Guggul
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Guggul (Commiphora mukul (Guggulipid / Guggulsterone)) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,180 participants, researched for Cholesterol & Lipid Management, Anti-inflammatory & Metabolic Effects.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cholesterol & Lipid Management
WeakAnti-inflammatory & Metabolic Effects
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cholesterol & Lipid Management
To evaluate guggulipid efficacy on serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemic patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate guggulipid efficacy on serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemic patients.
Dose
3 g/day guggulipid
Participants
103 adults with hypercholesterolaemia
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Guggulipid did not significantly lower TC or LDL-C vs placebo in this US cohort. LDL-C was slightly elevated in some participants. A skin hypersensitivity rash occurred in ~6% of guggulipid recipients. Results suggest efficacy observed in Indian populations may not fully generalise to Western populations.
How They Measured It
Serum TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG; adverse events
To investigate guggul resin for treating hypercholesterolaemia in a Scandinavian population.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate guggul resin for treating hypercholesterolaemia in a Scandinavian population.
Dose
2,160 mg/day guggul (4 capsules daily)
Participants
43 adults aged 27–70 with elevated cholesterol
Duration
12 weeks
Results
No significant differences in TC, LDL-C, TG or HDL-C between guggul and placebo groups. The study found no lipid-lowering benefit in this European population, consistent with other non-Indian studies. Further research needed to clarify population-specific responses.
How They Measured It
Mean change in TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, TC/HDL ratio at 6 and 12 weeks
To assess hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effects of Commiphora mukul as an adjunct to diet in Indian patients with hypercholesterolaemia.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To assess hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effects of Commiphora mukul as an adjunct to diet in Indian patients with hypercholesterolaemia.
Dose
500 mg Commiphora mukul extract three times daily
Participants
40 Indian patients with hypercholesterolaemia
Duration
36 weeks
Results
Combined diet plus guggulipid reduced TC by 19%, LDL-C by 21%, and TG by 17%. Antioxidant enzyme activity improved. The effect was comparable to low-dose statins when combined with dietary intervention. Results were consistent with traditional Ayurvedic use.
How They Measured It
Serum lipid panel, antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, catalase), lipid peroxidation markers
To summarise guggulipid pharmacology, mechanisms, and clinical evidence for cholesterol management.
Study Type
Review — natural cholesterol-lowering agent
Purpose
To summarise guggulipid pharmacology, mechanisms, and clinical evidence for cholesterol management.
Dose
Various (500–3,000 mg/day)
Participants
Multiple studies reviewed
Duration
Various
Results
Guggulsterones (E and Z isomers) act as antagonists at the bile acid farnesoid X receptor (FXR), increasing LDL receptor expression and cholesterol clearance. Indian clinical trials show consistent cholesterol reductions (15–30%). Independent Western trials have been less conclusive. The variability may reflect population genetics, diet, and guggulsterone content of preparations.
How They Measured It
Narrative review of animal models, human clinical trials, and mechanism studies
Anti-inflammatory & Metabolic Effects
To evaluate guggulipid compared to ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis and its anti-inflammatory effects.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To evaluate guggulipid compared to ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis and its anti-inflammatory effects.
Dose
500 mg guggulipid three times daily vs ibuprofen 400 mg three times daily
Participants
90 patients with knee osteoarthritis
Duration
6 months
Results
Guggulipid was comparable to ibuprofen in reducing knee pain and improving function. CRP and ESR were both significantly reduced in the guggulipid group. Anti-inflammatory effects may also benefit cardiovascular risk through reducing chronic low-grade inflammation.
How They Measured It
Pain scores (VAS), WOMAC, CRP, ESR
To assess guggulipid in the treatment of acne vulgaris and evaluate anti-inflammatory systemic effects.
Study Type
Clinical trial
Purpose
To assess guggulipid in the treatment of acne vulgaris and evaluate anti-inflammatory systemic effects.
Dose
25 mg guggulsterones daily
Participants
20 patients with nodulocystic acne
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Guggulipid reduced nodulocystic acne lesions and systemic inflammatory markers. CRP was significantly reduced compared to the tetracycline comparison group in one arm. Findings support broad anti-inflammatory activity of guggulsterones.
How They Measured It
Acne lesion count, CRP, sebum production
To evaluate guggulipid in patients with ischaemic heart disease for lipid and platelet effects.
Study Type
Prospective controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate guggulipid in patients with ischaemic heart disease for lipid and platelet effects.
Dose
500 mg Commiphora mukul gum extract three times daily
Participants
60 patients with ischaemic heart disease
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Guggulipid significantly reduced TC (−24%), TG (−22%) and inhibited platelet aggregation. Fibrinolytic activity improved. These combined lipid-lowering and anti-thrombotic effects are relevant to secondary cardiovascular prevention.
How They Measured It
TC, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity
To systematically review guggul for hyperlipidaemia based on Natural Standard Research Collaboration criteria.
Study Type
Review — NCBI Bookshelf systematic review
Purpose
To systematically review guggul for hyperlipidaemia based on Natural Standard Research Collaboration criteria.
Dose
Various preparations
Participants
Multiple RCTs reviewed
Duration
Various
Results
Evidence is Grade B for cholesterol reduction in Asian populations, Grade C for Western populations due to conflicting results. Guggulipid demonstrates consistent anti-inflammatory activity. The primary concern is variable guggulsterone content across products and potential thyroid interaction at high doses.
How They Measured It
Quality assessment of RCTs, safety data, drug interactions, and clinical recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Guggul research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Guggul (Commiphora mukul (Guggulipid / Guggulsterone)), involving 1,180 total participants. Research covers Cholesterol lowering, Triglyceride reduction, Anti-inflammatory effects and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Guggul has been researched for: Cholesterol lowering, Triglyceride reduction, Anti-inflammatory effects, Metabolic health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
