Guggul Side Effects

Call it gum, gugal, gugglesterone, Commiphora mukul or guggul, this extremely effective herb, that owes its origin to India, has enjoyed an enviable status in the history of traditional herbal cure and has been expansively used to control obesity, purify blood and other known cures. A popular ayurvedic medicine, guggul comes loaded with more than one benefits. It is known to be a storehouse that houses numerous purifying and rejuvenating properties. Guggul is especially popular among the medicine freaks for its lipid regulating and immuno-modulating properties. Guggul contains ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones, which are believe to be responsible for guggul's cholestrol-and triglyceride-lowering actions.Guggul is available both in the raw form and in form of capsules. It is extremely helpful in treating acne, relieving menstrual cramps, strengthening heart, promoting virility and much more. However, just like every coin has two sides, guggul, too, is not side-effect free. There is a flipside to the many wonders of the useful guggul. To know more on the adverse effects of guggul, read through the following lines.

Adverse Effects Of Guggul

Guggul is known to stimulate thyroid gland. Guggul causes the thyroid to increase iodine uptake, thereby boosting the production of thyroid hormones. So, for those who have pre-existing issues with the thyroid, it is best advised to consult the physician and check out more about the hormone levels, before consuming guggul.
Since guggul is known to stimulate thyroid, people may at times suffer from heart palpitations, weakness and anxiety after consuming guggul.
People suffering from liver problems should use guggul only under the supervision of a physician willing to monitor liver enzymes as overconsumption of guggul is known to have an adverse affect on the liver enzymes.
Although guggul is known to promote easy digestion and control cholesterol problems, it is found to cause digestive problems in certain cases. People suffering from diarrhea should refrain from consuming guggul, as it might aggravate their condition. For those who are suffering from liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or diarrhea, be cautious while taking this supplement.
Though there are no known drug interactions with guggul, people who take drugs for cholesterol or thyroid hormones should be careful while taking guggul.
Consuming guggul with estrogen or birth control pills is known to step-up the side effects of these drugs. Medical practitioners strongly advise against ingesting guggul together with contraceptives.
Guggul should not be used in excessive dosage as its use can cause some toxicity symptoms because of vitiation of Pitta, such as night blindness, dryness of mouth, weakness, lower libido, syncope, excessive weight loss and dryness in body and so on.
Guggul is considered an emenogogue (an agent that promotes the menstrual discharge) and a uterine stimulant, and should not be used during pregnancy.
People with cardiovascular disease should refrain from ingesting guggul and should check out with their physician, before consuming it.
Intaking guggul with blood thinners like Warfarin is a complete no-no, as guggulsterone is known to amplify the risks of developing hemorrhages and at times uncontrollable bleeding.
If consumed raw, guggul resin extract can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, hiccuping and burping, loss of appetite, nausea and nervousness.
Though the myriad benefits of guggul can hardly be overlooked, it can often trigger side effects like headache, nausea, and skin rashes and more.
Crude guggul extracts can cause side effects such as, hiccups, restlessness, and anxiety.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Health & Fitness'