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Dietary supplement

Gymnema 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

Gymnema 500 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Gymnema 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Gymnema 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support, type 2 diabetes, sugar cravings.Based on those ingredients, 851 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Gymnema leaf extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way contains one active ingredient: gymnema leaf extract. Gymnema is a plant used traditionally to support blood sugar management.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — hypromellose, cellulose, and silica — which help form and stabilize the supplement.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Gymnema's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports carbohydrate metabolism.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome, Obesity, Blood sugar control, Glucose metabolism — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Gymnema is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Gymnema is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome.

The evidence for gymnema isn't established in the data we hold. The facts show insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for diabetes, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, or obesity.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — just that well-designed human studies haven't yet proven benefit strongly enough to make a clear claim.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Gymnema

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Gymnema is generally well tolerated in the short term. However, it does lower blood sugar, so quality varies between products.

There isn't enough safety data to recommend it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or nursing. Rare cases of liver inflammation have been reported, including one involving hepatitis and low blood cell counts; if you develop weakness, fatigue, jaundice, or unusual bruising while taking this product, stop and contact your healthcare provider.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Gymnema

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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Gymnema.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 852 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.

Double-check any antidiabetes drugs you take — gymnema can enhance their blood-sugar-lowering effect and increase your risk of low blood sugar. Also screen medications metabolized by CYP1A2 (some antidepressants, certain antibiotics), CYP2C9 (some blood thinners, diabetes drugs), and CYP3A4 (a huge class including statins, blood pressure drugs, and antihistamines) — gymnema may raise their levels.

If you take phenacetin, let your pharmacist know before using this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Gymnema might appeal to you if you're exploring traditional approaches to blood sugar, but the evidence for its effectiveness isn't solid yet. If you take any diabetes medication or prescription drugs, you'll want to check them against the interaction list on this page before starting.

Talk with your pharmacist about whether it's right for your situation.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 25, 2025.

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 Gymnema 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 033674637005
Net contents 60 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2025
DSLD ID 327978
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, 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 Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way, 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
60
UPC/BARCODE
033674637005
IngredientAmount% DV
Gymnema leaf extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Cellulose, Silica

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

Supports carbohydrate metabolism

Botanicals are sourced where they grow best Made with the quality you trust

Bottled and tested in the USA

Vegan Gelatin free

Vegan Gelatin free

Plant powered

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Gluten free. No salt, wheat, soy, dairy, gelatin, or artificial colors. flavors, or preservatives.

Formula

With 500 mg of gymnema leaf extract per serving

General Statements

Explore more products at naturesway.com

Questions? 1-800-962-8873 / naturesway.com

Bottle made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2024 Nature's Way Brands, LLC

Seals/Symbols

Vegan Gelatin free

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Adults take 1 capsule three times daily, preferably with food.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Safety sealed with inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way label

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

Gymnema 500 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Gymnema leaf extract

Interacts with
851 drugs
500 mg per serving

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 leaf extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Cellulose, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Gymnema 500 mg?

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
851Drugs
347 Moderate 504 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Gymnema leaf extract 851

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Gymnema 500 mg interact with 851 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Gymnema 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Gymnema leaf extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Gymnema 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Gymnema leaf extract6 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
Gymnema leaf extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Gymnema 500 mg, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does Gymnema 500 mg by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Gymnema 500 mg has a known interaction with 851 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Gymnema 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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 Gymnema if I have diabetes or prediabetes?
Not without talking to your doctor first. Gymnema lowers blood sugar on its own, and if you're already on diabetes medication, that combination raises the risk of low blood sugar. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide if it's appropriate and how to monitor yourself.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to recommend it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in those situations.
What are the side effects?
Gymnema is generally well tolerated short-term. Very rarely, liver inflammation (hepatitis) has been reported, sometimes severe. If you develop weakness, fatigue, jaundice, or unusual bruising, stop the product and see your healthcare provider.
Does Gymnema actually work for blood sugar or weight?
The evidence isn't solid enough to rate it yet. The data we have shows insufficient reliable evidence for diabetes, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, or obesity — that doesn't mean it doesn't help, just that strong proof from human studies isn't there.
Why does the interaction list mention so many medications?
Gymnema affects how your liver breaks down drugs. It can inhibit or induce several enzyme families (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4) that metabolize hundreds of medications — from antidepressants to blood thinners to heart drugs. That's why you need to check your specific prescriptions before starting.

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

Not sure if Gymnema 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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.

Gymnema 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Gymnema 500 mg’s Ingredients

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

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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Gymnema 500 mg'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 12 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.

Gymnema 12 references
  1. Shanmugasundaram ER, Rajeswari G, Baskaran K, et al. Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;30:281-94. PubMed
  2. Baskaran K, Kizar Ahamath B, Radha Shanmugasundaram K, Shanmugasundaram ER. Antidiabetic effect of leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;30:295-300.
  3. Kamble B, Gupta A, Moothedath I, Khatal L, Janrao S, Jadhav A, et al. Effects of Gymnema sylvestre extract on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of glimepiride in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Chem Biol Interact. 2016;245:30-8. PubMed
  4. Tiwari P, Mishra BN, Sangwan NS. Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Gymnema sylvestre: an important medicinal plant. Biomed Res Int. 2014; 2014:830285.
  5. Fabio GD, Romanucci V, De Marco A, Zarrelli A. Triterpenoids from Gymnema sylvestre and their pharmacological activities. Molecules. 2014;19(8):10956-81. PubMed
  6. Shiyovich A, Sztarkier I, Nesher L. Toxic hepatitis induced by Gymnema sylvestre, a natural remedy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Am J Med Sci. 2010;340(6):514-7. PubMed
  7. Zuniga LY, Gonzalez-Ortiz M, Martinez-Abundis E. Effect of gymnema sylvestre administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. J Med Food. 2017 Aug;20(8):750-54.
  8. Rammohan B, Samit K, Chinmoy D, et al. Human cytochrome P450 enzyme modulation by gymnema sylvestre: a predictive safety evaluation by LC-MS/MS. Pharmacogn Mag. 2016 Jul;12(Suppl 4):S389-S394.
  9. Vaghela M, Sahu N, Kharkar P, Pandita N. In vivo pharmacokinetic interaction by ethanolic extract of gymnema sylvestre with CYP2C9 (tolbutamide), CYP3A4 (amlodipine) and CYP1A2 (phenacetin) in rats. Chem Biol Interact. 2017 Dec 25;278:141-151. PubMed
  10. Vaghela M, Iyer K, Pandita N. In vitro inhibitory effect of gymnema sylvestre extracts and total gymnemic acids fraction on select cytochrome P450 activities in rat liver microsomes. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2017 Oct 10. PubMed
  11. Gaytán Martínez LA, Sánchez-Ruiz LA, Zuñiga LY, González-Ortiz M, Martínez-Abundis E. Effect of Gymnema sylvestre administration on glycemic control, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. J Med Food. 2021;
  12. Philips CA, Theruvath AH, Ravindran R. Toxic hepatitis-associated aplastic anaemia after dual homeopathic remedies and Gymnema sylvestre use. BMJ Case Rep 2022;15(3):e247867. PubMed

See these in context on the Gymnema monograph →

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

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