Guggul Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Guggul

Guggul

Also known as
  • Commiphora wightii
  • Devadhupa
  • Gomme Guggul
  • Guggal
  • Guggul Gum
  • Guggul Gum Resin
  • Guggul Lipids
  • Guggulipid
  • Guggulu
  • Guggulu Suddha
  • Guglipid
  • Gugulipid
  • Gum Guggal
  • Gum Guggulu
  • Indian Bdellium
  • Indian Bdellium-Tree
  • Indian Guggulipids
  • Koushika
  • Mukul Myrrh Tree
  • Palank
Guggul Guggal, also known as Commiphora mukul or Indian bdellium, is a species of tree native to India, Pakistan, and parts of the Middle East. It is known for producing a gum resin that has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Guggul is used for a variety of purposes, including for the treatment of joint pain, obesity, and high cholesterol. Many guggal preparations are often standardized to contain 2.5% to 5% guggulsterone.
There are 712 drugs known to interact with Guggul

Additional Details

Is Guggul Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Guggul is derived from the oleo-gum resin of the guggul tree, primarily found in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. While guggul is generally considered safe for oral use when taken appropriately, there are certain precautions to keep in mind. There have been warnings about potential interference with the immune and inflammatory response against COVID-19, although strong evidence is lacking in support of these claims. Guggul gum resin should be avoided during pregnancy as it may stimulate menstrual flow and the uterus. Limited information is available regarding the safety of guggul when used topically. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using guggul, especially if you have specific medical conditions or are taking medications.

How Is Guggul Thought to Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Guggul is an extract obtained from the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree. It contains various active compounds, including Z-guggulsterone and E-guggulsterone, which are ketonic steroids found in guggulipid, the ethyl acetate extract of the gum resin. Guggul is believed to exert its effects through multiple mechanisms of action. These include androgenic effects, antiacne effects, antibacterial effects, anticoagulant/antiplatelet effects, antidiabetic effects, anti-inflammatory effects, antilipemic effects, antineoplastic effects, antioxidant effects, bone effects, cytochrome 450 effects, fertility effects, hormone-modulating effects, neurologic effects, and thyroid effects. However, the precise mechanisms of these actions are not fully understood and further research is needed to elucidate their effects on the body.

Pharmacokinetics

There is insufficient reliable information available regarding the pharmacokinetics of guggul.

Interaction Overview (See Full List At Bottom Of Page)

Guggul may interact with certain drugs and supplements, including anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs, contraceptive drugs, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates, diltiazem, estrogens, propranolol, rosuvastatin, tamoxifen, and thyroid hormone. It is important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking any of these medications.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Guggul is generally well tolerated when taken orally. The most common side effects reported include belching, bloating, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, and allergic/non-allergic skin reactions. Topical use of guggul may cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Serious adverse effects such as rhabdomyolysis are rare but possible when guggul is taken orally.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Guggulipid preparations are often standardized to contain 2.5% to 5% guggulsterones. Standardization ensures consistency in the concentration of active compounds within guggul supplements. It is recommended to choose products from reputable manufacturers that follow good manufacturing practices.

What Is Guggul Typically Used For?

Guggul has been traditionally used for various purposes, although the evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. It is considered possibly ineffective for treating obesity and insufficient evidence is available to rate its effectiveness for acne, hemorrhoids, hypercholesterolemia, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed to determine the true efficacy of guggul for these uses.

Dosing & Administration

Adult: Oral guggul extracts are typically used at doses of 0.5-1 gram three times daily for up to 75 weeks. However, specific dosing recommendations may vary depending on the condition being treated. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing guidance.

Topical: Research on topical guggul use is limited, and typical dosing information is unavailable.

Drugs that interact with Guggul

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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