Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Guggul Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Himalaya

Guggul label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Guggul against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Guggul is a dietary supplement by Himalaya with 3 active ingredients. 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Guggul by Himalaya

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Guggul by Himalaya — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Guggul by Himalaya

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 6, 2026

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Himalaya Guggul contains 3 active ingredients, all forms of guggul: guggul extract, guggul powder, and guggul supercritical CO2 extract. These are different processing methods of the same resin from the mukul myrrh tree, traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice.

The product also contains plant-based cellulose as an inactive ingredient (capsule material).

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: support total cholesterol count within normal range.
  • 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's effectiveness is limited. For obesity, the data rates it as possibly ineffective.

For acne, hemorrhoids, and high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), there isn't enough reliable evidence to establish whether it works or not. If you're considering this product for any of these purposes, talk with your doctor about whether the current evidence supports its use for your situation.

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 digestive upset—including belching, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting—occurs in some people. Skin reactions, both allergic and non-allergic, are common and appear to depend on dose; studies show skin reactions at 3% of users taking 1,000 mg three times daily versus 15% at 2,000 mg three times daily.

A rare but serious side effect is rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). The safety data advises against use during pregnancy because guggul may stimulate the uterus.

There isn't enough safety information to recommend it while breastfeeding—talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether to use 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 this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood pressure or heart medications like propranolol or diltiazem, blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelets), birth control pills or estrogen therapy, thyroid hormone, tamoxifen, or any drug metabolized by your liver's CYP3A4 enzyme—a very common class that includes many statins, immunosuppressants, and other drugs. All these interactions are rated Moderate severity.

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 is a traditional Ayurvedic resin with documented interactions across multiple medication types—especially blood pressure, heart, blood thinner, hormone, and thyroid drugs. If you take any of those, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Even without medications, expect possible digestive upset and skin reactions, 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: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 22, 2023.

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 Himalaya
Barcode (UPC) 605069419017
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 22, 2023
DSLD ID 282983
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 by Himalaya, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
605069419017
IngredientAmount% DV
Guggul extract390 mg--
Guggul powder210 mg--
Guggul supercritical Co2 extract120 mg--

Other ingredients: Plant Based Cellulose

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.
Formulation

No wheat, corn, soy, or dairy. No ingredients of animal origin. Gluten free

Vegan friendly

cGMP

Product of India

Helps maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range

Non GMO Project Verified Nongmoproject.org

Today, researchers have focused on its potential to support total cholesterol count with particular attention to HDL and LDL cholesterol already within the normal range.

General Statements

Neutral Code No. : KR/Drugs/DLA AUS-83 Mfg. Lic. No. AUS-83 HUS-5050095

Questions? Please call 1-800-869-4640 or visit www.himalayausa.com

15 day supply

Our cartons are made from 100% recycled fibers, including 40% post-consumer material. Our glass bottles contain at least 48% recycled content.

Happiness through wellness Crafting traditional medicines based on Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old science that believes the journey back to wholeness begins with nurturing the capacity for joy. Trusting the gifts of nature and the irreplaceable relationship between the plant and its native soil for consistent healing properties. Contributing to the wellness of the earth by teaching our family of farmers to grow native plants sustainably on their land and reduce the demand on the local environment. Building communities by advocating women in farming, protecting fair prices, providing maternal health, sponsoring clinical services and offering school wellness programs. Believing that if wellness is the path to happiness, we must contribute to the wellness of all things. Wellness of people, wellness of the environment, wellness of our communities. Family owned for over 90 years

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formula

Guggul translates to protector. Modern research has focused on its potential to support total cholesterol count already within the normal range.

In ancient Ayurvedic texts, Guggul, which translates to protector, was commonly included in formulas as it was believed to tone digestion and the liver, making other ingredients more effective.

Featured herb on front: Guggul (crystallized resin)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended use: Adults take 2 capsules twice daily after meals.

Precautions

Caution: As with any supplement, consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition or are planning any medical procedure.

Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Himalaya Since 1930

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO Project Verified Nongmoproject.org

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Guggul by Himalaya label

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

Guggul label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Guggul by Himalaya

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Guggul extract

Interacts with
757 drugs
390 mg per serving

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

Guggul powder

Interacts with
757 drugs
210 mg per serving

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 powder monograph & interactions

Guggul supercritical Co2 extract

Interacts with
757 drugs
120 mg per serving Form: Guggulsterone

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 supercritical Co2 extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Plant Based Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Guggul by Himalaya 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

Guggul extract 757

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Guggul interact with 757 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 3 ingredients in Guggul interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Guggul extract

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
Guggul extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Himalaya

See all Himalaya products
Name
Himalaya Wellness USA Ltd.
Street Address
1101 Gillingham Lane
City
Sugar Land
State
Texas
ZipCode
77478
Phone Number
1-800-869-4640
Web Address
www.himalayausa.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Guggul by Himalaya: Common Questions

Does Guggul by Himalaya 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 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 Himalaya Guggul if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, you should avoid it during pregnancy—the safety data rates it as likely unsafe because it may stimulate the uterus. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information, so it's best avoided. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What side effects might I experience?
The most common ones are digestive: belching, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Many people also develop skin reactions like rash or itching, and the risk increases with higher doses. Rarely, it can cause muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).
Does guggul actually help with weight loss or high cholesterol?
For weight loss, the data rates it as possibly ineffective. For high cholesterol and other uses like acne or hemorrhoids, there simply isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works. If you're thinking about it for any of these, check with your doctor first.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Guggul affects how your liver breaks down certain drugs (through CYP3A4 enzymes), it can behave like estrogen in your body, and it may thin your blood slightly. Those three mechanisms can touch a wide range of prescriptions.
What's the difference between guggul extract, powder, and supercritical CO2 extract?
These are different ways of processing and concentrating the guggul resin. The product contains all three forms; they have the same known interactions and safety profile based on our data.

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

Not sure if Guggul is safe with your meds?

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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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Guggul’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Guggul

Interacts with 757 drugs

Guggul is a gum resin from the Commiphora wightii tree, long used in Ayurvedic medicine for cholesterol, joint, and skin problems. Modern studies are mixed and often low-quality, and it can...

Read the full Guggul monograph →
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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