Guggul Extract

Guggul Extract

In India, Guggul plays a major role in traditional herbal medicine treating obesity as well as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

How Guggul Works - Guggul has two effective ways of reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. First, guggul works by promoting the liver's uptake of LDL (bad) cholesterol from the blood, thus increasing the liver's metabolism of LDL cholesterol. It is this function, which researchers believe is responsible for guggul's ability to support healthy cholesterol levels. Secondly, guggul appears to stimulate thyroid function. It acts as a mild thyroid tonic that promotes the gland's enzymatic activity and improves its ability to absorb iodine.

Clinical Studies - Guggul caught the attention of Indian medical scientists in 1966. A doctoral student, intrigued by an ancient test touting the guggul tree resin as an effective remedy for obesity - as well as for "coating and obstruction of channels" - decided to investigate the possibility that it might help reduce excess fat and cholesterol in the blood. Other researchers became interested, and a two year study was done on test subjects fed hydrogenated vegetable oil to artificially elevate their cholesterol levels. Guggul significantly lowered both cholesterol and blood fats, as well as protected the subjects against atherosclerosis. These results stimulated a number of clinical trials, all of which confirmed the herb's effectiveness. One study, after finding that guggul lowered not only total cholesterol but also LDL and VLDL - while raising HDL - concluded that it "can serve to be of significant clinical importance (Indian Journal of Medical Research, April 1988)."

All Guggul Extracts Are Not Equal - While most guggul preparations list the amount of the raw herb that is in the tablet or capsule it's the standardized active ingredient (guggulsterones) that is most critical. Look for a product that lists it's guggulsterone content and take an amount equal to 75mgs per day. This should be on the side panel or listed on the supplement facts section of the label.

Importance of Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels - Heart disease is the #1 killer in the United States. Elevated cholesterol levels are a major contributor to this disease. Over 50% of Americans have cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dl, which, according to the American Heart Association, puts them at risk of heart disease. If you are serious about preventing heart disease and the build up of plaque, you might consider decreasing saturated fat intake, exercising, increasing dietary fiber intake and adding Guggul Extract to your daily regimen. (Please consult your physician before starting any physical or dietary program.)

References:

Indian Journal of Medical Research, April 1998; Nityanand S, et al. Clinical trials with gugulipid. A new hypolipidaemic agent. J Assoc Physicians India 37(5): 323-32, 1989; Agarwal RC, et al. Clinical trial of gugulipid - a new hyperlipidemic agent of plant origin in primary hyperlipidemia. Indian J Med Res 84: 626-634, 1986.