Ayurvedic

Guggul

Also called: guggulu, commiphora mukul

A resin from the guggul tree.

Why people take it
Cholesterol, weight, arthritis.
What the evidence says
A good trial found it did not lower cholesterol (and raised LDL in some).
How it is usually taken
Usually 25 mg guggulsterones two or three times a day.
Be careful
Skin rash, stomach upset. Interacts with thyroid medicine and blood thinners.
Medicines it can interact with
May reduce the effect of propranolol and diltiazem and affect thyroid and hormone medicines; may add to blood thinners.

Other ayurvedic

BacopaTulsiGuduchiTriphalaAmlaShatavariSafed musliGokshuraKapikachhuArjunaNeemGymnemaJamun seedChyawanprashAyurvedic bhasmas

Common questions

What is Guggul?

A resin from the guggul tree.

Why do people take Guggul?

Cholesterol, weight, arthritis.

Does Guggul work?

A good trial found it did not lower cholesterol (and raised LDL in some).

How much Guggul do people take?

Usually 25 mg guggulsterones two or three times a day.

Is Guggul safe?

Skin rash, stomach upset. Interacts with thyroid medicine and blood thinners.

Does Guggul interact with medicines?

May reduce the effect of propranolol and diltiazem and affect thyroid and hormone medicines; may add to blood thinners.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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