Gugulipid is an ancient herb that comes from the gummy resin of the mukul myrrh tree, and has been used in India’s traditional Ayurveda medicine dating back thousands of years.
Traditionally, gugulipid was used to treat obesity and arthritis. Although still used for these same purposes, over recent years, many clinical trials have also proven its efficacy in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising good cholesterol (HDL). Moreover, it is one of the few substances that can also decrease triglycerides. Expensive prescription statin drugs, by contrast, do not lower triglycerides. And having high triglycerides in conjunction with elevated cholesterol appreciably raises the risk for heart disease than just high cholesterol alone.
Other benefits are its ability to prevent plaque from forming in arterial walls, which can lead to heart attacks if unchecked. Moreover, it acts as an anti-coagulant by inhibiting blood platelets from clumping together, and, therefore, affords protection against blood clots.
Gugulipid also harbors antioxidant properties; antioxidants scavenge free radicals, which are highly reactive substances that damage cells, leading to premature disease and aging. Its ability to alleviate arthritis stems from anti-inflammatory properties, the same of which have even shown it to be more effective than tetracycline when used orally as a treatment for acne.
In rare cases, gugulipid has been known to cause minor gastrointestinal problems, including nausea and gas. Pregnant women should avoid this herb, and anyone with a medical condition should consult a physician before supplementation.
Gugulipid seems to be a very promising supplement for those who are looking for a safe alternative to statin drugs in lowering their cholesterol. Oftentimes, those who are trying to reduce their cholesterol are also looking to shed some excess weight, so the weight loss benefits of gugulipid would only serve to enhance its ability to lower one’s risk of heart disease overall. The only other known natural substance that has been studied more for its efficiency in lowering cholesterol is policosanol, an extract from sugar cane wax.
Overall, I believe gugulipid is a supplement well worth checking out.
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