Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 7 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Gymnema Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by R-U-Ved

Gymnema label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
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 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 is a dietary supplement by R-U-Ved with 8 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 Neem, Gymnema, Bitter Melon. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Gymnema by R-U-Ved

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Gymnema by R-U-Ved — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gymnema by R-U-Ved

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 Aug 6, 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 8 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “In a base of the following extracts” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

R-U-Ved Gymnema is an 8-ingredient blend delivered in a vegetarian capsule. The active ingredients are biotin (a B vitamin), chromium nicotinate (a mineral), holy basil (an herbal extract), betaine hydrochloride (a stomach-acid-enhancing compound), gymnema (an herbal extract), vijaysar (an herbal extract we hold no data for), bitter melon (an herbal extract), and neem (an herbal extract).

One inactive ingredient — the vegetarian capsule itself — makes up the remainder.

Does it work?

Moderate 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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: promote healthy blood sugar.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome, Hypoglycemia, Antiretroviral-induced insulin resistance, Blood glucose control — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Chromium is rated "Possibly Effective" for Diabetes (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Chromium is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Impaired glucose tolerance (Prediabetes).
  • Also on file: Biotin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diabetes.

The evidence for this blend's effectiveness is limited. Biotin is likely effective for biotin deficiency but only possibly ineffective for multiple sclerosis and seborrheic dermatitis; we don't have enough evidence to rate it for alopecia areata.

Chromium is likely effective for chromium deficiency and possibly effective for diabetes, but possibly ineffective for prediabetes and several other conditions. For the remaining active ingredients — holy basil, betaine-HCl, gymnema, vijaysar, bitter melon, and neem — the evidence we hold does not establish effectiveness for their intended uses.

Holy basil, gymnema, bitter melon, and neem all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate for diabetes; neem is possibly effective for gingivitis, lice, and dental plaque. Because most of the blend's ingredients lack established effectiveness data, the product's overall benefit remains unclear.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Biotin Holy Basil Gymnema Bitter Melon Neem Chromium Betaine Hydrochloride

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 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • 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 and is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation from food and prenatal vitamins, though your doctor should clear high-dose supplements. Chromium is usually well tolerated at typical doses but may cause gastrointestinal upset, headaches, insomnia, or mood changes; rare cases of kidney and liver damage, and blood-cell problems have been reported.

Chromium is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation at dietary levels, though high supplements should be avoided. Holy basil is generally well tolerated short-term but the safety data for long-term use are limited; it is possibly unsafe in pregnancy and lactation.

Betaine-HCl may irritate the stomach and is unsafe for people with ulcers or gastritis; it should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation. Gymnema is generally well tolerated short-term but can lower blood sugar, and it should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient data; a rare case of liver inflammation has been reported.

Bitter melon is generally tolerated as food but may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or other GI effects at supplement doses and can lower blood sugar; it is traditionally avoided in pregnancy and should be avoided during breastfeeding. Neem leaf is likely safe short-term for most adults, but neem oil and seed extracts can be toxic if swallowed; it is likely unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided during breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Biotin Holy Basil Gymnema Bitter Melon Neem Chromium Betaine Hydrochloride

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?
  • 6 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride, Neem, Bitter Melon, Gymnema, Chromium, 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.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take antidiabetes drugs or insulin (Moderate risk of low blood sugar), levothyroxine or other thyroid replacements (Moderate risk of decreased absorption), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of increased bleeding), sedatives like pentobarbital (Moderate risk of increased sedation), drugs broken down by your liver via CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 enzyme systems (Moderate risk of changed drug levels), the cancer drug pazopanib (Moderate risk of increased levels), immunosuppressants (Moderate risk of decreased effectiveness), P-glycoprotein substrates (Moderate risk of increased levels), acid-reflux medications including H2-blockers, antacids, and PPIs (Minor risk of decreased effectiveness), NSAIDs or aspirin (Minor risk of increased chromium absorption). These are the medication types with the strongest evidence of interaction.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This blend combines several plant extracts and minerals, most of which lack strong evidence of effectiveness for their intended purposes. If you take insulin, other diabetes medications, levothyroxine, blood thinners, sedatives, or drugs affected by liver enzymes, you'll want to check this product with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions are real.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should talk with their healthcare provider first, as several ingredients carry safety cautions during these times.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 10, 2014.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand R-U-Ved
Barcode (UPC) 642392000475
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 10, 2014
DSLD ID 37330
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 Gymnema by R-U-Ved, 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
642392000475
IngredientAmount% DV
Biotin2150 mcg716%
In a base of the following extracts0 NP--
Chromium Nicotinate105 mcg--
Holy Basil100 mg--
Betaine-HCl200 mg--
Gymnema300 mg--
Vijaysar100 mg--
Bitter Melon50 mg--
Neem50 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule

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.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

General Statements

NUTRITIONAL METABOLIC SUPPORT

Gymnema has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to promote healthy blood-sugar.

Wild Harvested Organic Herbs In-house Manufactured to ensure Purity Third Party Tested for Heavy Metals

Metabolic Support

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 capsule two times daily or as directed by your physician.

Precautions

DO NOT USE IF SEAL IS BROKEN.

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

Keep Away From Reach Of Children

ancient wisdom, modern lifestyle New Look. Same Quality Product.

FDA Statement of Identity

Non-Dairy Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Free from Milk, Soy, Egg and Wheat, Magnesium Stearate and Silicon Dioxide.

Brand IP Statement(s)

R.U.VED(R) Inc. is a subsidiary of Ayush Herbs(R) Inc.

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

See for yourself

Gymnema by R-U-Ved label

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

Gymnema 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 by R-U-Ved

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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

In a base of the following extracts

0 NP per serving

Chromium Nicotinate

Interacts with
178 drugs
105 mcg per serving

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 Nicotinate 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

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Gymnema by R-U-Ved Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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

Neem 1,013
Gymnema 851
Bitter Melon 282
Holy Basil 212
Chromium Nicotinate 178

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Gymnema interact with 1,109 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

6 of the 8 ingredients in Gymnema interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Neem Gymnema Bitter Melon Holy Basil Chromium Nicotinate Betaine-HCl

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in 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.

Neem7 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
Neem full monograph & interactions

Gymnema6 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 full monograph & interactions

Bitter Melon3 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
Bitter Melon full monograph & interactions

Holy Basil3 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
Holy Basil full monograph & interactions

Chromium Nicotinate5 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
Chromium Nicotinate full monograph & interactions

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
Betaine-HCl full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

R-U-Ved

See all R-U-Ved products
Web Address
www.ruved.net
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gymnema by R-U-Ved: Common Questions

Does Gymnema by R-U-Ved interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 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?
Gymnema contains 8 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 this if I have diabetes or prediabetes?
Not without your doctor's input. Chromium, gymnema, bitter melon, and neem can all lower blood sugar. If you're already taking insulin or other diabetes medications, combining them with this product could push your blood sugar too low. Talk with your doctor before starting.
Does this product have fillers or other inactive ingredients?
The product is delivered in a vegetarian capsule, which is an inactive ingredient. That's the only inactive ingredient listed on file.
Is this safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data aren't complete enough to recommend it either way. Biotin is likely safe from food and prenatal vitamins, but chromium, holy basil, gymnema, bitter melon, and neem all carry cautions or lack enough safety evidence for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your individual situation.
What does biotin do in this product?
Biotin is a B vitamin that's likely effective for biotin deficiency. However, we don't have enough evidence to confirm it works for the other conditions this blend may be marketed for.
I take levothyroxine for my thyroid. Can I use this product?
Not without checking first — chromium in this product may reduce how much levothyroxine your body absorbs, potentially making your thyroid medication less effective. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it's safe for you.
What are the most common side effects?
From the ingredients we have data for, chromium may cause stomach upset, headaches, or insomnia. Holy basil and bitter melon may cause nausea, loose stools, or other digestive complaints. Biotin at high doses has rarely been associated with mild diarrhea. Effects vary by person, and most people tolerate the product well short-term.

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.

Gymnema label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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 125 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
  4. Sedel F, Papeix C, Bellanger A, Touitou V, Lebrun-Frenay C, Galanaud D, et al. High doses of biotin in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2015;4(2):159-69. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.01.005. PubMed

See these in context on the Biotin monograph →

Chromium 53 references
  1. Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Gauthier I, et al. Chromium picolinate toxicity. Ann Pharmacother 1998;32:428-31. PubMed
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Holy Basil 8 references
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Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
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Gymnema 12 references
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Bitter Melon 18 references
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Neem 28 references
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