Guggulsterone reduces fat cell size
According to a 2008 issue of Obesity, Guggulsterone (Guggul) may be a useful therapeutic tool for the treatment of obesity by regulating fat cell number and size. Guggul is the gum resin of the tree Commiphora mukul and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments which include obesity, arthritis, inflammation and lipid disorders. This study focused on the effect guggul had on obesity and fat cells specifically.
Dysregulation of fat cell growth and death can contribute to the obese state, differences in regional fat distribution and/or lipodystrophy. Administration of guggul resulted in a reduction of maure fat cells by affecting the differentiation of fat cells and the induction of apoptosis (cell death).
In this particular study it was found that guggul stimulated lipolysis (the decomposition of fat) and suppressed fat cell differentiation, thus reducing size and number of fat cells. Guggul is available as a nutritional supplement. Dosage for effective lipolysis is unknown.
Caution must be used when taking guggul if thyroid medications are used. Guggul may reduce the effects of propranolol and diltiazem. It may also act to increase bleeding risk for those people on anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
Clearly, more research is needed before recommendations can be made with regards to the treatment of obesity in humans. However, this study is a start to validate the effectiveness of guggul in the biochemistry of fat cell regulation.
Source: Obesity(2008):16: 16-22.
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
