Helps Maintain Normal Healthy
Cholesterol Levels*
The research of gum guggul over the last 30 years has produced a wealth of
evidence establishing this herb’s beneficial effect on cholesterol and
blood fats. The preliminary studies carried out by Satyavati and her
colleagues were done on rabbits fed hydrogenated vegetable oil to
artificially elevate cholesterol levels. In contrast to non-treated test
subjects, rabbits given gum guggul had normal cholesterol and blood lipid
levels and healthy blood vessels.2
A number of multicentric clinical
trials have tested the efficacy of Gugulipid® for maintaining normal
cholesterol.6 The CDRI has conducted Phase 1 trials to establish the
safety of the extract. Gugulipid® has been found safe and free of unwanted
effects on blood chemistry, liver function and the heart.7 Phase II trials
confirmed Gugulipid®’s effectiveness in normalizing total cholesterol,
LDL, HDL and triglycerides.7,8
SOD-Protecting, Antioxidant Action*
In an animal study carried out by the
CDRI, guggulsterones reversed the decrease in SOD (superoxide dismutase)
activity that results from reduced blood flow to the heart.9 The
researchers reported that “SOD was significantly protected by
guggulsterone.”9 Increases in lipid peroxides (free-radical byproducts)
and xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that produces oxygen free radicals, were
also reversed. Although preliminary, these findings lend additional
support to the use of Gugulipid® for sustaining cardiovascular health.
Safety
Rare instances of rash have been
reported. If this occurs, merely discontinue use.
Scientific
References
1. Satyavati, G., “Gugulipid®: a
promising hypolipidaemic agent from gum guggul (Commiphora wightii).”
Economic and Medicinal Plant Research 1991;5:47-82.
2. Satyavati, G., “Gum guggul (Commiphora
mukul) — The success story of an ancient insight leading to a modern
discovery.” Indian J. Med. Res. 1988;87:327-335.
3. Dev, S., “A modern look at an
age-old Ayurvedic drug-guggulu.” Science Age 1987; July:13-18.
4. Atal, C.K., Zutshi, U., Rao, P.G.,
“Scientific evidence on the role of Ayurvedic herbals on bioavailability
of drugs.” J. of Ethnopharmacology 1981;4:229-32.
5. “Bioperine® — Nature’s
Bioavailability-Enhancing Thermonutrient. Executive Summary.” 1996;
Sabinsa Corporation, Piscataway, N.J.
6. Nityanand, S., Srivastava, J.S.,
Asthana, O.P., “Clinical trials with Gugulipid®.” J. Ass. Physicians of
India 1989; 37(5):323-28.
7. Agarwal, R.C. et. al., “Clinical
trial of Gugulipid® — a new hypolipidemic agent of plant origin in primary
hyperlipidemia.” Indian J. Med. Res. 1986;84:626-34.
8. “Gugulipid®,” Drugs of the Future
1988;13(7):618-619.
9. Kaul, S., Kapoo, N.K., “Reversal of
changes of lipid peroxide, xanthine oxidase and superoxide dismutase by
cardio-protective drugs in isoproterenol induced myocardial necrosis in
rats.” Ind J. Exp. Biol. 1989; 27:625-27.
Reprinted with
exclusive permission of Doctors Best.
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