Studies on whether guggul can lower cholesterol levels are mixed.
Guggul is a resin extract that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat various conditions, but studies are limited.
In lab experiments, a chemical in guggul called guggulsterone affects cholesterol production by the liver. Mice fed guggul had reduced cholesterol levels compared with mice on normal diets.
In humans however, studies on whether guggul can lower cholesterol levels are mixed. One study suggests it may actually raise cholesterol levels.