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Dietary supplement

Guggul Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Hills

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

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

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Guggul by Herbal Hills

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 capsule contains one active ingredient: guggul extract. Guggul is a resin from the mukul myrrh tree, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine.

The product also contains two inactive ingredients—silicon dioxide and an HPMC capsule—which help hold and deliver the extract.

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's effectiveness is limited. For obesity, the data shows it is possibly ineffective.

For acne, hemorrhoids, and high cholesterol, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or doesn't. If you're thinking about guggul for any of these conditions, it's worth discussing with your doctor what the science actually supports and whether other options might be stronger.

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, but it does carry some real downsides. The most common side effects are digestive—belching, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting—plus headache and an unpleasant taste.

Skin reactions (rash, itching, swelling) happen fairly often and are dose-dependent; higher doses increase your risk. Allergic contact dermatitis can occur with topical use.

A rare but serious side effect is rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). During pregnancy, guggul should be avoided because it may stimulate the uterus and safety isn't established.

It's also best avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

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 Herbal Hills Guggul, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take propranolol, diltiazem, or any blood pressure medications; any drug metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4 (a very broad class); blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs; birth control pills or estrogen therapy; thyroid hormone therapy; or tamoxifen.

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 has a long list of potential medication interactions—758 medications across eight drug categories—so it's not a straightforward add-on. It may reduce the effectiveness of heart and blood pressure drugs, interact with hormonal medications and blood thinners, and interfere with several other important prescriptions.

Side effects like digestive upset and dose-dependent skin reactions are common. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product, especially if you take any regular medications or are 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 Jun 23, 2017.

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 Herbal Hills
Barcode (UPC) 8906068415287
Net contents 700 Vegi Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 23, 2017
DSLD ID 75075
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Herbal Hills, 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
8906068415287
IngredientAmount% DV
Guggul extract350 mg--

Other ingredients: Silicon Dioxide, HPMC 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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Mfg. Lic. No. : PD/AYU/002/10

(An ISO 22000:2005 Certified Company)

Back to nature

Thyroid & cholesterol support

~ Pure ~ Natural ~ Effective

Guggul is a very effective herb for maintaining healthy weight and healthy cholesterol levels. It is considered to posses purifying and rejuvenating properties. It helps reduce symptoms associated with joint health and supports healthy blood circulation.

Contents based on standard raw material as per ayurvedic text

Brand IP Statement(s)

Product name: Guggulhills

Seals/Symbols

JAS-ANZ ICS ISO 22000:2005 Reg. No.: RH91/7301

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice

Halal India www.halalindia.com

Storage

Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if inner seal is broken or missing.

Caution: Pregnant or lactating women are advised to consume herbal products under the advice of the healthcare practitioner.

Formula

Standardized extract / 1% Gugglasterones

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions For Use: As a dietary supplement take 1 capsule twice daily, preferably after meals. For better results it should be taken with warm water.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Guggul by Herbal Hills label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Guggul by Herbal Hills

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.

Guggul extract

Interacts with
757 drugs
350 mg per serving Form: Gugglasterones

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 extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Guggul by Herbal Hills 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.

Guggul 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.

Herbal Hills

See all Herbal Hills products
Name
Isha Agro Developers Pvt. Ltd.
Street Address
55-A/B, Lonavala Co-op. Indl. Est. Ltd.
City
Nangargaon, Lonavala, Taluka-Maval, Dist. Pune,
State
Maharashtra
ZipCode
410401
Web Address
0091 22 2868 6868
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Guggul by Herbal Hills: Common Questions

Does Guggul by Herbal Hills 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 should be avoided during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus and safety is not established. It's also best avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about safer options.
What side effects should I watch for?
The most common are digestive: bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. You may also experience headache, belching, or an unpleasant taste. Skin reactions (rash, itching, swelling) happen fairly often and are dose-dependent—higher doses carry higher risk. Rarely, guggul can cause muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). Stop and contact your doctor if you develop severe symptoms.
Does guggul actually work for weight loss?
The data suggests guggul is possibly ineffective for obesity. If weight loss is your goal, there are other approaches with better evidence—talk with your doctor about what might work best for you.
Will guggul interfere with my birth control?
Yes, theoretically. Guggul has estrogen-like activity in your body, which may interfere with how contraceptive drugs work. Before taking guggul, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use any form of hormonal birth control.
Is guggul safe to use long-term?
The facts on file don't address long-term safety specifically. Given the common digestive and skin side effects, and the dose-dependent nature of reactions, it's important to use guggul under the guidance of a healthcare provider who can monitor how you're doing over time.

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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