The resin of Guggul, whose name translates as "that which protects against disease," is used as an incense to repel mosquitoes. In Ayurveda, Guggul is taken internally. v.aIt is used for joint problems such as rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and arthritis, which is attributed to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Guggul 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 effect on lipid metabolism, particularly the relationship between obesity and arteriosclerosis. It was observed that patients receiving guggul resin not only improved their blood vessel condition, but also their obesity.

Today we know from clinical trials that Guggul extract

• stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts (fibroblasts play an important role in the formation of connective tissue and in wound healing)
• increases collagen type I synthesis
• Inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (during the development of tumor cells, the formation of tumor-specific blood vessels and the degradation of basement membranes are supported by matrix metalloproteases; matrix metalloproteases are therefore enzymes with the help of which malignant cancer cells metastasize)
• Elastase expression (pancreatic elastase is a digestive enzyme; an increased value indicates pancreatitis) inhibits

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. LDL cholesterol)
• Inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity and thus reduced absorption of glucose (diabetes)
• an anti-adipogenic effect by inhibiting 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, in terms of therapeutic use, represent the major difference between Guggul (Commiphora mukul), the gum resin of the balsam tree, and all other Commiphora (= Myrrh) plants.

These include v.aTwo of the guggulsterones are thought to be responsible for the resin's cholesterol- and weight-reducing effects: E- and Z-guggulsterones. Their effect on fat metabolism is now well-documented scientifically. How exactly this effect occurs is still the subject of current scientific debate: guggulsterones could reduce fat absorption through their influence on bile, or they could directly stimulate thyroid function and thus "hormonal fat breakdown." Furthermore, it has been found that guggul extract activates certain receptors in the liver, which cause more LDL cholesterol to be bound from the body.

Cholesterol and lipid metabolism

According to a recent study by the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, guggulu blocks the so-called famesoid X receptor, which plays a central role in human cholesterol levels.According to the study, 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 reduction in blood cholesterol of up to 25% and a reduction in triglycerides of up to 30% after three months. The first improvements in blood lipid levels occur after about two weeks.

The most notable study on guggul's effect on body weight dates back to 1995 and was conducted at the Ayurveda Research Centre in Mumbai. 58 overweight patients were divided into two groups: both groups were encouraged to follow a low-calorie diet and take a half-hour walk every day; the other group also received a guggul extract. After just one month, both groups showed significant weight loss. However, the guggul patients had lost an average of 0.6 kg more in body weight, and subjects with a body weight of >90 kg even lost 2.25 kg more 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 (a particularly severe form of acne) acne (see [1]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16473756/ ). A study with 21 subjects was able to prove that taking just 25 mg of guggulsterone is as effective as tetracycline (an antibiotic often used for acne) (see 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 significant side effects (see https://ijdvl.com/oral-gugulipid-in-acne-vulgaris-management/ ).

Hypothyroidism

Studies suggest that guggul extracts may alleviate hypothyroidism by increasing iodine absorption and enhancing the activity of enzymes produced by the thyroid gland (see [1]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17340256/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15798994/ ). A human study investigated the treatment of hypothyroidism 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 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6287405/ ).

Osteoarthritis

The authors of a 2003 study conducted both preclinical and clinical studies using guggul for pain relief and tolerability in elderly patients with osteoarthritis. The study enrolled 30 male and female participants who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and had a score of 2 or more on the Kellegran-Lawrence scale for at least one knee. Guggul was administered in capsule form (500 mg extract) with food. At the end of treatment, there was a significant difference in outcomes compared to the control group. The primary outcome measure, the WOMAC total score (the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (is a patient-based self-assessment questionnaire and offers the opportunity to evaluate the most important and everyday-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, so the authors conclude that guggul extract is recommended as an adjuvant therapy for osteoarthritis (see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12776478/ ).

sport

For athletes, and especially bodybuilders, guggul extract is of interest as a diet-supporting agent, as the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 to T3 is not as severely reduced when guggulsterones are taken, despite calorie restriction. Taking the ephedrine/caffeine combination in parallel with guggulsterones could significantly accelerate fat loss. Many athletes compare the effect to that 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 servings per day.