Guggul extract, derived from the resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for treating lipid disorders. In terms of modern scientific evidence, several studies have investigated its effects on lipid profiles, including triglycerides. Early clinical trials from India in the 1980s and 1990s suggested that guggulipid (standardized guggul extract) could lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The proposed mechanism is thought to involve the activation of nuclear receptors that regulate cholesterol metabolism, notably the farnesoid X receptor (FXR).

However, more recent and larger, well-controlled studies, particularly those conducted outside India, have produced inconsistent results. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in JAMA (2003) found no significant improvement in cholesterol or triglyceride levels with guggulipid compared to placebo, and some participants experienced adverse effects such as skin rashes. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have concluded that while there may be a modest effect on triglycerides, the overall evidence is limited by small sample sizes, methodological flaws, and inconsistent results.

In summary, there is some scientific evidence suggesting that guggul extract may modestly reduce triglycerides, but the quality and consistency of this evidence are low. Therefore, it is not widely recommended in mainstream clinical practice for treating high triglycerides.