Myrrh, a resin obtained from the Commiphora tree in India, has been used as an ointment and incense since biblical times. In the Christmas story, myrrh is one of the gifts of the Magi. Gum guggul (guggulipid), an extract of the myrrh tree, has been used to treat various ailments including obesity and infections. Now research reports that myrrh may lower cholesterol levels.
The study, published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health, investigated the effects of myrrh, fenugreek seed power and esparto grass leaves on cholesterol levels in laboratory rats. Researchers at the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, King Abd Al-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia administered either myrrh, fenugreek seed powder and esparto grass leaves or their blend to albino rats with high cholesterol. The rats’ cholesterol levels were tested.
The researchers found that cholesterol levels including LDL (bad) cholesterol levels decreased while HDL (good) cholesterol increased with the myrrh blend diet. The finding suggests that the plants had a synergistic effect. Fenugreek seed powder alone had the least effect.
“More studies are needed to confirm the effect of myrrh as overweight and obesity controller agent,” the study authors write.
Resterol Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Levels
High blood cholesterol can build-up cholesterol-filled plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries and cause heart disease, heart attack and strokes. Supplementing with natural nutrients like gum guggul (myrrh extract) can help promote cholesterol health.
Progressive Health’s Resterol is a cholesterol-supporting supplement that features researched nutrients like gum guggul, garlic, turmeric, inositol, policasanol, pantethine (vitamin B5) and vitamin E.
