High cholesterol: Studies show that a 14-27% of LDL cholesterol and 22-30% of triglycerides levels were reduced when guggul was given to men and women with high cholesterol for 12 weeks with no change in diet or exercise. Several clinical studies were published in the Indian Journal of Medicine (volume 84) in 1986, Indian Pharmacoepia and in the Journal of the Association of Physicians in India (vol. 34 & 37) all stating the efficacy of guggul in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Dr. David Moore and his team at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found that the guggulsterone, the active ingredient in the Guggul extract, blocks the activity of a receptor in the liver's cells called Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR). Later, 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.
Atherosclerosis: Two compounds, Z-guggulsterone and E-guggulsterone, appear to be responsible for guggul lipid's cholesterol-lowering effects. Guggul also appears to boost levels of "good" cholesterol although the exact mechanism is unknown. Both of these actions help prevent Atherosclerosis. Guggul is also an antioxidant, which helps stop the oxidization of cholesterol and the subsequent hardening of the arteries.
Impotence: Men with lower blood cholesterol or higher amounts of the beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol may be less likely to develop erectile dysfunction or impotence. Since guggul supports atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which may impede blood flow to and from the penis, guggul may possibly be the treatment for impotence many men are looking for.
Weight Loss: Research with laboratory animals suggests guggul may help enhance thyroid function. Since the thyroid gland produces hormones that are needed to regulate metabolism, it can help in weight loss. Studies show guggul may change thyroid hormone metabolism, increase levels of circulating T3, or triiodothyroxine, a thyroxine metabolite known to raise overall metabolism, which in turn increases fat burning.
Other Conditions: Traditional Ayurvedic medicine suggests that Guggul helps increase white blood cell production, disinfects mucus, sweat, and urine and regulates menstruation.
