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Dietary supplement

Gymnema Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by BulkSupplements.com

Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Gymnema Extract is a dietary supplement by BulkSupplements.com 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 extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gymnema Extract by BulkSupplements.com

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

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: gymnema extract. Gymnema is a plant used in traditional medicine, and some research suggests it may affect blood glucose levels and how your body processes certain medications.

There are no inactive ingredients listed for this powder formula.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Gymnema product and its label doesn't state a use — see Gymnema's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for gymnema isn't strong enough to rate it reliably. Our data shows insufficient evidence for its use in diabetes, obesity, prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance), and metabolic syndrome.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work—it means the quality and amount of human research isn't there yet to make a confident claim. If you're considering it for any of these reasons, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the current evidence is worth trying.

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 for short-term use, but there are a few things to know. It can lower blood sugar, so if you have diabetes or take blood sugar medication, you'll need oversight.

Quality varies between products, so source matters. There's one reported case of drug-induced liver inflammation (hepatitis) in someone who drank gymnema tea three times daily for 10 days—symptoms included weakness, fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and elevated liver enzymes.

The patient recovered over 6 months with treatment. There's also a report of a case combining hepatitis with aplastic anemia (a serious blood disorder).

Because there's not enough safety data, it's best avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

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.

Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take antidiabetes drugs (the most important one), or any medications processed through CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 enzymes—a group that includes heart medications, blood thinners, and many others. The interaction checker below will help you sort through your exact medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Gymnema extract may be worth considering if you're interested in blood sugar support, but the evidence is still developing. If you take any diabetes medication, blood thinners, heart drugs, or other prescriptions metabolized by your liver, talk with your pharmacist before you start—this ingredient affects a lot of medications.

Avoid it if you're pregnant or nursing. Watch for any signs of liver trouble (fatigue, jaundice, dark urine).

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 Aug 23, 2021.

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 Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand BulkSupplements.com
Barcode (UPC) X001QMHNKR
Net contents 500 Gram(s); 17.6 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2021
DSLD ID 253804
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) 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 Extract by BulkSupplements.com, 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:
500 mg
Maximum serving Sizes:
500 mg
Servings per container
1000
UPC/BARCODE
X001QMHNKR
IngredientAmount% DV
Gymnema extract500 mg--

Other ingredients: None

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.
General Statements

Clean & pure bulk supplements

New - BulkSupplements Gymnema Extract Powder (500 Grams)

Formulation

Color may vary

Free of: Added sugar, soy, dairy, gluten, additives

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Warning: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Always consult a physician before taking any dietary supplement.

Keep out of reach of children.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 500 mg (1/5 tsp) once or twice daily, or as directed by a physician.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place

See for yourself

Gymnema Extract by BulkSupplements.com label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Gymnema Extract by BulkSupplements.com

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

Serving size500 mg Dosage formPowder Servings per container1000 Amounts shown are per serving.

Gymnema 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 extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Gymnema Extract by BulkSupplements.com Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Gymnema Extract?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Gymnema Extract 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 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
The maker

Brand information

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

BulkSupplements.com

See all BulkSupplements.com products
Name
BulkSupplements.com
Street Address
7511 Eastgate Rd
City
Henderson
State
NV
ZipCode
89011
Web Address
BulkSupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gymnema Extract by BulkSupplements.com: Common Questions

Does Gymnema Extract by BulkSupplements.com interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Gymnema Extract 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 Extract 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?
Gymnema can lower blood glucose and may enhance the effects of diabetes medications, raising the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you have diabetes or prediabetes and take medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—you may need blood sugar monitoring or a dose adjustment.
Is gymnema safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your situation.
What side effects might I experience?
Gymnema is generally well tolerated for short-term use. One rare case of liver inflammation (hepatitis) with jaundice, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes has been reported. Another case involved hepatitis combined with aplastic anemia. If you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual fatigue, or weakness, stop and see your doctor right away.
Does gymnema actually work for blood sugar or weight loss?
The evidence isn't solid enough yet. Our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate gymnema for diabetes, obesity, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome. That means the research either isn't there or isn't strong enough to make a confident claim.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Gymnema affects the enzymes in your liver that break down hundreds of common medications—think of it like slowing down or speeding up a toll booth that processes many different drugs. That's why you need to check your specific medications with a pharmacist.
Does quality matter with gymnema supplements?
Yes. The safety notes flag that quality varies between products. When you're buying a supplement, especially one with this many potential interactions, source and consistency matter.

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

Not sure if Gymnema Extract is safe with your meds?

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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 Extract label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Gymnema Extract'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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