Putting the Pieces Together

Putting the Pieces Together

Health

Questions?
Give us a call:
503-767-2400
Mon-Fri 8-4 PDT
  • Home – Disease Protocols
    • Lyme Disease
    • Mitochondria Energy
    • Coronavirus Defense
    • 3-Step Flu Defense
    • MRSA Staph
    • Mind & Memory
    • Diabetes
    • Artery Plaque
    • Cholesterol
    • Joint Health
    • Chronic Inflammation
    • Hepatitis
    • Herpes & Shingles
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Chronic Fatigue
    • HIV
    • Liver & Kidney
    • Scar Tissue & Cysts
  • A-Z Topics
    • A-Z List of Topics
    • About PPT Health
    • Contact Us
  • Protocol Supplements
    • #1: Monolaurin
    • #2: Biofilm Dissolving Enzymes
    • #3 The Mitochondria Energy Blend
    • #4: Mind and Memory Blend
    • #5: Heavy Metal Detox
    • #6: Inflammation Relief
    • #7: Foundation Multi-Nutrient
    • #8: Artery Plaque Reduction
    • #9: High Cholesterol Blend
    • #10: Joint Health
    • #11 Dia-Mazing
    • Skin Care Essentials
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Cholesterol – High Cholesterol Formula / Guggul and Cholesterol

Guggul and Cholesterol

Background

Guggul or guggulu, more popularly known as Bdellium, is derived from a plant closely related to myrrh that is found in arid to semi-arid areas of Northern India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

When used for medicinal purposes, the resin, harvested from the stems in the winter, is traditionally processed to purify and render it bio-available.  The dried gum is again fried in ghee and finely powdered for medicinal use.

The Sanskrit definition of the term “guggul” is “one that protects against diseases.”  This attests to the therapeutic Ayurvedic applications for this botanical.  The most important is for the removal of “ama,” toxic substances which accumulate as a result of sluggish digestion and circulation – perfect for the accumulation of arterial cholesterol.

Guggul has been used for over 3,000 years.  Current research substantiates its benefit for the treatment of elevated blood lipids and coronary and arterial plaque known as atherosclerosis.  As a result, today standardized guggul extracts are being approved for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in India.

Guggulsterones, or commiphora mukul (the active ingredient of the gugulipid gum powder, are the extract isolates of ketonic steroid compounds.  Based on research, these compounds are considered to be responsible for guggul’s cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering actions.  Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad” cholesterols) by approximately 25% according to Some studies.  At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).

Guggul has also been shown to reduce the stickiness of platelets – another effect that lowers the risk of coronary artery disease. One double-blind trial found guggul extract similar to the drug Clofibrate which is used not only for lowering cholesterol and blood lipid levels generally, but for treating angina pectoris, blood sludging and diabetic neuropathy.

How Guggul Works To Lower Cholesterol?

Studies conducted in the University of Texas and Baylor College, established that guggul-lipid blocks the activity of a receptor in the liver’s cell, called farnesoid X receptor (FXR) (you don’t have to remember it).   This receptor (FXR), binds bile acids, which maintain normal cholesterol levels.  In humans, about 500 mg of cholesterol is converted in bile acids every day.  This route for elimination of excess cholesterol is important, especially when the intake of cholesterol is massive.

When bile acid levels are high, it binds to the FXR site and this action stops further production of bile acids.  By inhibiting FXR, the production of bile acids continues and thus rids the body of more cholesterol.

Gugulipid had also blood thinning (anti-platelet) and antioxidants properties as well, which are plus points in the treatment of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.  The anti-platelet effect prevents blood platelets clumping together, and as an antioxidant, guggulipid prevents LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidizing.  These reduce in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Most importantly, there are no significant side effects with the purified extract of gugulipid except for minor gastric upsets experienced by some on long term use.

Guggul-Lipid Clinical Trials.

Most trials have been performed in India, but India can do some good work and many are published in good peer review journals.   Below you will see US studies.  Previously, guggul was used in animal studies and it was found that guggul lowered cholesterol levels and protected against the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries leading to heart attack).  Since then, studies were made in humans to determine the effectiveness of guggul-lipid in lowering cholesterol.

In Cardiovasc Drugs Ther [1994 Aug;8(4):659-64], Commiphora mukul was shown todecrease total cholesterol levels by 11.7%, LDL by 12.5% and triglycerides by 12.0% in a 24 week period.  Clinical studies have indicated that Commiphora mukul affords cardioprotective benefits [Altern Med Rev 1998 Dec;3(6):422-31].

A study published in J Postgrad Med [1991 Jul;37(3):132-5] has shown that Commiphora mukul significantly prevented an increase in serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels in albino rats caused by atherogenic diet.

Cholesterol – Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found that the guggulsterone, the active ingredient in guggul extract, blocks the activity of a receptor in the liver’s cells called Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR).  Later, confirmed by Dr. David Mangelsdorf at University of Texas.

Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas confirmed that the guggul blocked the receptor and affected how cholesterol is metabolized.

Cholesterol/ Atherosclerosis – A double-blind placebo-controlled study of guggul for reducing cholesterol studied 61 individuals for 24 weeks.  After following a healthy diet for 12 weeks the participants were divided into two groups with half of the participants receiving placebo and the other half receiving guggul (100 mg of guggulsterones daily).  At 24 weeks the results showed that the treated group had a 11.7% decrease in total cholesterol.  Those on guggul also had a 12.7% decrease in LDL (“bad” cholesterol), a 12% decrease in triglycerides, and an 11.1% decrease in the total cholesterol ratio.

Cholesterol/ Atherosclerosis – Forty heart disease patients participating in a 16-week study were given twice daily divided doses of 4.5 grams of guggul lipid.   They experienced a 21.75% decrease in blood fats (including LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides) and a 35% increase in “good cholesterol.” Guggul lipid also reduced platelet stickiness.

Cholesterol – Another study conducted at Kerala University in India established that “guggul given to laboratory animals reduced their blood lipid levels quickly and effectively without side effects.”  They found that improved liver enzyme activity was one of the ways guggul reduced the blood cholesterol. Kerala Univ., Indian J. Exp. Biol. 33, 1995

Cholesterol/ Atherosclerosis – A study of 228 patients showed similar results from guggul as were obtained from the standard drug Clofibrate.

In one study 205 patients reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol by an average of 26 percent and triglycerides by 22.6 percent.  They used a supplement of 500 mg of gugulipid for 12 weeks with no change in diet or lifestyle.

Another study involved 61 patients aged 25 to 65 years old, whose cholesterol levels were greater than 200 mg/dl.  They were divided into two groups and advised to keep a low-fat diet and to eat at least 400 grams per day fruits and vegetables.

However, one group was given an additional 50 mg gugulipid twice a day for 24 weeks or 6 months.  While the diet alone caused a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in both groups, those treated with the guggulipid had a further 11.7 percent drop in the total cholesterol, along with a 12.7 percent decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and a 12 percent decrease in triglycerides.  At the same time their total cholesterol to HDL (good) cholesterol ratio rose by 11.1 percent (the higher this ratio the less the chances of getting a heart attack).

A-Z Index, – under “Artery Plaque Reduction”, and “Cholesterol – High Cholesterol Formula“, or:

Artery Plaque Reduction – to help dissolve and remove artery plaque.

High Cholesterol Formula  – how to lower and maintain cholesterol levels.

References:

Nityanand S, Kapoor NK. Hypocholesterolemic effect of Commiphora mukul resin (Guggal). Indian J Exp Biol 1971;9:367-77.

Nityanand S, Srivastava J, and Asthana O. Clinical trials with gugulipid. A new hypolipidaemic agent. J Assoc Physicians India. 1989; 37(5):323-328.

Thappa DM, Dogra J. Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline. J Dermatol. 1994;21:729-731.

Kimura I, Yoshikawa M, Kobayashi S, Sugihara Y, Suzuki M, Oominami H, Murakami T, Matsuda H, Doiphode VV. New triterpenes, myrrhanol A and myrrhanone A, from guggul-gum resins, and their potent anti-inflammatory effect on adjuvant-induced air-pouch granuloma of mice. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2001 Apr 23;11(8):985-9

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11327606&dopt=Abstract

Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, Khiyani R. Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee–a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7 [abstract]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12622457&dopt=Abstract

Nadkarnia, Indian Materia Medica, pub by Bombay Popular Prakashan, 1976

Singh V. Et al. Stimulation of low density lipoprotein receptor activity in liver membrane of guggulsterone treated rats. Pharmacol Res. 1990; 22(1):37-44.

What People Are Saying:

My daughter and I start taking Monolaurin when we feel like we are getting a cold or sinus infection. We used to get them quite regularly but now we have not had one in 2 years. 

Anonymous, OH Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

After my diagnosis of HIV/AIDS 3 years ago, your products brought me to a degree of health I experienced as an athlete prior to my diagnosis. I am free of HIV through multiple tests and off all pharm. medicines.  

Kirk E. Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

I am a 59 year-old woman and have had major outbreaks of genital herpes since I was 20. I started Monolaurin about 1½ year ago. The only outbreak I’ve had was when I was feeling so good I forgot to take it. Thank you for this wonderful supplement that has changed my life! 

Anonymous, OR Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

Using the Monolaurin and Bio-Fibrin, I brought my viral load down 2 million with the first Jar.  

Leola A. Inspired Nutrition Bio-Fibrin

Read More Testimonials

I have Fibromyalgia and often can’t sleep at night due to pain. Since taking monolaurin before bed, I sleep deeper and with much less pain than in the past.  The relief is significant and lasts.

Eric T. Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

I’ve been using Monolaurin for about 2 years now for Herpes and have not had one outbreak since taking it.  Every once in a while when I feel I may be close to an outbreak, I increase my dosage for a couple of days and it goes away.

Anonymous, CA Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

I am so grateful there is a product out there like Monolaurin that could help me get healthy in a safe way. Within a month of using Monolaurin, my energy level tripled, and as a result, I’m a much happier person.  

Anonymous, MA Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

The Monolaurin has been a miracle for helping me with my shingles.  I am symptom-free after taking it for just a short time at three scoops a day. 

Susan F. Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

Nothing ever worked to rid my skin problem like Skin Defense. So I am ordering the 32oz bottle. 

G.L Ramona Inspired Nutrition Skin Defense

Read More Testimonials

I have been battling Chronic Lyme Disease and have been supplementing with Monolaurin. I believe this product has helped me cope with Lyme symptoms with no need to fear any bad side effects. 

Anonymous, PA Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

Thanks to your protocol I on my way to ridding myself of Hepatitis C. after 20 years! My viral load was 10 million + and after 90 days of monolaurin, 3 scoops per day, it has dropped to under 2 million! 

Richard W. Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

I’m a holistic health practitioner with over 30 years of experience. I’ve suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome and slowly worked up to 3 full scoops of Monolaurin a day and can’t believe the results…I haven’t felt this good in YEARS!

Marcie J. Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

I have had Hepatitis C for 25 years and I started taking monolaurin three times a day and in six months my viral load went from 9,990,000 to 468,000, at this rate by my next blood test in six months the virus should be cleared and undetected. 

Anonymous Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

My brother told me how the doctors could not believe how our cousin’s wife recovered, when all of us relatives knew she was dying from battling MRSA. She took your products and was healed from it! I know this to be true because she was able to fly to visit family in the last couple of weeks!... No one in our family would ever think she could have done that as bad as she was before with MRSA. What a miracle!

Carolyn H. Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

My wife had MRSA so bad that the Dr. said she was going to die. They could not even come close to killing it. She has had MS for 43 yrs but I didn't want MRSA to kill her. She started taking monolaurin &. Bio fibrin & within 2 weeks she was getting better along with cleaning up her UTI infection. She is alive today because of your product, thank you very much!!!

 

Tom K. Inspired Nutrition Bio Fibrin

Read More Testimonials

I ordered the C-A-Y Defense cream and this stuff is incredible! It heals everything from my cuts and scratches to my psoriasis, I highly recommend it!

Roberta P. Inspired Nutrition C-A-Y Defense Cream

Read More Testimonials

Before taking Monolaurin, I would have herpes (simplex 1) outbreaks at least once every month. I took Monolaurin 2x a day for one month and have not had a single outbreak since!

Anonymous Inspired Nutrition Monolaurin

Read More Testimonials

Questions?

We've Got Answers!

See our FAQ

Follow PPT Health:

  • Facebook

Sign-up Today!

To receive our health newsletter, including information related to:

  • Our disease protocols
  • Recommended nutrients and formulas
  • Living a healthy lifestyle, naturally
  • Note: We will not share your email address with any other party. If you wish to opt out of the newsletter distribution, you may unsubscribe at any time.

The information provided by this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Persons taking pharmaceutical medications and those with medical conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before using any products. While we make extensive effort to provide accurate information and opinions from sources believed to be correct, no guarantee can be made as to the accuracy and completeness of any information within this website. The information and publications provided within this website are meant only to help educate the reader and are, in no way, intended to replace a physician's care or prescribed medication. Users are encouraged to independently verify any conclusions or information.

Putting the Pieces Together, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright ©2019 PPT Health

Sign Up for Our Health Newsletter!

Recieve Exclusive Promotions In Every Newsletter, including information related to:

  • Our disease protocols
  • Recommended nutrients and formulas
  • Living a healthy lifestyle, naturally

Note: We will not share your email address with any other party. If you wish to opt out of the newsletter distribution, you may unsubscribe at any time.