Gugulipids

Gugulipids are preparations made from the gummy resin of the mukul myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul) which grows in India and is in the same genus as that which produces to substance known as myrrh.  They have been used in classic Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions including lipid disorders, obesity and arthritis.

History; Source

Used in India for centuries, gugulipids were researched significantly since the 1960s for obesity and lipid disorders.

The active ingredients are the guggulsterones, which can be extracted with ethyl acetate and standardized within the extract.

Function; Why it is Recommended

Gugulipid has been shown to effectively lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides, lower LDL and raise HDL levels.  Its primary mode of action seems to be the ability to increase the number of LDL receptors on the liver.  It has also been implicated to increase bile secretion and decrease cholesterol synthesis, possibly due to the increased LDL receptors on liver cells.  Other studies suggest that it may stimulate the thyroid gland's function.

Gugulipid has also been shown to protect against atheroma formation, as well as regression of the atherosclerosis in vessels previously known to have the plaquing.

Gugulipid has also been shown to decrease platelet aggregation and increase fibrinolytic activity in patients with coronary artery disease.

Studies showing the efficacy of gugulipid in cholesterol and triglyceride lowering have shown drops in cholesterol and triglyceride levels of 17% and 30% respectively following 12 weeks of therapy.  These studies have been repeated many times with similar results, some showing decreases in cholesterol of up to 27%.

Instructions

As a single ingredient, individuals should try to get 50-75mg of guggulsterones per day in divided doses.  Much less (10-25mg/day) can be used when added with synergistic ingredients for long-term cholesterol management.

While gugulipid is a natural extract, it is very powerful, and should be treated as such.

Counter-Indicators and Warnings

Gugulipids should be used with caution by persons with hepatic disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and diarrhea.