Herb & supplement monograph

Ivy Gourd Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Ivy Gourd interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Ivy Gourd is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Ivy Gourd is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Ivy Gourd Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Ivy Gourd drug interaction appears low for most people, but it is a real concern for anyone taking medicines that lower blood sugar. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one of them traces back to a single, well-documented effect: Ivy Gourd may lower blood glucose.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that deserves the most attention is with diabetes medications, including insulin and oral blood sugar-lowering drugs. This concern is backed by human evidence, not just lab findings. Because Ivy Gourd itself can lower blood glucose, combining it with these medicines may push blood sugar lower than intended, raising the chance of hypoglycemia in some patients. People managing diabetes should be aware that their blood sugar readings may run lower than usual while using this supplement.

What the rest of the list means

Although the list of interacting medications looks long, it does not represent dozens of separate risks. Nearly all of those entries are individual diabetes drugs that share the same single mechanism, additive blood sugar lowering. For people who do not take glucose-lowering medicines, we see no other documented interactions of concern in this profile.

Check your medications against Ivy Gourd

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Ivy Gourd interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Ivy Gourd

86 medications have a known interaction with Ivy Gourd, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› CanagliflozinInvokana› Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet› Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR› ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese› DapagliflozinFarxiga› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern› Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR› Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue› DulaglutideTrulicity› EmpagliflozinJardiance› Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR› Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy› Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR› ErtugliflozinSteglatro› Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet› ExenatideBydureon, Byetta› Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE› GliclazideDiamicron› GlimepirideAmaryl› GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL› Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip› GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Ivy Gourd combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Ivy Gourd affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Ivy Gourd is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Ivy Gourd interacts with
Antidiabetes Drugs
Antidiabetes Drugs

Ivy gourd may lower blood glucose levels and might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs. This might increase the risk of hypoglycemia in some patients. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Monograph

Ivy Gourd: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Ivy gourd is a tropical vine widely eaten as a vegetable and used in traditional medicine, most often for blood sugar support. Early human research hints it may modestly lower blood sugar, but the evidence is limited and not strong enough to replace standard diabetes care. If you have diabetes or take medicine, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using ivy gourd supplements.

Scientific name
Coccinia grandis
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Part used
Fruit, leaves, stems, and roots
Common forms
Fresh vegetable, dried powder, capsules, leaf extracts, teas
People commonly use it for
  • Blood sugar support
  • Digestive complaints
  • Skin conditions
  • General wellness and nutrition

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally considered safe as a food, but supplement doses are less studied and may affect blood sugar.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis) is a fast-growing tropical climbing vine in the gourd or cucumber family. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia and now grows in many warm regions around the world, sometimes spreading so quickly that it is treated as a weed.

The small green or red fruit is eaten as a vegetable in many cuisines, especially across India and Southeast Asia. The leaves, stems, and roots have also been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda for hundreds of years.

Today people use ivy gourd both as a food and as a dietary supplement, most often for blood sugar support. It comes in fresh, dried, powdered, and capsule forms.

How it works

Ivy gourd contains a mix of plant compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and other antioxidants. Laboratory and animal research suggests these compounds may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

For blood sugar, researchers think ivy gourd may act somewhat like insulin or may slow the breakdown of carbohydrates and improve how the body handles glucose. These ideas are based mainly on test-tube and animal studies, so it is not certain how well they apply to people.

Because the plant is also a nutritious vegetable, some of its benefits may simply come from being a low-calorie, fiber-containing food.

Effectiveness

Does Ivy Gourd work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated
1 Possibly effective
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Preliminary clinical research shows that taking ivy gourd leaves 20 grams with breakfast significantly improves glucose control after receiving a meal containing 75 grams of glucose. Other preliminary clinical research shows that taking ivy gourd orally twice daily for 6 weeks improves glucose tolerance compared to baseline in patients with diabetes. Also, clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes suggests that taking ivy gourd extract 500 mg or 1 gram daily for 90 days decreases fasting and non-fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and insulin levels when compared with placebo. It also decreases the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Sources Ref 17752 Ref 12693 Ref 56889 Ref 110430

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Ivy gourd has a long history of being eaten as food and is generally considered safe in normal food amounts. The safety of concentrated supplement doses is less well studied.

Because ivy gourd may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes or those taking blood-sugar-lowering medicine should use caution and monitor their blood sugar, as levels could drop too low. Stop use and tell your doctor before any surgery, since it might affect blood sugar control.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable safety information about medicinal or supplement amounts. To be safe, avoid using ivy gourd supplements during these times and stick to normal food amounts only if your doctor agrees. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplement.

Side effects

Ivy gourd is usually well tolerated when eaten as a vegetable. Reported side effects with supplements are generally mild and may include stomach upset, nausea, or gas.

Because it can lower blood sugar, watch for signs of low blood sugar such as shakiness, sweating, dizziness, or confusion, especially if you also take diabetes medicine. As with any plant product, allergic reactions are possible. Stop use and seek medical help if you have a serious reaction.

Ivy Gourd: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Ivy Gourd from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, ivy gourd leaf seems to be well-tolerated. It may cause mild nausea, headache, and drowsiness.

  1. Munasinghe MAAK, Abeysena C, Yaddehige IS, et al. Blood sugar lowering effect of Coccinia grandis (L.) J. Voight: path for a new drug for diabetes mellitus. Exp Diabetes Res 2011; doi: 10.1155/2011/978762.
Reports by condition
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, ivy gourd leaf may cause mild headache and drowsiness.

  1. Munasinghe MAAK, Abeysena C, Yaddehige IS, et al. Blood sugar lowering effect of Coccinia grandis (L.) J. Voight: path for a new drug for diabetes mellitus. Exp Diabetes Res 2011; doi: 10.1155/2011/978762.
Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, ivy gourd leaf may cause mild nausea.

  1. Munasinghe MAAK, Abeysena C, Yaddehige IS, et al. Blood sugar lowering effect of Coccinia grandis (L.) J. Voight: path for a new drug for diabetes mellitus. Exp Diabetes Res 2011; doi: 10.1155/2011/978762.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official or well-established standard dose for ivy gourd supplements. Studies have used different forms and amounts, so it is hard to recommend a specific dose.

If you choose to use an ivy gourd product, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because product strength and quality can vary, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you have diabetes or take any medicines.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Ivy Gourd & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Ivy Gourd & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 5 references that drive our Ivy Gourd monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Khan AK, AKhtar S, Mahtab H. Treatment of diabetes mellitus with Coccinia indica. Br Med J 1980;280:1044. PubMed
  2. Munasinghe MAAK, Abeysena C, Yaddehige IS, et al. Blood sugar lowering effect of Coccinia grandis (L.) J. Voight: path for a new drug for diabetes mellitus. Exp Diabetes Res 2011; doi: 10.1155/2011/978762.
  3. Venkateswaran, S. and Pari, L. Effect of Coccinia indica leaf extract on plasma antioxidants in streptozotocin- induced experimental diabetes in rats. Phytother.Res 2003;17(6):605-608.
  4. Kuriyan, R., Rajendran, R., Bantwal, G., and Kurpad, A. V. Effect of supplementation of Coccinia cordifolia extract on newly detected diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 2008;31(2):216-220.
  5. Wasana KGP, Attanayake AP, Weerarathna TP, Jayatilaka KAPW. Efficacy and safety of a herbal drug of Coccinia grandis (Linn.) Voigt in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial. Phytomedicine. 2021 PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Ivy Gourd

5 brands in our database make a supplement containing Ivy Gourd.

Product directory

Supplement products with Ivy Gourd

13 products in our database contain Ivy Gourd. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Ivy Gourd: Common Questions

What is Ivy Gourd used for, and does it work?
People use Ivy Gourd for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Ivy Gourd for Diabetes. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Ivy Gourd interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 86 medications with a known interaction with Ivy Gourd. Use the checker above to see how Ivy Gourd interacts with a specific drug.
How are Ivy Gourd interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Ivy Gourd with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Ivy Gourd interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Ivy Gourd used for?
It is eaten as a vegetable and used in traditional medicine, most commonly for blood sugar support and minor digestive complaints. Evidence for medicinal benefits is limited.
Does Ivy Gourd help with diabetes?
Some small studies suggest it may modestly lower blood sugar, but the evidence is weak. It should not replace prescribed diabetes treatment, and you should check with your doctor first.
Is Ivy Gourd safe to eat?
As a vegetable, Ivy Gourd is generally considered safe for most people. Concentrated supplements are less studied, so use them with more caution.
Can I take Ivy Gourd during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is not enough safety information for medicinal or supplement amounts, so it is best to avoid them during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor approves.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Ivy Gourd

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Ivy Gourd — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 13 products with Ivy Gourd →
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