Commiphora wightii

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Commiphora wightii is the source plant for guggul (also called guggulu), a resinous gum used in Ayurvedic medicine for arthritis, cholesterol, obesity, and skin conditions.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Arthritis / inflammation

Limited Evidence

Some small clinical studies support modest joint pain relief.

Cholesterol (LDL/TG) reduction

Mixed Evidence

Early Indian studies showed lipid benefit; later Western RCTs failed to replicate. Evidence is mixed.

How it works

Guggul resin contains guggulsterones (E- and Z-guggulsterone), the main pharmacologically active steroids. Guggulsterones are antagonists at the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which regulates bile acid synthesis and cholesterol metabolism. In animal studies and some early human studies, guggul reduced LDL and triglyceride levels. However, larger and more rigorous Western trials (notably a 2003 study) failed to show consistent lipid benefit and reported allergic reactions and skin rash. Guggulsterones also have anti-inflammatory effects via NF-kB modulation, which may underlie traditional use for arthritis.

Dosage

Traditional dose: 25-75 mg guggulsterones per day, often in standardized extracts. Crude guggul resin: 1-3 g per day.

When and how to take it

Traditional doses taken with meals to reduce stomach upset.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Guggulsterone-standardized extract

Most common modern form.

Standardized to 2.5-10% guggulsterones.

Crude guggul resin

Traditional Ayurvedic preparation.

Variable.

Safety

Common side effects: gastrointestinal upset, headache, hiccups, skin rash, hypersensitivity reactions. Some cases of liver enzyme elevation reported.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use cautiously in liver disease, hypothyroidism, and with cardiovascular medications.

Interactions

May reduce plasma levels of propranolol and diltiazem (CYP3A4 induction). May interact with thyroid hormone (modest TSH effects in studies).

Frequently asked questions

Does guggul lower cholesterol?⌄

Earlier Indian studies suggested yes; larger Western studies did not consistently confirm. Evidence is mixed.

Is guggul safe?⌄

Generally yes for short-term use, but allergic skin reactions and gastrointestinal effects are not rare.

References

Commiphora wightii on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Commiphora wightii on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Commiphora wightii (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.