Guggul

An Ayurvedic lipid resin that disappointed Western trials and can raise LDL in some.

A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.

1 at grade D — 1 graded row

What is known

Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.

Outcome	Grade	Effect size	Agreement
LDL cholesterolNo benefit; some worsening	Evidence grade D	Trivial	low

Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) resin is traditionally used for cholesterol and weight.

Guggulsterones act on bile-acid and thyroid pathways affecting lipids.

Older Indian studies were positive but a rigorous US trial found no LDL benefit and some LDL increases, plus rash. Not recommended.

Not recommended given the evidence.

Rash, GI upset; possible drug interactions via enzyme effects.

Failed modern trials and may worsen LDL. Skip it.

As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.

Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.

PolicosanolA sugar-cane wax lipid supplement whose spectacular early results never replicated outside Cuba.Evidence grade D
Artichoke Leaf ExtractA digestive-and-cholesterol botanical with modest LDL and dyspepsia data.Evidence grade C
BerberineA plant alkaloid that behaves like a metabolic drug — real glucose and lipid effects, and it deserves drug-level caution.Evidence grade B
Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)A citrus polyphenol extract with promising LDL and triglyceride data — an emerging natural lipid helper.Evidence grade C

This entry lists no references of its own.

Last revised Jul 10, 2026. A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.