Q.What is “gugulipid?”

A. Gugulipid is an extract from the mukul myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul), which is native to India. It is a purified extract standardized for compounds known as guggulsterones. Several clinical studies have shown gugulipid has an ability to lower both cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The mechanism of action for gugulipid’s cholesterol-lowering action is its ability to increase the liver’s ability to break down cholesterol.

The amount of gugulipid recommended is based on its guggulsterone content. The standard level of intake is 25 mg of guggulsterone three times daily. Typically cholesterol levels will drop 14%–27% in a 4- to 12-week period, while triglyceride levels will drop from 22%–30%. Safety studies in rats, rabbits, and monkeys, as well as the clinical studies in humans, have demonstrated gugulipid to be nontoxic.