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What are Guggulsterones?

Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke

Guggulsterones are an herbal supplement made from the sap of the Commiphora mukul tree, also known as the Guggul tree. The Guggul tree is primarily located in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The sap is collected from the tree and converted to an liquid or powder extract. It is promoted as improving the function of the thyroid glands and reducing unhealthy cholesterol levels. The supplement is primarily recommended as a weight loss treatment for people with underperforming thyroids.

Guggulsterones typically come in a capsule filled with powder. Low potency varieties of the herb produce a yellow powder, while the higher potency variety has a brown powder. The lower potency variety may be used for minor purposes, while bodybuilders and athletes are more likely to use the more potent variety to lose fat quickly for maximum muscle definition. The supplement is often taken for less than four months and is not typically recommended for long-term usage.

Guggulsterones have been used to improve the function of the thyroid gland.
Guggulsterones have been used to improve the function of the thyroid gland.

Supporters of guggulsterones believe the supplement aids in fat loss by stimulating the thyroids, the glands that aid in the metabolizing of fat. If thyroids don’t function correctly, people may be more susceptible to fat storage. People that have fast metabolism may not benefit from the supplement and can potentially lose muscle mass rather than fat.

Guggulsterones have been used as a weight loss treatment.
Guggulsterones have been used as a weight loss treatment.

In addition to being touted as a weight loss aid, these supplements are also promoted as improving cholesterol. The sap extract is thought to lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the unhealthy cholesterol that can build up in the arteries and lead to heart attacks or strokes. The supplement may also reduce levels of triglycerides, a type of fat that can accumulate in the blood and cause cardiovascular diseases.

Guggulsterones have been used as an herbal remedy for arthritis and tendonitis.
Guggulsterones have been used as an herbal remedy for arthritis and tendonitis.

Advocates of the supplement also believe it helps sustain healthy cholesterol levels in addition to reducing the unhealthy variety. It is thought to trigger the Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a hormone receptor responsible for converting cholesterol into bile. By aiding in the secretion of cholesterol, the FXR may help prevent excess cholesterol levels from reaching the bloodstream.

Guggulsterones are also thought to be an anti-inflammatory agent. The supplement is often promoted as an herbal remedy for arthritis and tendinitis. It is also believed to have an antibacterial property that may help reduce acne.

Pregnant women and children should not use guggulsterones.
Pregnant women and children should not use guggulsterones.

There are potential side effects that have been found to occur with the supplement. Guggulsterones are not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some people may experience an allergic rash or stomach pain. The supplement may also interact with cholesterol medications and render them ineffective.

Discussion Comments

anon279348

Guggulsterones are included in the supplement Heart Saviour.

John57

@golf07 - I have taken a guggulsterone supplement as a way to burn fat and hopefully lose some weight. I am have thyroid problems for several years and just seem to keep gaining more weight.

If you have thyroid problems, it can be extremely hard to lose any weight, so I have been trying this natural remedy. I order my supplements online and have found several places that sell this.

I was not aware of some of the guggulsterone side effects though. I have been taking this for 6 months and haven't noticed any side effects. This was the first I read about not taking it on a long-term basis.

golf07

This herbal supplement sounds like it could be good for a lot of things. Guggulsterone is such an interesting sounding word, and I know I have never heard of it before.

I am looking for some kind of natural anti-inflammatory supplement. I have arthritis and don't like to rely on over the counter pain medications for this.

There are many herbal remedies that are supposed to help with arthritis symptoms. This is one that sounds like it would be worth trying.

Where is the best place to buy guggulsterone supplements? There is a small health food store close by my house, but I don't know if they would carry this or not.

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    • Guggulsterones have been used to improve the function of the thyroid gland.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Guggulsterones have been used to improve the function of the thyroid gland.
    • Guggulsterones have been used as a weight loss treatment.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Guggulsterones have been used as a weight loss treatment.
    • Guggulsterones have been used as an herbal remedy for arthritis and tendonitis.
      By: Dirima
      Guggulsterones have been used as an herbal remedy for arthritis and tendonitis.
    • Pregnant women and children should not use guggulsterones.
      By: bonninturina
      Pregnant women and children should not use guggulsterones.
    • Guggulsterones' antibacterial property might help treat acne.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Guggulsterones' antibacterial property might help treat acne.