Guggul comes from the resin of the Commiphora Mukul, a small thorny tree that is known as the tree of myrrh. People in India have used it for thousands of years as an herbal medicine.

Guggul sap, also referred to as Guggul, Gum Guggul, Guggula, or Gugulipid, is tapped from the plants similarly to how maple syrup is extracted from maple trees. Guggul contains a mixture of plant compounds, including steroids, essential oils, lignans, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and amino acids — all of which may be responsible for its various health effects. Purported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it has been used in ancient medicine to protect against a variety of diseases. Guggul has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties and is being explored as a potential cancer fighter.

Guggul has become popular for trying to treat high cholesterol. Lab studies point to some promise for Guggul in slowing or stopping tumor growth. Some studies show that Guggul may lessen inflammation and the number of acne relapses. People usually take Guggul as a capsule, tablet, or extract.