Guggul has been shown to interact with CYP3A4, an enzyme system in the body that is responsible for metabolizing many chemicals, including medications. Guggul, also known as guggulu and guggulipid, is a substance secreted by the mukul myrrh tree (Commiphora mukul) after it has been injured.It has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat obesity, osteoarthritis, and some skin conditions.Research has suggested that guggul also may lower total cholesterol levels, especially triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol. Therefore, more long-term studies would be needed in order to determine the effectiveness of guggul. Guggul might theoretically increase the side effects of birth control pills.Taking guggul can decrease how much diltiazem (Cardizem) that the body absorbs. By affecting estrogen in the body, guggul might decrease the effectiveness of tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Now, the truth is that the usage of the extract has been quite traditional. The researchers of this study suspect that the cholesterol-lowering abilities of guggul may have something to do with diet. When used for medicinal purposes, the resin, harvested from the stems in the winter, is traditionally processed to purify and render it bio-available. It may take 3 to 12 months to show its effect. Some of the research performed on guggul suggests that it does lower Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reservedThe Mediterranean Diet May Lower Your Cholesterol and LipidsA Combination of Aerobics and Weights Is Ideal for Lowering CholesterolHyperlipidemia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and TreatmentGet Info on How Sesame Seeds Can Affect Your Cholesterol LevelsStudies Show Psyllium May Help Lower Cholesterol LevelsHow Zocor (Simvastatin) Works to Lower Your CholesterolHow Can You Add Pecans to Your Diet for a Healthy Heart?How Lowering Your Cholesterol Levels Can Be Good for the ProstateTaking Calcium Can Both Help Strengthen Bones and Lower Cholesterol Changing lifelong eating habits can be scary at first, but our guide will make it easier. Estrogen-sensitive cancers are cancers that are affected by estrogen levels in the body. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is used to help treat and prevent these types of cancer. Himalaya Guggul Review- Does It Really Work? Taking guggul along with diltiazem (Cardizem) might decrease the effectiveness of diltiazem (Cardizem).Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.Guggul might slow blood clotting. Read our Osteoarthritis. You can opt-out at any time. One study to date noted that LDL cholesterol was slightly elevated in the individuals taking guggul. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.All information will be used in a manner consistent with the WebMD Taking guggul along with thyroid hormone pills might increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormones.The following doses have been studied in scientific research:Did you or will you purchase this product in-store or online?Where did you or where do you plan to purchase this product?Where did you or where do you plan to purchase this product?What factors influenced or will influence your purchase? It has been traditionally used for combatting ailments such as high blood lipids, liver dysfunction and obesity. For more details, see our Jennifer Moll, MS, PharmD, is a pharmacist actively involved in educating patients about the importance of heart disease prevention.