Document Detail


Resin from the mukul myrrh tree, guggul, can it be used for treating hypercholesterolemia? A randomized, controlled study.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19114224     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Guggul, herbal extract from resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, is widely used in Asia as a cholesterol-lowering agent based on Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Its popularity for this use is increasing in the US and Western Europe. Guggulsterones, the presumed bioactive compounds of guggul, may antagonise two nuclear hormone receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism, which is a possible explanation for hypolipidemic effects of these extracts. However, publications of efficacy data on the use of guggul extracts in Western populations are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of a guggul-based formulation (short: guggul) on blood lipids in healthy adults with moderately increased cholesterol. METHODS: Double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial in Norwegian general practice. 43 women and men, age 27-70, with moderately increased cholesterol, randomised to use 2160mg guggul (4 capsules) daily, or placebo for 12 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean change in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio compared with baseline. Lipids were analysed at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks. In addition, unexpected events and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Two dropouts, one withdrawal, and incomplete lab results for six persons left 34 participants to accomplish the trial (18-guggul, 16-placebo) with complete lab test data. After 12 weeks, mean levels of total cholesterol and HDL-C in the active group were significantly reduced compared with the placebo group. However, the mean levels of LDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio between the two groups did not change significantly. Ten guggul users (vs. four in the placebo group) reported side effects: mild gastrointestinal discomfort (n=7), possible thyroid problems (n=2), and generalized skin rash (n=1). The latter resulted in withdrawal from trial. CONCLUSIONS: Even if total cholesterol and HDL-C were significantly reduced, the clinical magnitude of this remains obscure. More and larger studies are needed to establish effects and safety of guggul-based formulations in the treatment for hypercholesterolemia.
Authors:
Lise Anett Nohr; Lars Bjørn Rasmussen; Jørund Straand
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2008-08-15
Journal Detail:
Title:  Complementary therapies in medicine     Volume:  17     ISSN:  1873-6963     ISO Abbreviation:  Complement Ther Med     Publication Date:  2009 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-12-30     Completed Date:  2009-01-29     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9308777     Medline TA:  Complement Ther Med     Country:  Scotland    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  16-22     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Aged
Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use*
Cholesterol / blood
Cholesterol, HDL / blood
Cholesterol, LDL / blood
Commiphora* / adverse effects
Creatinine / blood
Double-Blind Method
Female
Humans
Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
Linear Models
Lipids / blood
Male
Middle Aged
Phytotherapy*
Plant Extracts / adverse effects,  therapeutic use*
Plant Gums / adverse effects,  therapeutic use*
Resins, Plant / therapeutic use
Triglycerides / blood
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Anticholesteremic Agents; 0/Cholesterol, HDL; 0/Cholesterol, LDL; 0/Lipids; 0/Plant Extracts; 0/Plant Gums; 0/Resins, Plant; 0/Triglycerides; 0/guggulu extract; 57-88-5/Cholesterol; 60-27-5/Creatinine

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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