with &Those weighing over 90 kg had even 2.25 kg more body weight than those in the control group.

acne

Several studies have shown that Guggul is suitable both as an adjuvant and as a complete alternative therapy for nodulocystic acne (a particularly severe form of acne) (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16473756/ A study with 21 participants demonstrated that taking just 25 mg of guggulsterone is as effective as tetracycline (an antibiotic often used for acne) (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7798429/ In addition, people with oily skin responded significantly better to guggulsterone than to tetracycline treatment. Another study demonstrated that taking guggul for six weeks helped treat acne without causing relevant side effects (see [reference]). https://ijdvl.com/oral-gugulipid-in-acne-vulgaris-management/ ).

Hypothyroidism

Studies suggest that guggul extracts may alleviate hypothyroidism by increasing iodine uptake and boosting the activity of enzymes produced by the thyroid gland (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17340256/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15798994/ A human study investigated the treatment of thyroid dysfunction using guggul tablets and a Punarnavadi Kashayam infusion. The results showed that this treatment reduced signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as weakness, fatigue, and muscle pain (see [reference]). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6287405/ ).

Osteoarthritis

The authors of a 2003 study conducted both preclinical and clinical investigations of guggul for pain relief and tolerability in elderly patients with osteoarthritis. The study included 30 male and female participants who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and had a Kellegran-Lawrence score of 2 or higher for at least one knee. Guggul was administered in capsule form (500 mg extract) with food. At the end of the treatment, there was a significant difference in outcomes compared to the control group. The primary measure, the WOMAC total score (the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)), (is a patient-related self-assessment questionnaire and offers the opportunity to evaluate the most important and everyday-life-relevant consequences of osteoarthritis), participants improved significantly after one month of taking the dietary supplement (P &< 0.0001) and continued to improve after two months and at the follow-up examination. No side effects were reported during the trial, leading the authors to conclude that guggul extract is recommended as an adjunctive therapy for osteoarthritis (see [reference]). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12776478/ ).

sport

For athletes, and especially bodybuilders, guggul extract is of interest as a diet aid because the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 to T3 is not as severely suppressed despite calorie reduction when guggulsterones are taken. The concurrent use of the ephedrine/caffeine combination and guggulsterones could significantly accelerate fat loss. Many athletes compare its effects to those of clembuterol combined with low-dose synthetic thyroid hormones.

dosage

For preventative use, approximately 50 mg daily (1 capsule) is recommended. For the treatment of obesity and lipid metabolism disorders, relevant studies recommend 70-90 mg (approximately 2 capsules) of guggulsterone, divided into 2 doses per day.