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Dietary supplement

Guggul Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Bixa Botanical

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

Guggul is a dietary supplement by Bixa Botanical 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 Commiphora mukul extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Guggul by Bixa Botanical

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: Commiphora mukul extract, commonly known as guggul. Guggul is a resin from a small tree native to India, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine.

The inactive ingredient is a vegetarian capsule made from HPMC.

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Guggul's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Cholesterol support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hypercholesterolemia.
  • The closest evidence on file: Guggul is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hypercholesterolemia (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for guggul is mixed and limited. For obesity, the data suggests it's possibly ineffective.

For acne, hemorrhoids, and high cholesterol, we don't yet have enough reliable evidence to know whether it works — the research just isn't established enough to rate it one way or the other.

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 by mouth, but it does cause side effects in some people. The most common are digestive complaints — belching, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting — along with headache and an unpleasant taste.

Skin reactions (rash, itching, swelling) also occur and seem to be dose-dependent; higher doses carry higher risk. A rare serious side effect, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), has been reported.

Guggul should be avoided during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus and safety hasn't been established. There isn't enough safety information to recommend it while breastfeeding either.

If you have a history of skin sensitivity or digestive issues, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before trying it.

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, make sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist about: blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) — guggul may increase bleeding risk; heart medications like propranolol and diltiazem — it may reduce how well they work; birth control pills and estrogen therapy — guggul may interfere with them; thyroid hormone replacement; and tamoxifen or other cancer medications. If you take any drugs processed through CYP3A4, a major metabolic pathway, guggul may affect their levels — your pharmacist can identify these for you.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Guggul may be worth considering if you're interested in traditional herbal approaches, but the evidence for its effectiveness is weak or absent for most uses. The real caution here is its interactions — it affects a lot of medications, especially blood thinners, heart drugs, birth control, and anything your liver metabolizes through CYP3A4.

If you take any prescription medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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 Jun 24, 2020.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Bixa Botanical
Barcode (UPC) X001ATVISJ
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2020
DSLD ID 228909
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Women (not pregnant or lactating), Halal
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 by Bixa Botanical, 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)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
X001ATVISJ
IngredientAmount% DV
Commiphora mukul extract450 mg--

Other ingredients: HPMC Vegetarian Capsule

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.
Precautions

Warning: This product is not intended for use by those with serious medical condition or pregnant or lactating women. Consult your physician before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and this product is a food supplement and not intended to diagnose treat or cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

Halal Mumbai India Halal Committee Registration No. 0854 K LBD (Kosher) Good manufacturing practices GMP

Formulation

Vegan

Cholesterol support

Formula

K LBD (Kosher)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 1 capsules 2 times daily after food or as directed by physician

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place.

General Statements

Neutral code: MP/25D/9/89

See for yourself

Guggul by Bixa Botanical label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Guggul by Bixa Botanical

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Commiphora mukul extract

Interacts with
757 drugs
450 mg per serving Form: Guggelsterones

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

Commiphora mukul extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: HPMC Vegetarian Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Guggul by Bixa Botanical Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Guggul?

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.

Go to the checker
757Drugs
757 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Guggul 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.

Commiphora mukul 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, from the product label.

Bixa Botanical

See all Bixa Botanical products
Name
Jairamdass Khushiram
Street Address
Plot No - M -14/14-1, MIDC, Taloja
City
410 208 Maharasthra
Phone Number
00-91-22-2783 1232
Web Address
www.bixabotanical.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Guggul by Bixa Botanical: Common Questions

Does Guggul by Bixa Botanical interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Guggul 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 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.
Can I take guggul if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Guggul is not recommended during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus and safety data is lacking. There also isn't enough safety information to recommend it while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor about safe alternatives.
What side effects might I experience?
The most common are digestive: bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. You may also notice belching, headache, or a bad taste. Skin reactions — rash, itching, or swelling — happen too, and higher doses seem to carry higher risk. A rare but serious reaction, muscle breakdown, has been reported. Stop and contact your doctor if you develop a severe rash or muscle pain.
Does guggul actually work for weight loss or high cholesterol?
For obesity, studies suggest guggul is probably not effective. For cholesterol and acne, we don't have enough good evidence yet to say whether it works or doesn't. The research just isn't solid enough to draw a conclusion.
Why does guggul interact with so many medications?
Guggul affects your liver's ability to break down and clear certain drugs — especially those processed by an enzyme called CYP3A4 — which can change how those drugs work in your body. It also has estrogen-like activity and may affect blood clotting, which is why it interferes with birth control, hormone therapy, and blood thinners.
Is it safe to take guggul with my blood thinner?
No. Guggul may increase your bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin. Do not start guggul without talking to your doctor first if you're on any blood thinner.

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

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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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Guggul'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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