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Dietary supplement

Gymnema Sylvestre Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Gymnema Sylvestre 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 Sylvestre 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 Sylvestre is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized 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 sylvestre 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 Sylvestre by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Gymnema Sylvestre by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gymnema Sylvestre by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

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 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 sylvestre leaf extract, a botanical traditionally used in the management of blood sugar. The capsule itself is made from vegetable cellulose, and the tablet contains dicalcium phosphate as a binder — these are inactive ingredients and don't contribute to the product's effects.

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: blood sugar support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, glucose metabolism.
  • 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 Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome.

The data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate gymnema for diabetes, prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance), obesity, or metabolic syndrome. That means studies so far haven't established how well it works for these uses — not that it doesn't work, but that the evidence isn't solid enough to say.

Talk to your doctor about whether it makes sense for your situation.

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, though the quality can vary between products. One serious case of drug-induced liver inflammation (hepatitis) was reported in someone who drank gymnema tea three times daily for 10 days — they experienced weakness, fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and elevated liver enzymes, though they recovered after treatment.

There's also a rare case of hepatitis combined with aplastic anemia (a blood disorder) on record. Not enough safety data exists to recommend it during pregnancy or breastfeeding — the safety data advises against use in both.

Because gymnema lowers blood sugar, you'll need to monitor closely if you're taking it alongside diabetes medications.

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, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take antidiabetes drugs (blood sugar-lowering medications) — gymnema can boost their effect and raise the risk of low blood sugar. Also double-check any drugs metabolized by the CYP1A2 or CYP2C9 enzymes, which gymnema can inhibit or speed up, changing how well they work.

Minor caution applies to CYP3A4 substrates as well.

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 interest you if you're exploring options for blood sugar management, but the evidence for how well it works isn't established in our data. If you take diabetes drugs or any medication processed by your liver, you'll need to check your exact medications against our interaction tool and talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Avoid it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 Oct 26, 2011.

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 Sylvestre, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Herbal Plus Standardized
Barcode (UPC) 048107064662
Net contents 100 Vegetarian Capsules
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 26, 2011
DSLD ID 706
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Sylvestre by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107064662
IngredientAmount% DV
Gymnema sylvestre Leaf Extract400 mg--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose 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

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT

Traditional Ayurvedic Herb*

Formulation

No Sugar, No Artficial Colors, No Artifical Flavors, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

WARNING: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General

CODE 195511 EKG

General Statements

Standardized Extract 400 mg

Seals/Symbols

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one to two capsules daily.

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

See for yourself

Gymnema Sylvestre by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized label

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

Gymnema Sylvestre 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 Sylvestre by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

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

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

Gymnema sylvestre Leaf Extract

Interacts with
851 drugs
400 mg per serving Form: Gymnemic Acid

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 Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Gymnema Sylvestre by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Gymnema Sylvestre?

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 sylvestre Leaf Extract 851

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Gymnema Sylvestre interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Gymnema sylvestre Leaf Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Gymnema Sylvestre 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 sylvestre 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 sylvestre Leaf Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

See all GNC Herbal Plus Standardized products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gymnema Sylvestre by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized: Common Questions

Does Gymnema Sylvestre by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Gymnema Sylvestre 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 Sylvestre 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 this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it — not enough information exists on how gymnema affects pregnancy or nursing. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What should I watch for while taking it?
Watch for signs of low blood sugar if you're on diabetes medications — shakiness, sweating, confusion, or fatigue. Also watch for any yellowing of your skin or eyes, weakness, or unusual bruising, as rare cases of liver problems have been reported. Stop and contact your healthcare provider if these occur.
Does this product actually lower blood sugar?
Animal and some human research suggests gymnema can lower blood glucose levels and enhance the effects of diabetes medications, but the evidence we hold is insufficient to reliably rate how well it works. Ask your doctor whether it makes sense for your blood sugar management plan.
How long can I safely take this?
It's generally well tolerated short-term, but we don't have long-term safety data. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about how long is safe for you.
Why does the interaction count say 852 medications?
Gymnema affects how your liver processes drugs — it can inhibit or speed up enzymes responsible for breaking down hundreds of different medications. That's why checking your specific prescriptions against our tool before you start is important.

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

Not sure if Gymnema Sylvestre 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 Sylvestre label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Gymnema Sylvestre’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 Sylvestre'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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