Top 7 Best Guggul Supplements for Cholesterol Management

High blood cholesterol poses a significant risk to heart health and is the foremost contributor to mortality in the US. Ideally, total cholesterol levels should hover under 200 mg/dL. Despite this guideline, between 2017 and 2020, a staggering 24.7 million American adults, comprising 11 million males and 13.7 million females, displayed total cholesterol levels surpassing 240 mg/dL.

Detecting high cholesterol can be challenging since it often remains asymptomatic. However, various dietary supplements, including guggul herbal supplements, are readily available to support cholesterol management.

This article aims to guide individuals in selecting the best guggul supplements for their needs. Discover the best guggul supplements tailored for managing high cholesterol levels.

What is Guggul?

Guggul, also known as oleo gum resin or gum guggul, is derived from Commiphora mukul (the guggul tree), which grows in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. It is a natural product used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat many diseases.

Guggul contains various plant chemicals, including carbohydrates, amino acids, lignans, essential oils, steroids, and flavonoids, contributing to its health benefits.

Guggul gained attention in Western medicine in the mid-1990s for its potential to treat hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases. Since then, it has become widely available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in the United States and other Western countries.

Research Studies on Guggul and Cholesterol Management

Although guggul has been used for generations in Ayurvedic medicine, recent research has revealed conflicting findings on the plant's potential cholesterol-lowering properties.

A clinical trial with 205 hypercholesterolemic or hypertriglyceridemic patients found that 500mg of guggul extract (gugulipid) daily for a total of 12 weeks reduced total cholesterol by 23.6% and triglycerides by 22.6% in up to 80% of the patients.

A study with 233 patients showed that guggul extract (500 mg/day for 12 weeks) was comparable to the drug clofibrate in reducing cholesterol (11% vs 10%) and triglycerides (17% vs 22%). Additionally, guggul extract increased HDL levels in 60% of the patients, while clofibrate did not affect HDL.

A trial published in 1994 investigated the effects of guggul on patients with hypercholesterolemia. 61 patients were divided into two groups - one group was treated with guggul while the other was a placebo group. The levels were unchanged in the placebo group. Meanwhile, the treatment group showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides - 11.7%, 12.5%, and 12% reductions, respectively.

An analysis of seven clinical trials with 380 participants also found that taking guggul reduced triglyceride levels while increasing HDL cholesterol. These results are clinically significant, with a potential 38% reduction in the risk of coronary events at 50 years old.

On the other hand, a randomized controlled trial contradicts the previously mentioned research findings. The trial reported small but significant increases in LDL cholesterol levels associated with guggul use compared to placebo and with no significant changes in total cholesterol, HDL, or triglycerides.

Available research studies on guggul show that its effects on cholesterol levels still need to be clarified due to conflicting evidence from different studies. More trials and research on guggul supplements should be done to confirm whether guggul is a practical natural approach to cholesterol management and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

Guggul Supplement Side Effects

Taking guggul herb supplements for cholesterol management can cause several mild side effects. The most common are digestive problems such as upper gastric fullness and diarrhea. Participants in a clinical trial also reported hypersensitive skin reactions, which usually appeared within two days of starting guggul and went away within a week after stopping. Guggul can affect blood clotting, potentially increasing bleeding risk.

Some people have had adverse reactions, like liver enzyme issues, but these cases often involved taking other supplements or medications at the same time, making it hard to pinpoint guggul as the sole cause.

Top 7 Best Guggul Supplements for Cholesterol Management

After extensive research on products based on their ingredient quality, potency, and user reviews, we've gathered the top 7 best guggul supplements for cholesterol management. These best guggul supplements are recognized for their high potency, purity, and proven ability to support healthy cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular wellness.

The BESTVITE Guggul Extract is enhanced with Bioperine, a natural black pepper extract. One serving contains 500 mg of guggul extract and 5 mg of black pepper extract. These vegetarian capsules are non-GMO and free from additives, artificial flavors, soy, sugar, dairy, and gluten.

As a dietary supplement, one capsule once or twice daily is suggested. BESTVITE's guggul herb supplements cost $18.89 for a pack of 120 and $39.99 for 240 capsules.

These Himalaya Guggul herb supplements contain 510 mg of Guggul extract and 210 mg of Guggul powder. One pack contains 60 capsules; users must take two tablets twice daily.

The capsules have no artificial fillers or binders and are free from gluten, wheat, soy, and dairy. Users may buy one pack for $16.62 or two packs for $30.67.

The gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free Prajna Ayurveda Guggul Supplements by Healthy Directions contains 500 mg of a guggul blend, a mix of organic guggul powder and guggul extract. These ingredients are sourced from responsible farms in India and grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Suggested usage is to take one capsule twice daily with a meal. Get this product for only $11.99.

The Natures Plus Herbal Actives Gugulipid tablets ensure maximum potency and benefits through extended-release tablets. Each tablet contains 1000 mg of gugulipid. The product is free from preservatives, colors, and common allergens (dairy, soy, wheat, and corn).

Natures Plus suggests taking one tablet daily or as a healthcare professional recommends. These Gugulipid supplements cost $22.01.

The SOLARAY Guggul Gum Extract and Red Yeast Rice combine ancient Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicines into one product, providing optimal support for cardiovascular function. Each serving contains 400 mg of red yeast rice extract and 300 mg of Guggul gum extract.

The recommended dosage is two capsules daily with a glass of water or a meal. The Guggul Gum Extract and Red Yeast Rice dietary supplements are available from SOLARAY for $25.19 for a pack of 120 capsules.

Carlyle's guggul herb supplements contain 1,500 mg of guggul per serving. These quick-release capsules are non-GMO and naturally free of gluten, lactose, yeast, wheat, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. The manufacturer also states that the ingredients are ethically sourced, and the product is packaged and lab-tested in the USA.

These guggul supplements by Carlyle cost $19.29. Two capsules, one to two times daily, preferably with meals, are recommended.

Source Naturals’ Guggulsterones dietary supplements contain 375 mg of guggul gum extract per serving, supporting cholesterol wellness. The guggul herb supplements do not contain yeast, dairy, egg, soy, gluten, wheat, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and fragrances.

The suggested usage is to take one tablet twice daily between meals. This guggul supplement by Source Naturals is available in two packs: one pack with 60 tablets for $13.94 and one pack with 120 tablets for $30.48.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the BESTVITE Guggul Extract 500 mg Capsules is the top choice for the best guggul supplement for cholesterol management because of its trusted manufacturer, the potency of guggul in each capsule, third-party certifications, and pure ingredients.

The premium formula of the BESTVITE Guggul Extract capsules contains a minimum of 2.5% guggulsterone, the active compound of guggul that helps balance cholesterol levels. This particular guggul supplement features a pure and potent blend and contains no unnecessary stearates or fillers. Additionally, all raw ingredients, as well as the finished product, undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure potency, purity, and lack of contaminants.

Maintaining appropriate cholesterol levels is crucial for overall health, and adding guggul herb supplements to the daily regimen may provide natural support. Consider the factors and options in this article when selecting the best guggul supplement for your needs.

FAQs on the Best Guggul Supplements

Can pregnant women take guggul herb supplements?

Use of guggul, even the best guggul supplements mentioned, is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women because of the limited available research on guggul and its side effects.

How do you store guggul supplements?

Guggul herb supplements should be kept in their original containers in a cool, dry place and at room temperature. The product should not be exposed to heat, light, and moisture.

What happens when there is an overdose of guggul herb supplements?

There is limited information on what dosage of guggul would result in an overdose, as well as the consequences that would follow in such a situation. To be safe, always follow the dosage recommendations indicated in the package of the guggul supplement.