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Dietary supplement

Guggul 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Answer

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Guggul 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature's Answer with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, joint pain and arthritis, weight management.Based on those ingredients, 757 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Guggul (Commiphora mukul) oleo-gum-resin extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Guggul 500 mg by Nature's Answer

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: guggul (oleo-gum-resin extract from Commiphora mukul), a plant resin traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — rice flour, vegetable cellulose, and calcium silicate — which are fillers and binding agents that hold the capsule together.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Guggul product and its label doesn't state a use — see Guggul's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for guggul is mixed and limited. For obesity, it's rated possibly ineffective based on available research.

For acne, hemorrhoids, and high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works. If you're considering it for any of these, talk with your doctor about what the current evidence shows and whether it's worth trying as part of your care plan.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Guggul

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Guggul is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, though it commonly causes digestive upset — belching, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, unpleasant taste, and headache. Skin reactions (rash, itching, swelling, or in rare cases blistering) can occur and appear to depend on dose; they were more common at higher doses in studies.

Rarely, a serious muscle breakdown condition (rhabdomyolysis) has been reported. Guggul should be avoided during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus and its safety isn't established.

It's also best avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Use guggul only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Guggul

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Guggul.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 758 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking guggul, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin) — guggul may raise bleeding risk. Also confirm its safety if you take propranolol, diltiazem, contraceptive pills, estrogen therapy, thyroid medication, or tamoxifen, since guggul may reduce their effectiveness or increase side effects.

No interactions are documented for the inactive ingredients.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Guggul may be worth discussing if you're exploring traditional remedies for obesity, high cholesterol, acne, or hemorrhoids — though the evidence is weak or absent for most of these uses. However, it interacts significantly with blood thinners, certain heart medications, hormonal drugs, and many other medications your liver processes.

Before taking it, check with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific medications, and avoid it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 22, 2016.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Guggul 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Answer
Barcode (UPC) 083000163982
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2016
DSLD ID 59261
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Guggul 500 mg by Nature's Answer, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
083000163982
IngredientAmount% DV
Guggul (Commiphora mukul) oleo-gum-resin extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Vegetable Cellulose, Calcium Silicate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Discover Nature’s Answer and trust the difference… The true nature of our standards go way beyond the herb…

Advanced Botanical Fingerprint Technology

Discover Nature’s Answer

2014 Nature's Answer

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

Gluten Free

General Statements

Since 1972

Formula

Commiphora mukul

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Gluten-Free

Vegetarian/Vegan

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) capsule 1-2 times a day with food or water.

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, planning any medical procedure or have a medical condition, consult with your healthcare practitioner before use.

General

18398 Rev. 1014

See for yourself

Guggul 500 mg by Nature's Answer label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Guggul 500 mg by Nature's Answer

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

500 mg per serving Form: Guggulsterones

Guggul is a gum resin from the Commiphora wightii tree, long used in Ayurvedic medicine for cholesterol, joint, and skin problems. Modern studies are...

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) oleo-gum-resin extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Vegetable Cellulose, Calcium Silicate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Guggul 500 mg by Nature's Answer Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Guggul 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

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757Drugs
757 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Guggul 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) oleo-gum-resin extract9 drug types · 757 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research and preliminary clinical studies suggest that guggul might have antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with contraceptive drugs.
In vitro research shows that guggul has estrogen-alpha receptor agonist activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, guggul might reduce the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that guggul constituents known as guggulsterones can induce CYP3A4.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Guggul might reduce the effects of diltiazem.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that concomitant use of guggul with diltiazem reduces the bioavailability of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Estrogens

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with estrogens.
In vitro research shows that guggul constituents known as guggulsterones have estrogen-alpha receptor agonist activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Propranolol (Inderal)

Guggul might reduce the effects of propranolol.
A small pharmacokinetic study shows that concomitant use of guggul with propranolol reduces the bioavailability of propranolol.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Theoretically, guggul might increase the effects and adverse effects of rosuvastatin.
Animal research shows that guggul increases the bioavailability and hypolipidemic effects of rosuvastatin. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, guggul might interfere with tamoxifen therapy.
In vitro research shows that guggul has estrogen-alpha receptor agonist activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, guggul might increase the risk for adverse effects when taken with thyroid hormone therapy.
Animal research suggests that guggul has thyroid-stimulating effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Guggul 500 mg, from the product label.

Nature's Answer

See all Nature's Answer products
Name
Nature's Answer
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788-3943
Phone Number
(800) 439-2324
Web Address
www.naturesanswer.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Guggul 500 mg by Nature's Answer: Common Questions

Does Guggul 500 mg by Nature's Answer interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Guggul 500 mg has a known interaction with 757 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Guggul 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What are guggulsterones and why do they matter?
Guggulsterones are active compounds in guggul that research has identified. They're the reason guggul interacts with certain drugs — they can speed up how your liver processes some medications (like heart drugs) and mimic estrogen in your body, which affects how hormonal medications work.
Does guggul really work for weight loss?
The current evidence rates it as possibly ineffective for obesity. That doesn't mean it's proven not to work, but the studies we have don't show strong benefit. If you're thinking about it for weight loss, it's worth discussing other evidence-based approaches with your doctor first.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people taking guggul experience digestive complaints like bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or an unpleasant taste. Skin reactions (rash or itching) are also fairly common and tend to happen more often at higher doses. If you develop a rash or stomach upset, let your healthcare provider know.
Can I take guggul if I'm on birth control?
No — you should avoid combining guggul with contraceptive pills. Guggul has estrogen-like effects and may interfere with how the medication works. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about this before taking guggul if you're using any form of hormonal contraception.
Is guggul safe during pregnancy?
No. The safety data advises against it during pregnancy because guggul may stimulate the uterus. It's also best avoided while breastfeeding since there isn't enough safety information. If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor before taking any new supplement.
I take a blood thinner — can I use this?
You should not start guggul without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Guggul may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin. Your provider can help you decide if it's safe for your situation.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Guggul 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Guggul 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Guggul 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 21 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Guggul 21 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Dalvi SS, Nayak VK, Pohujani SM, et al. Effect of gugulipid on bioavailability of diltiazem and propranolol. J Assoc Phys India 1994;42:454-5.
  3. Singh RB, Niaz MA, Ghosh S. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of Commiphora mukul as an adjunct to dietary therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1994;8:659-64. PubMed
  4. Tripathi YB, Tripathi P, Malhotra OP, Tripathi SN. Thyroid stimulatory action of (Z)-guggulsterone: mechanism of action. Planta Med 1988;54:271-7.
  5. Agarwal RC, Singh SP, Saran RK, et al. Clinical trial of gugulipid – a new hypolipidemic agent of plant origin in primary hyperlipidemia. Ind J Med Res 1986;84:626-34.
  6. Malhotra SC, Ahuja MM, Sundaram KR. Long term clinical studies on the hypolipidaemic effect of Commiphora mukul (Guggulu) and clofibrate. Indian J Med Res 1977;65:390-5.
  7. Mester L, Mester M, Nityanand S. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by "guggulu" steroids. Planta Med 1979;37:367-9. PubMed
  8. Szapary PO, Wolfe ML, Bloedon LT, et al. Guggulipid for treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290:765-72.
  9. Brobst DE, Ding X, Creech KL, et al. Guggulsterone activates multiple nuclear receptors and induces CYP3A gene expression through the pregnane X receptor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2004;310:528-35. PubMed
  10. Bianchi A, Cantu P, Firenzuoli F, et al. Rhabdomyolysis caused by Commiphora mukul, a natural lipid-lowering agent. Ann Pharmacother 2004;38:1222-5.
  11. Gelfand JM, Crawford GH, Brod BA, Szazpary PO. Adverse cutaneous reactions to guggulipid. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52:533-4 PubMed
  12. Nohr, L. A., Rasmussen, L. B., and Straand, J. Resin from the mukul myrrh tree, guggul, can it be used for treating hypercholesterolemia? A randomized, controlled study. Complement Ther.Med. 2009;17(1):16-22. PubMed
  13. Gelfand, J. M., Crawford, G. H., Brod, B. A., and Szazpary, P. O. Adverse cutaneous reactions to guggulipid. J.Am.Acad.Dermatol. 2005;52(3 Pt 1):533-534. PubMed
  14. Kolonte, A., Guillot, B., and Raison-Peyron, N. Allergic contact dermatitis to guggul extract contained in an anticellulite gel-cream. Contact Dermatitis 2006;54(4):226-227. PubMed
  15. Salavert, M., Amarger, S., Le Bouedec, M. C., Roger, H., Souteyrand, P., and D'incan, M. Allergic contact dermatitis to guggul in a slimming cream. Contact Dermatitis 2007;56(5):286-287. PubMed
  16. Malhotra SC, Ahuja MM. Comparative hypolipidaemic effectiveness of gum guggulu (Commiphora mukul) fraction 'A', ethyl-P-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate and Ciba-13437-Su. Indian J Med Res 1971;59:1621-1632.
  17. Gaur SP, Garg RK, Kar AM, et al. Gugulipid, a new hypolipidaemic agent, in patients of acute ischaemic stroke: effect on clinical outcome, platelet function and serum lipids. Asia Pacif J Pharm 1997;12:65-69.
  18. Baldwa VS, Sharma RC, Ranka PC, et al. Effect of Commiphora mukul (guggul) on fibrinolytic activity and platelet aggregation in coronary artery disease. Rajas Med J 1980;19:84-86.
  19. Donato F, Raffetti E, Toninelli G, Festa A, Scarcella C, Castellano M; TRIGU Project Working Group. Guggulu and Triphala for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolaemia: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomised Trial. Complement Med Res 2021;28(3):216-22 PubMed
  20. Mehdi Z, Fatemeh P, Roja R, et al. Efficacy and safety of Hemoheal cream in patients with hemorrhoids: a randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. J Tradit Chin Med 2021;41(2):301-307.
  21. Asad M, Asdaq SMB, Mohzari Y, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction of Rosuvastatin calcium with guggulipid extract in rats. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021;28(6):3490-3496. PubMed

See these in context on the Guggul monograph →

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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