Frequently Asked Questions About Guggul

What is Guggul?
Guggul, also known as Commiphora mukul, is one of the oldest and most famous herbs in Ayurveda and has been used historically for centuries to support healthy lipid levels. Guggul is believed to belong to the class of herbs that delivers a wide range of therapeutic benefits.

Gugulipid^® is a standardized, pure extract of the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul plant standardized to contain 17.5 mg of the Z & E guggulsterones for optimal cholesterol levels. Gugulipid has been examined in several preclinical and clinical studies to evaluate its safety and efficacy and there is evidence to support the usefulness of Gugulipid, in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise program, in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

What are the active ingredients in Guggul that are responsible for its cholesterol-regulating benefits?
The active ingredient in Guggul is called guggulsterone and this is presumed to be responsible for the presumed health benefits of Guggul. While a number of Guggul products claim to be standardized to contains a certain percentage of guggulsterones, it is important to remember that it is the specific Z & E guggulsterones that have been clinically validated to deliver the therapeutic health benefits. There is preliminary evidence to support the usefulness of Guggul in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels when taken as a dietary supplement in conjunction with a sensible diet and moderate exercise program.

What health benefits can I expect to get from taking a Guggul supplement?
Guggul delivers a wide range of therapeutic health benefits. Among Guggul's many health benefits are that it helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels without any adverse side effects, it supports healthy thyroid function, and, consequently, helps support healthy weight. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in supporting optimal joint function.

How long do I have to take Guggul before I see any benefits?
Unlike OTC and prescription drugs (e.g. statins) that provide instant, temporary symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying problem responsible for poor health and have debilitating side effects, herbal supplements like Guggul provide progressive, long-term benefits by helping the body correct the underlying problem. While there are certain classes of herbs that work well in acute conditions to provide quick relief; herbs like Guggul need to be taken for at least 3-4 weeks before the benefits can be realized. It can take anywhere between 3 months and 2 years to experience the full range of benefits and Guggul works best when it is taken as part of a health maintenance program that includes a sensible diet and moderate exercise regimen.

Does Guggul have any side effects or interactions?
Guggul does not have any known side effects or interactions. However, it is always recommended to consult your healthcare provider before taking any nutritional supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently taking prescription medications.

Is Guggul safe for long-term use?
Guggul Gold™ by Nutrigold^® is made from a pure extract of the oleo gum resin of Guggul and does not contain any artificial ingredients, preservatives, stimulants or addictive components and is safe for both short-term and long-term use when used as directed. Guggul Gold™ features Gugulipid^®, a proprietary extract of Guggul standardized to the specific Z & E guggulsterones, whose safety and effectiveness have been established in pre-clinical and clinical trials.

Is Guggul Gold™ a standardized herbal extract?
Yes. Guggul Gold™ is a standardized, pure extract of the oleo gum resin of Guggul. The Guggul extract used in Nutrigold^® Guggul Gold™ features Gugulipid^®, a clinically validated extract of Guggul standardized to contain 2.5% of the specific Z & E guggulsterones shown to support healthy cholesterol levels. The amount of Z & E guggulsterones in Guggul Gold™ is two times higher than comparable Guggul products.

What is the difference between Guggul whole herb and the standardized extract? Does one deliver better health benefits than the other?
Unfortunately, this question does not have a simple answer. Both whole plants/herbs and standardized extracts have advantages and disadvantages and choosing one over another is as much a matter of philosophy as it is of simple preference.

• Standardized extracts are based on the assumption that certain components of a plant are more active and helpful than others and it is important that there are no differences in the quantity and quality of this active ingredient from batch to batch. When you buy a standardized herbal product from a GMP-certified manufacturer, you can be assured that you are getting a product that has a certified percentage of the active ingredient in every capsule/tablet and across batches, processed using state-of-the-art machinery, and free of contaminants.
• Whole plant/herbs are based on the premise that all the different components work together synergistically to deliver health benefits rather than individual ingredients extracted in a lab. The trade-off in this case is that there are likely to be considerable differences in the actual quality of the herb from batch to batch. Quality of whole herbs/plants vary depending on where they are grown, soil composition, weather conditions, when they are harvested, type and frequency of chemical pesticides used during cultivation, and the processing techniques employed during manufacturing.

What are some things to watch for when making a decision about Guggul supplements?
Always, take into account the following factors when determining if you are getting the best quality product at the best value:

• Guggul Whole Herb vs. Guggul Standardized Extract - whole herbs are generally lower priced than standardized extracts
• Potency of the Guggul supplement - Higher potency means you get more of what you need in each capsule
• Amount of active ingredient in the Guggul Supplement - higher the % of active ingredient, greater the amount of what is presumed to be responsible for the observed benefits
• Total number of capsules per bottle - just because a product has more capsules per bottle does not make it a better value. You need to consider potency, amount of active ingredient, serving size and recommended dosage when determining whether something is a good value for your money or not

How does Guggul Gold™ compare to other brands of Guggul?
Guggul Gold™ is superior to other preparations of Guggul for these reasons:

• Guggul Gold™ is made from certified allergen-free ingredients
• Guggul Gold™ is formulated using the proprietary, patented, clinically validated Gugulipid^® Guggul ingredient
• Guggul Gold™ contains the highest amount of Z & E Guggulsterones of all Guggul products currently available
• Guggul Gold™ is manufactured in a FDA-registered cGMP-compliant manufacturing facility right here in the US
• The finished product is certified allergen-free by an international, third-party lab
• Guggul Gold™ is premium quality without the premium price tag

*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical opinion. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any kind of supplementation. The statements and product information have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.