Question
Not sure I spelled it right. But...Gugol..supposedly a herb that has been used in India for quite some time. I know some people who take it for weight loss. They say that it aids in weight loss..even though that is not its advertised or intended use. Do you know anything about Gugol? Is it safe to take?

Answer
Hello Michele

Thank you for your question.  I believe that the herb you are asking about is "guggul" (also spelled gugal).  The latin name is Commiphora mukul.  The basic part used is the sap resin.  Ayurvedic medicine is not my area of expertise.  I do know that gugal has been used as an aid in weight loss and to lower cholesterol.  I also know that people with any form of liver ailment should avoid this herb and there has been some evidence of phototoxicity.  I would do some more research on this if I were you before I started to take it.  Type the latin name into a good search engine.  Good luck and feel free to ask for more help.
David F. Balshukat