Commifora mukul

Related Terms

3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-propanoic-acid-docosane-1-2-3-4-tetraol-1-yl-ester, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-propanoic-acid-eicosane-1-2-3-4-tetraol-1-yl-ester, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-propanoic-acid-heneicosane-1-2-3-4-tetraol-1-yl-ester, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-propanoic-acid-heptadecane-1-2-3-4-tetraol-1-yl-ester, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-propanoic-acid-hexadecane-1-2-3-4-tetraol-1-yl-ester, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-propanoic-acid-nonadecane-1-2-3-4-tetraol-1-yl-ester, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-propanoic-acid-octadecane-1-2-3-4-tetraol-1-yl-ester, 10-beta-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-one, 16-alpha-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one, 20-alpha-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one, 20(R)-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one, 20(S)-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one, allo-cembrol, allyl-cembrol, aluminum, amino acid, African myrrh, Arabian myrrh, Balsamodendrum mukul (Hook. ex Stocks), Balsamodendrum wightii Arn., bdellium (Greek, Hebrew, Latin), bdellium gum, bdellium tree, beta-sitosterol, Bhandari, Burseraceae (family), calcium, cembranoids, cembrenes (1-isopropyl-4,8,12-trimethyl-cyclotetradeca-2,4,7,11-tetraene), cembrene A (1-isopropenyl-4,8,12-trimethyl-cyclotetradeca-4,8,12-triene), cembrenol (1-isopropyl-4,8,12-trimethyl-cyclotetradeca-3,7,11-trienol), cholesterol, cis-guggulsterol, cis-guggulsterone, Commifora mukul, Commiphora erlangeriana, Commiphora mukul, Commiphora mukul (Hook. ex Stocks), Commiphora opobalsamum, Commiphora whightii, Commiphora wightii (Arn.), commiphora-mukul-keto-steroid, commiphora-mukul-steroid, commiphora-mukul-sterol, copper, E-guggulsterone, eicosane-1-2-3-4-tetrol, ellagic acid, false myrrh (as C. mukul), ferrulates, ferulic acid, flavanones, fraction A, guaijaverin, guggal, guggul (Hindi), guggul oleoresin, guggulipid, guggulipid C+, guggullignan-I, guggullignan-II, guggulsterol-III, guggulsterol-IV, guggulsterol-V, guggulsterol-VI, guggulsterone (4,17(20)-pregnadiene-3,16-dione), guggulu (Sanskrit), guglip, gugul, gugulimax, gugulipid, Gugulmax?, gum, gum guggul, gum guggulu, gum myrrh, hyperoside, Indian bdellium (as C. mukul), Indian bdellium tree (as C. mukul), Indian myrrh, iron, magnesium, minerals, mo ku er mo yao (as C. mukul) (Chinese), mo yao, mukulol (1-isopropyl-4,8,12-trimethyl- cyclotetradeca-3,7,11-trienol), myricyl-alcohol, myrrha, myrrhe des Indes (French), nonadecane-1-2-3-4-tetrol, octadecane-1-2-3-4-tetrol, oleogum resin, oleo gum resin, pelargonidin-3-5-di-O-glucoside, pelargonin, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucurondine, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucuronide, quercitrin, (+)-sesamin, sesquiterpenoids, sterols, sterones, trans-guggulsterone, verticillol (4,8,12,15,15-pentamethyl-bicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-3,7-dien-12-ol), Vitamin World? Select Herbals Standardized Plex 340mg, Z-guggulsterone.
Select combination products: BHUx (Ayurvedic formula containing Commiphora mukul, Boswellia serrata, Termenalia arjuna, Semecarpus anacardium, and Strychnox nux vomica), Sunthi guggulu, sunthi-guggulu (combination with ginger).
Note: Mirazid? is made from an extract of Commiphora Extract Guggul molmol (myrrh) and manufactured by Pharco Pharmaceuticals. It is marketed for treating parasite infections. This bottom line focuses on Commiphora mukul, not Commiphora molmol; however, examples of current research using Mirazid? are included.

Background

Guggul is the common name for the mukul myrrh tree, Commiphora mukul (also known as Commiphora wightii). Guggul also refers to the substance that the tree produces. Guggulipid, a compound that comes from guggul, contains guggulsterone E and guggulsterone Z, which are plant sterols (steroid compounds similar to cholesterol). Before 2003, most evidence suggested that guggulipid reduces total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. However, results are conflicting. Recent studies report that guggul may benefit high cholesterol. More research is needed.
Guggul has also been studied for acne, weight loss, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. More research is needed in these areas.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Guggulipid supplements have been taken for high cholesterol, although, there is controversy on their effectiveness. Early, low-quality evidence suggests that guggulipid may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. Studies attempting to measure changes in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides have found inconsistent results with previous research indicating a lack of effect. More research is needed.

 B


Guggulipid supplements have been taken for high cholesterol, although, there is controversy on their effectiveness. Early, low-quality evidence suggests that guggulipid may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. Studies attempting to measure changes in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or triglycerides have found inconsistent results with previous research indicating a lack of effect. More research is needed.

 B


Guggulipid has anti-inflammatory effects and has been suggested as a treatment for severe acne. Early research suggests possible short-term improvements in the number of acne lesions. However, further study is needed in this area.

 C


Guggulipid has anti-inflammatory effects and has been suggested as a treatment for severe acne. Early research suggests possible short-term improvements in the number of acne lesions. However, further study is needed in this area.

 C


Guggulsterone is a plant chemical that has traditionally been used to treat osteoarthritis. It may have anti-inflammatory effects. However, evidence is lacking to support the use of guggul for osteoarthritis. Further study is needed in this area.

 C


Guggulsterone is a plant chemical that has traditionally been used to treat osteoarthritis. It may have anti-inflammatory effects. However, evidence is lacking to support the use of guggul for osteoarthritis. Further study is needed in this area.

 C


Evidence is lacking to support the use of guggul alone for the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Further study is needed.

 C


Evidence is lacking to support the use of guggul alone for the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Further study is needed.

 C


Guggul is included in various traditional Ayurvedic formulas used for weight loss. However, evidence is lacking to support guggul's use for this purpose. More research is needed.

 C


Guggul is included in various traditional Ayurvedic formulas used for weight loss. However, evidence is lacking to support guggul's use for this purpose. More research is needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
A proven effective dose for guggul in adults is lacking. Guggulipid is thought to be safe in healthy people at normal doses for up to six months.
To treat acne, a dose of guggulipids equal to 25 milligrams of guggulsterone has been taken by mouth twice daily for six weeks, and for up to three months.
To treat high cholesterol, the following doses have been taken by mouth: 25 milligrams of guggulsterone 2-3 times daily for eight weeks; 400-500 milligrams of guggulipid three times daily for 4-12 weeks; 4.5-16 grams of gum guggul daily in single or divided doses for 12-16 weeks; and 500 milligrams of guggul fraction A 2-3 times daily for up to 34 weeks or 1.5 grams daily for 75 weeks.
For weight loss, the following doses have been taken by mouth: 2-4 Medohar? tablets (each containing 250 milligrams of guggul) three times daily for 30 days; 500 milligrams of guggul fraction A three times daily after meals for up to 12 weeks; and 4 grams of gum guggul daily in three divided doses for four weeks.
To treat osteoarthritis, 500 milligrams of guggul (3.5 percent guggulsterones) have been taken by mouth three times daily for three months.
To treat rheumatoid arthritis, 3 grams of guggul have been taken by mouth daily in divided doses for four months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Guggul may affect the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Guggul may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Guggul may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood, and may cause altered effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Guggul may also interact with anti-arthritis agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatories, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, cholesterol-lowering agents, heart agents, hormonal agents, nervous system agents, osteoporosis agents, skin agents, stomach and intestine agents, thyroid hormones, and weight loss agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Almazari I and Surh YJ. Cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of guggulsterone. Top.Curr.Chem. 2013;329:35-60.
Cuzzolin L and Benoni G. Attitudes and knowledge toward natural products safety in the pharmacy setting: an Italian study. Phytother.Res. 2009;23(7):1018-1023.
Grieco A, Miele L, Pompili M, et al. Acute hepatitis caused by a natural lipid-lowering product: when "alternative" medicine is no "alternative" at all. J.Hepatol. 2009;50(6):1273-1277.
Hasani-Ranjbar S, Nayebi N, Moradi L, et al. The efficacy and safety of herbal medicines used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia; a systematic review. Curr.Pharm.Des 2010;16(26):2935-2947.
Huang J, Frohlich J, and Ignaszewski AP. The impact of dietary changes and dietary supplements on lipid profile. Can.J.Cardiol. 2011;27(4):488-505.
Mahmood ZA, Sualeh M, Mahmood SB, et al. Herbal treatment for cardiovascular disease the evidence based therapy. Pak.J.Pharm.Sci. 2010;23(1):119-124.
Nohr LA, Rasmussen LB, 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.
Posadzki P, Watson LK, and Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. Clin.Med. 2013;13(1):7-12.
Rahimi R, Shams-Ardekani MR, and Abdollahi M. A review of the efficacy of traditional Iranian medicine for inflammatory bowel disease. World J.Gastroenterol. 9-28-2010;16(36):4504-4514.
Shah R, Gulati V, and Palombo EA. Pharmacological properties of guggulsterones, the major active components of gum guggul. Phytother.Res. 2012;26(11):1594-1605.
Shishodia S, Harikumar KB, Dass S, et al. The guggul for chronic diseases: ancient medicine, modern targets. Anticancer Res. 2008;28(6A):3647-3664.
Tripathi YB. BHUx: a patented polyherbal formulation to prevent hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Recent Pat Inflamm.Allergy Drug Discov. 2009;3(1):49-57.
Tweed V. Natural cholesterol control. Better Nutrition 2009;71(2):32-34.
Yellapu RK, Mittal V, Grewal P, et al. Acute liver failure caused by 'fat burners' and dietary supplements: a case report and literature review. Can.J.Gastroenterol. 2011;25(3):157-160.
Yu BZ, Kaimal R, Bai S, et al. Effect of guggulsterone and cembranoids of Commiphora mukul on pancreatic phospholipase A(2): role in hypocholesterolemia. J.Nat.Prod. 2009;72(1):24-28.