Guggulsterones

Cholesterol reduction - It is well established that orally administered guggulipid decreases LDL cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels while either having no effect on or slightly increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Depending on dosage, it generally reduces LDL and TG levels between 10 to 25 percent. Guggul functions in this respect by decreasing hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. Two constituents of guggul, guggulsterones E and Z, have been identified as primarily responsible for its hypolipidemic properties, although these are definitely not the only active constituents in guggulipid.

* Anti-inflammatory - Guggulipid is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, as evidenced by many studies done on individuals with arthritis. The compound primarily responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of guggul is myrrhanol A, which is found in the acidic fraction of the extract.

* Reduction in acne - There are many anecdotal reports of guggul causing a reduction of acne. There has been only one clinical study done, in which guggul was shown to be as effective as tetracycline (an antibiotic commonly used to treat acne).

• Reduced oxidative stress - Guggulipid may significantly decrease lipid peroxidation. One controlled study showed a 33% decrease in lipid peroxides after 24 weeks of 50 mg of guggulipid per day.