Guggul is made from the oily sap (gum resin) of the guggul tree, which is native to India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This tree has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Ayurvedic texts dating back to 600 BC recommend it for treating atherosclerosis.

Today guggul gum resin is commonly used by mouth for high cholesterol, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), and weight loss in people who are obese or overweight.

 Guggul contains plant steroids that lower cholesterol and triglycerides. One of these substances also decreases the redness and swelling that occurs in some types of acne.