Guggul

Commiphora mukul · Commiphora wightii · Guggulipid

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
High cholesterol, inconsistent¹ Knee osteoarthritis symptoms² Hemorrhoids^{3, 4}	Pregnancy or breastfeeding⁵ Thyroid disorder⁵ Liver disease⁶

Guggul, the resin of Commiphora mukul (also called Commiphora wightii), is an Ayurvedic ingredient whose extract, guggulipid, is marketed for lipid lowering, with further use for osteoarthritis symptoms and hemorrhoids⁷. Its guggulsterones are proposed to act through nuclear hormone receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism⁸. Typical users are adults with mildly raised cholesterol or knee joint pain who seek an Ayurvedic option.

Human research is limited to about ten small trials, mostly in hypercholesterolemia, knee osteoarthritis, and hemorrhoids. In vitro work in 2022 found guggulsterone induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells, and no human trial has tested this. Products listing guggul are sold as capsules, liquids, and tablets; see Form comparison.

The most consequential caution is hepatic: a liver transplant case followed a fat-burner containing guggul, usnic acid, and green tea, though usnic acid was considered the main cause⁷. Per Health Canada labeling, pregnancy and thyroid disorders call for a health care practitioner's advice before use⁵.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

51 sources, 40 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources