Herbal Supplement - Guggul Capsule

Family name : : Burseraceae
Common Name : : Commiphora, Mukul, Guggul, Balsamodendrom Mukul, Indian Bdellium Tree, Moql, Moqle-Arzagi.
Indication: Useful in cardiovascular, inflammation and has hypoglycemic and hypolipiddemic. 
Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Guggul contains resin, volatile oils, and gum. The extract isolates ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones. These compounds have been shown to provide the cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering actions noted for guggul.¹ Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” cholesterols).² At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). As antioxidants, guggulsterones keep LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, an action which protects against atherosclerosis.³ Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelets—another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease.⁴ One double-blind trial found guggul extract similar to the drug clofibrate for lowering cholesterol levels.⁵Other clinical trials in India (using 1,500 mg of extract per day) have confirmed guggul extracts improve lipid levels in humans.⁶ A combination of guggul, phosphate salts, hydroxycitrate, and tyrosine coupled with exercise has been shown in a double-blind trial to improve mood with a slight tendency to improve weight loss in overweight adults.⁷ One small clinical trial found that guggul (Commiphora mukul) compared favorably to tetracycline in the treatment of cystic acne.⁸ The amount of guggul extract taken in the trial was 500 mg twice per day. GUGGUL DOSAGE: Dosage recommendations for guggul are usually based on guggulsterones concentration in the extract. ⁹ A typical dosage of guggulsterones is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks for lowering high cholesterol and/or triglycerides.

GUGGUL SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Known Hazards: Although the use of guggul in therapeutic doses appears to be safe and non-toxic, the following precautions are advised. Guggul is considered an emenogogue (an agent that promotes the menstrual discharge) and a uterine stimulant, and should not be used during pregnancy. Possible diarrhea, hiccups, restlessness, apprehension.
In addition, caution is recommended with patients currently on prescribed medications for cardiovascular disease. Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia.

AYUVEDA GUGGUL- Important points to be noted:
When administering guggulu in accordance with the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, the following points must be considered:

1. Guggul resin is produced more abundantly and is stronger in potency during the season of autumn; hence, Ayurveda states that guggul resin must be collected in autumn.

2. Different selections of guggul resin have different therapeutic actions based on the age of the guggulu. Freshly collected guggulu has a Brumhana (weight increasing) quality, where as Purana guggul (guggul which is at least one year old) has an Atilekhana (weight reducing) quality.

3. Shuddha Guggul: Guggul has to be purified in cow's milk in order to remove toxic substances and render the guggulu easily absorbable. Ayurveda specifies Shodhana (purification) as one of the important procedures before oral administration of guggul. To purify guggul in this manner, it should be wrapped in a sack of cotton cloth and dipped in simmering cow's milk, which must be continuously stirred until all the pure substance of the guggul is absorbed into the milk. When this process is complete, the milk containing the pure guggul gum resin will be solidified and the cotton sack containing the impurities or toxins of the guggulu is to be discarded.

4. Classical Ayurvedic texts never recommend administering guggulu alone; it has to be given along with other herbs in compounds such as Triphala Guggul, Kaishore Guggul, Trayodashanga Guggul, Yogaraja Guggul, Kanchanara Guggul, etc. The administration of guggulu with other herbs has the effect of purging Ama (toxic, morbid substance) from the body.