Balancing Cholesterol in the system
Guggul has been shown to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body by substantially reducing the formation of cholesterol in the liver and converting more LDL into bile. Further studies have indicated that guggul elevates the amount of HDL (good cholesterol) in the system thereby balancing the amount of good and bad cholesterol in the body.
Atherosclerosis (Hardening of the arteries)
It also minimises the hardening of the arteries by lessening the amount of cholesterol and fatty acids in the blood, which can be deposited in the arteries. This has a direct impact on your heart health as it lowers the chances of strokes and heart attacks. Guggul also aids in ridding the body of fat and cholesterol thus reducing their absorption in the intestines.
Cancer
Recent studies have uncovered guggul’s effectiveness as an aid in cancer treatment. Guggulsterone inhibits the growth of tumour cells and by suppressing the proliferation of cells guggulsterone induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a wide variety of cells. It also inhibits angiogenesis, which is the formation of blood vessels, especially those that supply oxygen and nutrients to cancerous tissue.
Inflammation and pain
The enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) is responsible for bodily pain and inflammation. Studies have shown that guggulsterones suppresses the formation of COX2 thereby eliminating or reducing the pain and inflammation. Another study has shown that guggul is equal to NSAID (non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs) in its ability to reduce pain, inflammation and promote healing of the underlying causes. NSAID’s have a number of dangerous side effects such as liver damage, bleeding stomach ulcers, heart problems and kidney damage and in some instances death. Because of its quick acting and anti-inflammatory properties that suppress cytokines and aid circulation, guggul offers safe and effective pain relief
Arthritic Conditions
Guggul’s anti-inflammatory properties makes it a good choice for arthritis sufferers as it has demonstrated a reduction the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Studies showed that guggul reduced the swelling in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis and alleviated the pain stiffness and function of osteoarthritis
Acne
A comparative study was conducted with 20 patients who suffered from nodulocystic acne (severe form of acne that often leaves scars). They were divided into 2 groups – one group received tetracycline (500mg) the other guggulipid twice daily for 3 months. The results showed guggul to be slightly more effective as tetracycline in treatment – with guggul there was a 68% reduction in lesions while tetracycline showed a 65.2% reduction.
Barrett’s Syndrome/Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus or syndrome (BE), is mainly caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). If the muscles between the esophagus and the stomach do not close properly, then acidic stomach, bile, small intestine and pancreatic contents leak back into the oesophagus and causes chronic inflammation. Over a prolonged period, this damages the lining of the esophagus and changes its appearance to resemble the stomach lining. Once this happens, the condition becomes known as Barrett’s syndrome and is then associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Recent research indicated that FXR was produced in excess in BE and that treatment with guggulsterone notably enhanced apoptosis (single cell death), thereby providing a natural therapeutic approach
Type II Diabetes.
Guggul has traditionally been used as a herbal remedy for treating diabetes. A study done on obesity concluded that not only could guggul (more specifically, guggulsterone) be used to reduce weight, but that it also had the ability to improve insulin sensitivity in type II diabetes
