Guggul - Commiphora Mukul Extract

GUGGUL

 Standardised to 3.23% Gugglesterones

Benefits of Guggul:

• Lipid lowering properties
• Supports healthy cholesterol and triglycerides
• Activates lipolytic enzymes 
• Increases T3 thyroid hormone levels
• Optimizes thyroid function
• Increases metabolic rate
• Anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties
• Reduces platelet stickiness
• Reduces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation
• Helpful in the treatment of cystic acne
• Improves and refines skin texture
• Strengthens the Immune System
• Best taken in conjunction with a Systemic Enzyme Formula

Guggul comes from the Commiphora Mukul tree found throughout India.  The tree which exudes a thick, sticky resin, similar to myrrh, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for 2,000 years to treat inflammation, arthritis, blood fats and obesity.   Most of the research conducted on Guggul has been in India where the Guggulipids and Guggulsterones extracted from the resinous gum are used as medication for treating high cholesterol.

Other studies in India have shown that Guggulsterones stimulate the thyroid gland which may explain its ability to reduce cholesterol and help weight loss.  It does this by increasing levels of circulating Triiodothyroxine (T3), a metabollite which is known to raise the body's metabolism, which in turn increases fat burning.  Yet other research has shown that Myrrhanol A, isolated from Guggul gum is not only helpful in treating cystic acne but is also possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity, helping to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.  This is most likely due to the fact that Guggul lowers levels of C-Reactive Protein a known bio-marker for inflammation in the body.  Other reports suggest that Guggul has a fibrinolytic activity helping to break up blood clots and platelet stickiness - thus reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

As an antioxidant, Guggul reduces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation which means it reduces the oxidization of cholesterol, protecting against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).  According to Ayruvedic medicine, Guggul increases white blood cell production (similar to Myrrh), helping to strengthen the Immune System. 

Due to Guggul's wide ranging action it would benefit anyone wanting to offset the negative effects of ageing and slower metabolic functions and works best when taken in combination with a systemic enzyme formula to potentiate its action.

Daily recommendations for Guggul are based on the amount of Guggulsterones in an extract and are usually 25mg of Guggulsterones three times a day.  Most extracts contain 2.5% Guggulsterones.   Take before or away from meals. 

Each 400mg capsule contains 61% Guggul Extract yielding 12.92% Guggulsterones per capsule.

Since Guggul may compete with some cholesterol lowering medications as well as thyroid medications, a doctor should be consulted before taking Guggul.  Guggul is not indicated for use by people suffering from Liver Disease, Crohns Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.  It is contraindicated during pregnancy.