Guggul

Guggul, derived from the resin of the Guggul tree (Commiphora mukul), is renowned for its active component, guggulsterones, and has a traditional use in addressing various ailments such as high blood lipids, liver dysfunction, and obesity. While it has been marketed for its potential to elevate thyroid function, research suggests lackluster results in this regard, making it less effective for fat loss, its main marketed purpose. Despite this, guggul demonstrates anti-cholesterolemic effects, lowering blood cholesterol levels, and serves as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. The extract of gum guggul, known as gugulipid, has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for nearly 3,000 years, containing the steroid guggulsterone known to act as an antagonist of the farnesoid X receptor. However, studies indicate conflicting results regarding its efficacy in reducing total cholesterol, with some suggesting an increase in low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol") levels in certain individuals.