Guggul, the sticky gum resin from the mukul myrrh tree, is the traditional herbal medicine of India. Guggul has a major role in Ayurveda and is thought to create healthier skin. Guggul (Commiphora mukul) has been used to fight cystic acne. Guggul decreases inflammation and lowers the risk of recurrence of acne. Guggul is also thought to have astringent, antiseptic, and antisuppurative (preventing pus formation) qualities that lend themselves to the treatment of severe forms of acne. Guggul detoxifies the waste elements and free radicals from the blood that are in particular responsible for the skin troubles such as acne. Once the bad elements are removed from the blood, guggul helps in nourishment of skin through its rejuvenating power and gives skin a natural glow.
In a 1994 study, acne sufferers who supplemented with standardized guggul lipid (25 mg guggulsterone twice daily for 3 months) fared even better than patients who used 500 mg tetracycline (twice daily for 3 months). Both guggul lipid and tetracycline reduced the nodulocystic acne 65.2% and 68%, respectively, but the researchers noted that people with oily faces responded remarkably better to guggul lipid.
It is advised to look for products that have been standardized to 25 mg guggulsterones (also spelled gugulsterones and guggalsterones) per dose. It is better to avoid the crude gum because it is not well tolerated by the human body and can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Guggul should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women. Guggul may have estrogen-like effects, and should not be taken by anyone with a history or family history of hormone-related cancers, including prostate cancer and breast or ovarian cancer. In addition, the herb may interact with anticoagulants, tamoxifen, and birth control pills containing estrogen, as well as herbs that have estrogen-like effects (such as black cohosh, licorice, soy, and others). People who take these herbs or drugs should not take guggul.
