FEBRUARY 27: MYRRH (COMMIPHORA MUKUL)

29 Days to a Healthy Heart

Commiphora mukul is the latin name for the mukul myrrh tree which is native to India and northern Africa. The mukul shrub produces a resinous sap known as guggul gum and the extract of this gum is called guggulipid. Several clinical studies have confirmed that guggulipid has an ability to lower both cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Typically, total cholesterol levels will drop 14-27% in a 4-12 week period, while LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels will drop from 25 to 35% and 22 to 30%, respectively. HDL cholesterol levels will typically increase by 16-20%.

The mechanism of action for guggulipid cholesterol-lowering effect is its ability to increase the liver’s metabolism of LDL cholesterol; guggulsterone increases the uptake of LDL cholesterol from the blood by the liver. In addition to lowering lipid levels, guggulipid has been shown to prevent the formation of atherosclerosis and possibly aid in the regression of pre-existing atherosclerotic plaques (in animals). Guggulipid also has a mild effect in inhibiting platelet aggregation and promoting fibrinolysis, implying that it may also prevent the development of a stroke or embolism.

To find out if Commiphora mukul is an appropriate form of treatment for you, please come in to see us for an initial consultation! Book an appointment.

– Karen Hack, BHSc, ND

Textbook of Natural Medicine; Pizzorno, Murray; Churchill Livingstone, 1999