Abstract
The resin of the Commiphora mukul tree has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2000 years to treat a variety of ailments. Studies in both animal models and humans have shown that this resin, termed gum guggul, can decrease elevated lipid levels. The stereoisomers E- and Z-guggulsterone have been identified as the active agents in this resin. Recent studies have shown that these compounds are antagonist ligands for the bile acid receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which is an important regulator of cholesterol homeostasis. It is likely that this effect accounts for the hypolipidemic activity of these phytosteroids.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cholesterol / metabolism*
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Cholesterol, Dietary / administration & dosage
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Commiphora
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Disease Models, Animal
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Humans
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Hyperlipidemias / drug therapy*
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Hypolipidemic Agents / adverse effects
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Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology*
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Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
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Plant Extracts / adverse effects
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Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
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Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
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Plant Gums
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
Substances
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Cholesterol, Dietary
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Hypolipidemic Agents
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Plant Extracts
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Plant Gums
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
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Transcription Factors
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farnesoid X-activated receptor
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guggulu extract
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Cholesterol