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Another example of the importance of multiple, careful studies in determining the value of alternative medicines
(December 2004)

Guggol (or gum guggol) is an extract derived from the mukul myrrh tree. It has been used for more than 1,500 years for a variety of illnesses. In recent years, as a dietary supplement, it has gained increasing popularity as a cholesterol-lowering agent. Investigators from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine conducted an eight-week randomized controlled trial of a standard and a large dose of guggol given to three groups of adults (33 to 36 persons per group). At the end of the two-month experimental period, there was no change in blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides. The blood concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL, bad cholesterol) actually increased by a statistically significant 4 to 5 percent. There was also no change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, good cholesterol). Although there was no overall benefit for the guggol-treated groups, 18 percent did show a 5 percent or greater lowering of LDL and some also showed a significant reduction in triglycerides. But, overall, the results were discouraging and, in addition, almost 10 percent of those given guggol developed a rash.

Guggol is much more popular in Asia than it is in the United States, and there are some supportive studies, but this well-conducted study shows how important it is to make judgements only on the basis of multiple well-designed studies that find similar results. At present, guggol, like many other alternative medicines and dietary supplements, does not pass muster and cannot be recommended.