Side Effects of Guggul and Guggulsterones
Guggul, with the botanical name Commiphora mukul, is a flowering tree that grows naturally in India. It is a remedy in the traditional medicine of India called Ayurveda. An extract of resin from the tree is available in health food stores to treat certain conditions, mainly to lower cholesterol.
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Function
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Guggulsterones, an active component of guggul, block a substance in the body that prevents elimination of cholesterol.
Side Effects
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Crude guggul resin extract is associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea, hiccuping and burping, loss of appetite, nausea and nervousness. Purified forms available in health food stores generally do not have side effects except for mild abdominal discomfort.
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Expert Insight
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A relatively common side effect with all types of guggul is skin rash. Six of 67 healthy adults developed a rash while taking guggul during a study that was later published in the August 13, 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). No one in the placebo group did.
Drug Interactions
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Guggul should not be taken along with other cholesterol-lowering drugs. It also may interact with acetaminophen, and medications to treat cancer, heart disease and AIDS.
Contraindications
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People with liver disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may not be able to safely take guggul.
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