Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 8 of 10 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Bio Gymnema Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Ayush Herbs

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bio Gymnema is a dietary supplement by Ayush Herbs with 10 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for hair growth and thinning hair, brittle nails, skin health.Based on those ingredients, 1,109 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Azadirachta indica, Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bio Gymnema by Ayush Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 9 of its 10 active ingredients.

Bio Gymnema contains 10 active ingredients. Biotin is a B vitamin that supports skin and hair health.

Chromium is a mineral involved in blood sugar regulation. The herbal extracts—Gymnema sylvestre, Azadirachta indica (neem), Ocimum sanctum (holy basil), Momordica charantia (bitter melon), and Eugenia jambulanum (jambolan)—are traditional Ayurvedic plants used for blood sugar support.

Betaine hydrochloride is an amino acid compound that increases stomach acid. The product also contains vegetarian capsule material, croscarmellose sodium, silica, and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Biotin deficiency — rated "Likely Effective" (Biotin) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Chromium deficiency — rated "Likely Effective" (Chromium) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Dental plaque — rated "Possibly Effective" (Neem) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Gingivitis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Neem) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Lice — rated "Possibly Effective" (Neem) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for most of Bio Gymnema's ingredients is limited or uncertain. Biotin is likely effective for biotin deficiency, but the data don't support it for multiple sclerosis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Chromium is likely effective for chromium deficiency and possibly effective for diabetes, though it's possibly ineffective for prediabetes. The remaining active ingredients—Gymnema sylvestre, neem, holy basil, bitter melon, and jambolan—all lack sufficient reliable evidence to rate their effectiveness for the conditions they're traditionally used for, including diabetes support.

Betaine hydrochloride's effectiveness for the conditions listed (dyspepsia, hypothyroidism, diarrhea, and others) is not established in the data we hold.

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 7 of the 8 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 8 of 8.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 8 of 8.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Biotin is generally well tolerated even at high doses, though very high doses have rarely been associated with mild diarrhea. Chromium is usually well tolerated at typical supplement doses; common side effects include gastrointestinal irritation, headaches, and insomnia, though rare serious effects (kidney or liver damage) have been reported.

Gymnema is generally well tolerated short-term but can lower blood sugar; a rare case of drug-induced hepatitis has been reported. Neem leaf preparations are likely safe short-term for most adults, though neem oil can be toxic if swallowed and serious effects (cardiac arrest) have been reported with high intake.

Holy basil is generally well tolerated short-term; the most common effects are loose stools and nausea. Bitter melon is generally tolerated as food but may cause stomach upset (heartburn, nausea, diarrhea) in 3–16% of users in studies; rare cases of kidney injury have been reported.

Betaine hydrochloride may irritate the stomach and is not safe for people with ulcers or gastritis. Jambolan fruit is widely eaten as food, but concentrated supplement doses are not well studied.

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 7 of the 8 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride, Jambolan, Neem, Bitter Melon, Gymnema, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,110 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Bio Gymnema, check your medications against these types: antidiabetes drugs and insulin (risk of low blood sugar—Moderate), levothyroxine/thyroid medication (reduced absorption—Moderate), blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (increased bleeding risk—Moderate), medications broken down by your liver via CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C8, CYP3A4, or P-glycoprotein pathways (potentially increased levels—Moderate), pentobarbital or other sedatives (increased drowsiness—Moderate), and stomach-acid-reducing drugs like antacids, H2-blockers, or PPIs (decreased effectiveness—Minor). Use the interaction checker on this page with your exact medication names.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines biotin, chromium, and several Ayurvedic herbs traditionally used for blood sugar support, but the evidence for most of these herbs is insufficient. If you take diabetes medications, thyroid medication, blood thinners, or any prescription drug metabolized by your liver, you need to check this product against your specific medications before starting—the interaction potential is substantial.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing any chronic health condition.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 8 of 10 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bio Gymnema, straight from the product label.

Brand Ayush Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 891501001081
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2013
DSLD ID 20544
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bio Gymnema by Ayush Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
891501001081
IngredientAmount% DV
Biotin2150 mcg716%
Chromium10.6 mcg9%
Gymnema sylvestre300 mg--
Extracts of0 NP--
Azadirachta indica50 mg--
Ocimum sanctum100 mg--
Betaine-Hcl200 mg--
Pterocarpus marsupium100 mg--
Momordica charantia50 mg--
Eugenia jambulanum50 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule, Croscarmellose Sodium, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Free from Milk, Soy, Egg and Wheat.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 capsule three times daily or as advised by your health care provider.

Precautions

Warning: If pregnant, consult your physician before using this or any other product.

Keep Away From Reach Of Children

DO NOT USE IF SEAL IS BROKEN.

General Statements

Ayurveda - Wealth of Health

09 2013 ADH091310B

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formula

Contains Naturally Grown Himalayan Herbs

See for yourself

Bio Gymnema by Ayush Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bio Gymnema by Ayush Herbs

These are the 10 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Biotin

No known
interactions
2150 mcg per serving

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin your body needs to turn food into energy and to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. Most people get...

Biotin monograph & interactions

Chromium

Interacts with
178 drugs
10.6 mcg per serving Form: Chromium Polynicotinate

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control i...

Chromium monograph & interactions

Gymnema sylvestre

Interacts with
851 drugs
300 mg per serving Form: Gymnemic Acids

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human stu...

Gymnema sylvestre monograph & interactions

Extracts of

0 NP per serving

Azadirachta indica

Interacts with
1,013 drugs
50 mg per serving

Neem is a tree from India used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially for skin, dental, and antimicrobial purposes. Some small studies are...

Azadirachta indica monograph & interactions

Ocimum sanctum

Interacts with
212 drugs
100 mg per serving

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and p...

Ocimum sanctum monograph & interactions

Betaine-Hcl

Interacts with
36 drugs
200 mg per serving

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...

Betaine-Hcl monograph & interactions

Pterocarpus marsupium

100 mg per serving

Momordica charantia

Interacts with
282 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Bitters

Bitter melon is a tropical fruit eaten as food and used in traditional medicine, most often for blood sugar control. While some small studies hint it...

Momordica charantia monograph & interactions

Eugenia jambulanum

Interacts with
186 drugs
50 mg per serving

Jambolan (Syzygium cumini), also called Java plum or black plum, is a tropical fruit tree traditionally used for blood sugar and digestive complaints....

Eugenia jambulanum monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule, Croscarmellose Sodium, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bio Gymnema by Ayush Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bio Gymnema?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,109Drugs
1,077 Moderate 32 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bio Gymnema with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Azadirachta indica7 drug types · 1,013 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Neem might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Some clinical research shows that neem can lower blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, including those already taking metformin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, neem leaf extract might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that neem leaf extract inhibits CYP1A2 enzymes. So far, this reaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, neem leaf extract might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C8 substrates.
In vitro research shows that neem leaf methanol extract inhibits CYP2C8 enzymes. So far, this reaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, neem leaf extract might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that neem leaf methanol extract inhibits CYP2C9 enzymes. So far, this reaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, neem leaf extract might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that neem leaf methanol extract inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes. So far, this reaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, neem might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressants.
Animal research suggests that neem might have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, neem leaf extract might increase the levels and clinical effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that neem leaf methanol extract inhibits renal P-glycoprotein transport activity. So far, this reaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Gymnema sylvestre6 drug types · 851 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking gymnema with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Gymnema reduces blood glucose levels in some human and animal research. In human studies, it has been shown to enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of hypoglycemic drugs. However, other research in adults with prediabetes or metabolic syndrome suggests that gymnema does not reduce fasting levels of blood glucose. Until more is known, monitor blood glucose levels closely.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Animal and in vitro research shows that gymnema can inhibit the CYP1A2 enzyme. In one animal study, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days increased the plasma concentrations of phenacetin, a CYP1A2 substrate, by about 1.4-fold and reduced the clearance of phenacetin by about 29%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Animal research shows that gymnema can induce the CYP2C9 enzyme. In one animal study, gymnema caused a 2.4-fold increase in the clearance of tolbutamide, a CYP2C9 substrate, in rats. In vitro research also shows that gymnema can inhibit CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenacetin

Theoretically, taking gymnema with phenacetin might increase the levels of phenacetin.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, decreases the clearance of phenacetin in a dose-dependent manner by about 21% to 29% and increases plasma levels about 1.3- to 1.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolbutamide (Orinase)

Theoretically, taking gymnema with tolbutamide might the decrease levels of tolbutamide.
Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, increases the clearance of tolbutamide by 2.4-fold when compared to control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
One in vitro study using rat liver microsomes shows that gymnema can modestly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme. However, other in vitro research using human liver microsomes shows that gymnema does not affect CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that gymnema does not alter the function of CYP3A4. In one study in rats, oral administration of gymnema for 7 days did not alter the clearance of amlodipine, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Momordica charantia3 drug types · 282 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking bitter melon with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Bitter melon can 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 B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, bitter melon might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Bitter melon might inhibit the p-glycoprotein (P-gp) intestinal pump and increase intracellular levels of P-gp substrates. In vitro research in intestinal cells shows that 1-monopalmitin, a constituent of bitter melon, increases levels of daunomycin, a P-gp substrate. Additionally, drinking bitter melon juice has been associated with a case of acute pancreatitis in a patient who had been taking pazopanib, a P-gp substrate, for 8 years. Researchers theorize that inhibition of P-gp led to increased levels of pazopanib, resulting in pazopanib-induced pancreatitis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pazopanib (Votrient)

Theoretically, bitter melon might increase levels of pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
In one case, a 65-year-old patient taking pazopanib for 8 years for renal cell carcinoma experienced signs and symptoms consistent with acute pancreatitis 4 days after drinking bitter melon juice at a dose of 100-150 mL daily. The patient's symptoms, amylase levels, and lipase levels improved upon discontinuation of bitter melon and pazopanib. Pazopanib treatment was re-initiated with no further evidence of pancreatitis. Researchers theorize that inhibition of P-glycoprotein by bitter melon led to increased levels of pazopanib, a P-glycoprotein substrate, resulting in pazopanib-induced pancreatitis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Ocimum sanctum3 drug types · 212 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil can prolong bleeding time, possibly due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking holy basil can decrease fasting blood glucose and other measures of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil increases pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Eugenia jambulanum3 drug types · 186 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Animal research shows that jambolan seed and bark extracts can lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, jambolan 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 Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

There is some in vitro evidence that jambolan can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, concomitant use of jambolan with CYP2C9 substrates may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sitagliptin (Januvia)

Animal research shows that jambolan seed extract reduces the sitagliptin maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve by 39% and 22%, respectively. However, blood glucose levels were actually reduced to a greater extent in mice taking jambolan and sitagliptin in combination when compared with either product taken alone. Theoretically, jambolan seed extract might alter the clearance of sitagliptin, although this may not alter the clinical effects of sitagliptin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Chromium5 drug types · 178 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, chromium may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some research shows that taking chromium might lower blood glucose levels, especially in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Insulin

Theoretically, concomitant use of chromium and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In clinical research, chromium has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity,

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Chromium might bind levothyroxine in the intestinal tract and decrease levothyroxine absorption.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking chromium picolinate 1000 mcg with levothyroxine 1 mg decreases serum levels of levothyroxine by 17% when compared to taking levothyroxine alone. Advise patients to take levothyroxine at least 30 minutes before or 3-4 hours after taking chromium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, aspirin might increase chromium absorption.
Animal research suggests that aspirin may increase chromium absorption and chromium levels in the blood.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids)

NSAIDs might increase chromium levels in the body.
Drugs that are prostaglandin inhibitors, such as NSAIDs, seem to increase chromium absorption and retention.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Betaine-Hcl3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bio Gymnema, from the product label.

Ayush Herbs

See all Ayush Herbs products
Phone Number
425-637-1400
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bio Gymnema by Ayush Herbs: Common Questions

Does Bio Gymnema by Ayush Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bio Gymnema has a known interaction with 1,109 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bio Gymnema contains 10 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Bio Gymnema if I'm on diabetes medication?
No—not without talking to your doctor first. Multiple ingredients in this product can lower blood sugar, and combining them with diabetes drugs significantly raises your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your doctor may need to adjust your medication dose or monitor you more closely.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
No. Gymnema, neem, holy basil, betaine hydrochloride, and jambolan should all be avoided in pregnancy—either there's not enough safety data, or animal research raises concerns about harm. Chromium and biotin are likely safe, but the product as a whole isn't recommended. Talk with your doctor.
What does Gymnema sylvestre do in this formula?
Gymnema is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used for blood sugar support, but we don't have enough reliable evidence to confirm it works for any specific condition. It can interact with antidiabetes drugs and medications your liver processes.
Will this supplement interfere with my levothyroxine (Synthroid)?
Yes, potentially. Chromium in this product may bind levothyroxine in your gut and reduce how much your body absorbs—about 17% less in one study. Take your levothyroxine at least 2 hours apart from this supplement and tell your doctor you're using it.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, loose stools, diarrhea, and heartburn, reported in a small number of users. Chromium may cause headaches and insomnia at higher doses. Serious side effects are rare but have been reported, including liver inflammation and kidney injury in individual cases.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes. The inactive ingredients are vegetarian capsule material, croscarmellose sodium, silica, and magnesium stearate—these are binding and flow agents commonly used in supplements.

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

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Bio Gymnema label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bio Gymnema’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Biotin

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin your body needs to turn food into energy and to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. Most people get plenty from a normal diet, and true defi...

Read the full Biotin monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Chromium

Interacts with 178 drugs

Chromium is an essential trace mineral involved in how the body handles sugar and fat. Some studies suggest it may modestly help blood sugar control in certain people with type 2 diabetes, b...

Read the full Chromium monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Gymnema

Interacts with 851 drugs

Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb best known for possibly helping lower blood sugar and reducing the taste of sweetness on the tongue. Some early human studies are encouraging for blood sugar sup...

Read the full Gymnema monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Neem

Interacts with 1,013 drugs

Neem is a tree from India used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially for skin, dental, and antimicrobial purposes. Some small studies are promising for oral health and skin, but...

Read the full Neem monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Holy Basil

Interacts with 212 drugs

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and preliminary. It is generally well tolerat...

Read the full Holy Basil monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with 36 drugs

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is limited and mostly based on tradition rat...

Read the full Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Bitter Melon

Interacts with 282 drugs

Bitter melon is a tropical fruit eaten as food and used in traditional medicine, most often for blood sugar control. While some small studies hint it may modestly lower blood sugar, the evid...

Read the full Bitter Melon monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Jambolan

Interacts with 186 drugs

Jambolan (Syzygium cumini), also called Java plum or black plum, is a tropical fruit tree traditionally used for blood sugar and digestive complaints. Human evidence for these uses is limite...

Read the full Jambolan monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bio Gymnema's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 132 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Biotin 4 references
  1. Debourdeau PM, Djezzar S, Estival JL, et al. Life-threatening eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion related to vitamins B5 and H. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:424-6. DOI
  2. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  3. Mock DM, Quirk JG, Mock NI. Marginal biotin deficiency during normal pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:295-9. PubMed
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Gymnema 12 references
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Neem 28 references
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Holy Basil 8 references
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Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
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Bitter Melon 18 references
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Jambolan 7 references
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See these in context on the Jambolan monograph →

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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.

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