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What is Gugulipid?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 32,648
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Gugulipid, or guggul, is a natural substance derived from the mukul myrrh tree. The mukul myrrh gives off a sticky resin, which is processed to obtain the extract. It has been used for thousands of years in Aryuvedic medicine to treat obesity and arthritis. Recently, herbalists have begun to recommend gugulipid not only for these conditions, but also to lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) forms of cholesterol and raise high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Herbalists and other practitioners of alternate medicine also claim it can prevent atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and reduce high levels of triglycerides.

There has been some clinical studies on gugulipid to investigate these claims. Several trials in India suggest a very small decrease in bad (LDL) levels of cholesterol, although not equal to pharmaceutical preparations made to treat the same. In the largest study, gugulipid seemed to slightly increase levels of LDL, making the claims of reducing cholesterol suspect. There is some evidence from these studies that it decreases triglycerides by about 12%. Since medications that decrease cholesterol do not usually decrease triglycerides, there may be some value in using the extract to address high triglyceride levels.

Studies in mice found that gugulipid may have anti-diabetic properties. One further study suggests that it may also reduce acne. These studies were small and need to be substantiated with larger clinical trials. Unfortunately, this research is often relied upon to market gugulipid and tend to exaggerate the nature of clinical trials and their results.

Gugulipid has not been evaluated for safety in pregnant or nursing women, and such women should probably avoid it. Some people have mild to moderate stomach complaints, such as pain, flatulence, and diarrhea, when using it. Periodically, those who use gugulipid develop allergic skin rashes. It is concerning that some websites marketing this product not only inflate evidence, but also report that there are no side effects.

The recommended dosage of gugulipid is 1,500 mg daily. Tablets and capsules are generally 500 mg, so a 60-tablet bottle does not constitute a full month’s supply.

When one is considering adding any type of herbal preparation to one’s health regimen, consulting a medical professional is an excellent course of action. Some herbs can compete with some medications, creating health problems. Some healthcare providers are more receptive to using alternative medicines than others. If one is inclined to use alternative medicines or therapies, medical professionals who use complementary medicine, the combination of traditional medicine and alternative medicine, may be the best choice for consultation on this or any other herbal product.

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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments
By anon263534 — On Apr 24, 2012

Funny the line that people who market gugulipid exaggerate the results of the clinical studies. Pharmaceutical companies would never do that, right? Coincidentally, prescription cholesterol meds (particularly Merck) often cause rashes, as well.

Having said all this, it is extremely important that harmful toxins are not in any herbal remedies, therefore, always buy from reputable companies with proven records that deal in certified organic and pure products.

By anon165395 — On Apr 04, 2011

Guggul activates the thyroid. Do a search on guggul and thyroid; many people including myself have found it significantly improves mild hypothyroid conditions. Several people commented here about neck rashes. As part of any wellness regime, you must simultaneously detox. (Pectasol Chelation Complex works well for me.)

Toxins tend to accumulate in the endocrine system. My guess is that the rashes you were seeing, esp in the neck area, were evidence of the thyroid trying to detox without a support system (i.e. a binder such as PCC) to carry out the toxins fast enough.

Guggul is a very powerful Ayurvedic medicine and does not act only on lipid levels. It's been marketed to westerners for the latter, but this is a simplification.

By anon165314 — On Apr 04, 2011

After a two weeks of taking Gugulipid, the only side effect I was aware of was a slight increase of fatigue.

By anon164195 — On Mar 30, 2011

I also am experiencing a rash from taking it. Also in the neck area. I have only taken it for two days. I have ceased taking it immediately and am grateful that I was looking around on this website. I had forgotten why I bought it, but once the rash developed, I immediately knew it was from this gugulipid supplement.

By anon98309 — On Jul 22, 2010

I also got a rash from gugulipid. I have only taken it about three days and this morning my face and neck were swollen and had a rash. I stopped taking it since I think that's where I got it, but I would like to try again. Is it possible if I wait a few days and try again, it might work?

By leiliahrune — On Jul 15, 2010

empanadas, Like most herbs, if it's not going to cause weight loss without work, the general public is literally -not- interested. However, this herb has studies that show it's a great contender for lowering cholesterol among other things. As far as FDA approval, I have found nothing that neither approves or disproves the supplements use, however, all of the things I have found on it are positive. Believe me, as soon as I read this article and saw the word "obesity" associated with it, I looked it up!

By empanadas — On Jul 15, 2010

leiliahrune - do you know if the herb is used often by people. I mean, if it's so great for obesity and cholesterol and all that, how come it's not some miracle drug sitting in everyone's cabinet? Is it FDA approved?

By leiliahrune — On Jul 15, 2010

If you're looking for a Gugulipid supplement, it's important to choose one that only uses the standardized extract. This type of supplement has all the harmful and toxic substances removed from the actual herb that you will be taking. Failing to extract all the toxic resin from the herb can be very harmful.

By anon312 — On Apr 21, 2007

i have expecienced neck rash which came suddenly and covers an area about the size of an orange. itchy and turned to scaley and dry

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
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