Guggulu (Gum Guggul; Commiphora mukul) 8 oz: B

This is Gugulipid, Gum Guggul, the sap, the resin, of a tree in India called the mukul tree. The resin, which is cooked to sterilize it for human consumption, changes color from a golden resin to a brown/blackish powder. It's active components, Z-guggulsterone and E-guggulsterone, have an ability to lower both cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It does this by increasing the liver's metabolism of LDL-cholesterol, thus limiting its accumulation in the blood stream. Safety studies done on animals have shown it to be nontoxic. It may be used and is considered safe to use during pregnancy. The classical treatise on Ayurvedic medicine, Sushrita Samhita, describes the use of guggul for a wide variety of conditions, including rheumatism and obesity. Standardized guggul extracts are approved in India for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the 'bad' cholesterols). 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. Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelets"”another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease. One double-blind trial found guggul extract similar to the drug clofibrate for lowering cholesterol levels. Other clinical trials in India (using 1, 500 mg of extract per day) have confirmed guggul extracts improve lipid levels in humans. Overindulgence can produce diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, and skin rash. A more common side-effect is mild abdominal discomfort. Guggul should be used with caution by people with liver disease and in cases of inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea. A physician should be consulted before treating elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.