Guggul is a resin which is produced by the stem of the commiphora mukul tree, a relatively small, thorny plant native to India. Historically guggul has been used in connection with a wide variety of conditions, including rheumatism and obesity. One of its primary historical indications was for use with a condition known as medoroga, a disease similar to the modern description of atherosclerosis. Standardized guggul extracts are approved in India for lowering elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Guggul contains ketonic steroid compounds known as guggulsterones which are believe to be responsible for guggul's cholestrol- and triglyceride-lowering actions. Not only can guggul lower cholestrol and triglyceride levels but it also lowers LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the bad cholesterols) while raising HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).

Studies also show that guggul may decrease platelet stickiness whereby lowering the risk of coronary artery disease.