Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by PS ProSupps

I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix 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

I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix is a dietary supplement by PS ProSupps with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar support in type 2 diabetes, weight loss and appetite control, insulin sensitivity.Based on those ingredients, 1,223 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Gymnema sylvestre Leaf Extract, Cinnamon, Banaba Leaf Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix by PS ProSupps

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix by PS ProSupps — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix by PS ProSupps

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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Glycemic Loading Matrix” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (900 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

I-Load contains five active ingredients: chromium, cinnamon (cassia), banaba leaf extract, gymnema sylvestre leaf extract, and bitter melon fruit extract. Each plays a proposed role in blood sugar management.

The product also contains inactive ingredients—hypromellose, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose—which are fillers and capsule materials.

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: Hyper-load glucose and amino acids.
  • We looked for evidence on: Diabetes, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome, Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Hyperlipidemia — and 4 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: Bitter Melon is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diabetes, Obesity, Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), Metabolic syndrome.

The evidence for these ingredients is mixed. Chromium is likely effective for chromium deficiency and possibly effective for diabetes, though it's rated possibly ineffective for prediabetes.

The other four ingredients—cinnamon, banaba, gymnema, and bitter melon—all have insufficient reliable evidence to rate their effectiveness for the conditions they're marketed for, including diabetes and prediabetes. That means we don't have solid proof they work for what this product claims to do.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chromium Cassia Cinnamon Banaba Gymnema Bitter Melon

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chromium is generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses, but high or long-term doses may pose risks; extra supplement doses should be avoided during pregnancy unless your doctor advises it. The most common side effects from chromium are gastrointestinal irritation, headaches, insomnia, and mood changes.

Rare serious effects include kidney and liver damage. Cinnamon is likely safe in food amounts during pregnancy and lactation, but medicinal doses are best avoided.

Banaba is rated as having insufficient safety data for pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it's best avoided in both. Gymnema and bitter melon also lack adequate safety data in pregnancy and lactation.

Bitter melon's most common side effects are gastrointestinal—heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort occurring in about 3–16% of study participants. All five ingredients can lower blood sugar, so monitor your glucose closely if you use this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chromium Cassia Cinnamon Banaba Gymnema Bitter Melon

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?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bitter Melon, Gymnema, Chromium, Cassia Cinnamon, Banaba.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,224 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 pharmacist if you take antidiabetes drugs (insulin or oral medications), levothyroxine (thyroid hormone), blood pressure medications, heart medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes, cancer drugs like pazopanib, NSAIDs or aspirin, or any drug transported by P-glycoprotein or OATP. Moderate interactions are documented for all these drug types.

No interactions are documented only if you take medications outside these categories and the ingredients we couldn't fully check.

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 is a multi-ingredient product with a significant interaction profile, especially if you take diabetes or thyroid medications. If you're on any prescription drug—particularly for blood sugar, blood pressure, heart disease, or cancer—talk to your pharmacist before starting.

The evidence that these ingredients actually work for blood sugar management is weak to absent. Your pharmacist can help you decide if 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: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 2024.

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 I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix, straight from the product label.

Brand PS ProSupps
Barcode (UPC) 810034815774
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2024
DSLD ID 323180
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix by PS ProSupps, 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)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
810034815774
IngredientAmount% DV
Chromium200 mcg571%
Cinnamon120 mg--
Banaba Leaf Extract300 mg--
Gymnema sylvestre Leaf Extract220 mg--
Bitter Melon Fruit Extract260 mg--
Glycemic Loading Matrix900 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose

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

There's a better you waiting to get out and if you're willing to put in the work, ProSupps is uniquely qualified to unleash your full potential. Having climbed to the top of the fitness mountain ourselves, we can show you how to get here through elite supplementation, education, and inspiration. We're here for your relentless pursuit of greatness, but nobody is going to do it for you. You have to Earn It.

TikTok, Facebook, Instagram Follow us @PROSUPPS

Precautions

Warning: This product is intended for healthy adults, 18 years of age or older. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult a physician prior to using this, or any other dietary supplement. Do not exceed recommended serving. Exceeding recommended serving may cause adverse health effects. Immediately discontinue use and consult a qualified medical professional if you experience any adverse effects. Immediately discontinue use and consult a qualified medical professional if you experience any adverse effects.

Do not take this product if you are pregnant or nursing, if you have or suspect you may have a medical condition, or if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Warning for California Residents: Consuming this product can expose you to lead which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Do not exceed suggested serving size within 24 hours.

Manufactured in a facility that also process ingredients containing milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanut, wheat, sesame and soy.

Seals/Symbols

Made in the USA With Foreign & Domestic Ingredients

Formula

Hyper-load glucose and amino acids

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: To asses results, take 1/2 serving (1 capsule) of I-Load once daily, preferably with a meal containing carbohydrates. Once results have been established, take one serving (2 capsules) of I-Load once daily.

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.

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

See for yourself

I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix by PS ProSupps label

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

I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix 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 I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix by PS ProSupps

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Chromium

Interacts with
178 drugs
200 mcg per serving Form: Chromium Picolinate

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

Chromium monograph & interactions

Glycemic Loading Matrix

900 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix by PS ProSupps Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix?

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
1,223Drugs
864 Moderate 359 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Gymnema sylvestre Leaf Extract 851
Cinnamon 442
Banaba Leaf Extract 299
Bitter Melon Fruit Extract 282
Chromium 178

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix interact with 1,223 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Gymnema sylvestre Leaf Extract Cinnamon Banaba Leaf Extract Bitter Melon Fruit Extract Chromium

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix 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.

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

Cinnamon2 drug types · 442 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, cassia cinnamon may have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Cassia cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, and have additive effects in patients treated with antidiabetic agents. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, large doses of cassia cinnamon might cause additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is some concern that ingesting large amounts of cassia cinnamon for an extended duration might cause hepatotoxicity in some people. Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause hepatotoxicity in animal models. In humans, very high doses of coumarin from 50-7000 mg/day can result in hepatotoxicity that resolves when coumarin use is discontinued. Lower amounts might also cause liver problems in sensitive people, such as those with liver disease or those taking potentially hepatotoxic agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cinnamon full monograph & interactions

Banaba Leaf Extract3 drug types · 299 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of banaba and hypoglycemic drugs might have additive effects.
Human and animal research suggests that banaba can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of banaba and antihypertensive drugs might cause additive effects.
Human and animal research suggests that banaba can lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, concomitant use of banaba with substrates of OATP might reduce the bioavailability of the OATP substrate.
In vitro research shows that banaba inhibits OATP, particularly OATP2B1. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the absorption of drugs and other compounds.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Banaba Leaf Extract full monograph & interactions

Bitter Melon Fruit Extract3 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 Fruit Extract full monograph & interactions

Chromium5 drug types · 178 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Insulin

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

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

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

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

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

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

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chromium full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix, from the product label.

PS ProSupps

See all PS ProSupps products
Name
ProSupps USA, LLC.
Street Address
5501 Headquarters Drive, Suite 150W
City
Plano
State
TX
ZipCode
750234
Phone Number
1-888-575-7301
Web Address
prosupps.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix by PS ProSupps: Common Questions

Does I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix by PS ProSupps interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix has a known interaction with 1,223 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix contains 5 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.
Will this lower my blood sugar if I'm on diabetes medication?
Yes—all five ingredients in this product are documented to lower blood glucose levels, and taken together they may have an additive effect. If you're already on insulin or diabetes pills, this combination raises your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your blood glucose levels need close monitoring, and your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication dose.
Can I take this if I'm on levothyroxine for my thyroid?
You should check with your pharmacist first. Chromium in this product may reduce how much levothyroxine your body absorbs—clinical research shows a potential 17% drop in levels. Taking levothyroxine several hours apart from this supplement may help, but your thyroid levels might still need to be rechecked.
What are the most common side effects?
Gastrointestinal upset is most common—nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort happen in a small percentage of people. Chromium may also cause headaches, insomnia, or mood changes. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, stop and talk to your pharmacist.
Is there proof this actually works for blood sugar control?
Chromium has possibly effective evidence for diabetes, but the other four ingredients—cinnamon, banaba, gymnema, and bitter melon—lack sufficient reliable evidence that they work for blood sugar or prediabetes. So while they're marketed for glycemic control, the science backing that claim is weak.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for most of these ingredients in pregnancy or lactation. Banaba, gymnema, and bitter melon are best avoided during both. Cinnamon is likely safe in food amounts but not in supplement doses during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant or nursing.
What makes this different from taking chromium or cinnamon alone?
This product combines all five ingredients in one capsule, so you get their effects together—which means the blood-sugar-lowering effects and interactions with medications may be stronger than from any single ingredient alone. That's why it's especially important to check your medications with your pharmacist before starting.

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

Not sure if I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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.

I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix’s Ingredients

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

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

Cassia Cinnamon

Interacts with 442 drugs

Cassia cinnamon is the common, inexpensive cinnamon used in cooking, and it is also taken as a supplement, most often for blood sugar support. The evidence for its health benefits is mixed a...

Read the full Cassia Cinnamon monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Banaba

Interacts with 299 drugs

Banaba is a leaf extract most often used to help support healthy blood sugar, and small early studies suggest its active compound corosolic acid may modestly lower glucose. The overall evide...

Read the full Banaba 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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

I-Load Glycemic Loading Matrix'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 110 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.

Chromium 53 references
  1. Cerulli J, Grabe DW, Gauthier I, et al. Chromium picolinate toxicity. Ann Pharmacother 1998;32:428-31. PubMed
  2. Urberg M, Zemel MB. Evidence for synergism between chromium and nicotinic acid in the control of glucose tolerance in elderly humans. Metabolism 1987;36:896-9. PubMed
  3. Mohamedshah FY, Moser-Veillon PB, Yamini S, et al. Distribution of a stable isotope of chromium (53Cr) in serum, urine, and breast milk in lactating women. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;67:1250-5. PubMed
  4. Wasser WG, Feldman NS, D'Agati VD. Chronic renal failure after ingestion of over-the-counter chromium picolinate. [letter]. Ann Intern Med 1997;126:410. PubMed
  5. Mertz W. Interaction of chromium with insulin: a progress report. Nutr Rev 1998;56:174-7. PubMed
  6. Anderson RA. Chromium, glucose intolerance and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17:548-55. PubMed
  7. McLeod MN, Gaynes BN, Golden RN. Chromium potentiation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy for dysthymic disorder in 5 patients. J Clin Psych 1999;60:237-40. PubMed
  8. Fowler JF Jr. Systemic contact dermatitis caused by oral chromium picolinate. Cutis 2000;65:116. DOI
  9. Trent LK, Thieding-Cancel D. Effects of chromium picolinate on body composition. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1995;35:273-80.
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  11. Rabinovitz H, Friedensohn A, Leibovitz A, et al. Effect of chromium supplementation on blood glucose and lipid levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus elderly patients. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2004;74:178-82. PubMed
  12. Lanca S, Alves A, Vieira AI, et al. Chromium-induced toxic hepatitis. Eur J Intern Med 2002;13:518-20. PubMed
  13. Kockler DR, McCarthy MW, Lawson CL. Seizure activity and unresponsiveness after hydroxycut ingestion. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:647-51.. PubMed
  14. Davidson JR, Abraham K, Connor KM, McLeod MN. Effectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry 2003;53:261-4.. PubMed
  15. Food Standards Agency. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals. Available at: http://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/vitmin2003.pdf.
  16. Mouser JF, Hak EB, Helms RA, et al. Chromium and zinc concentrations in pediatric patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:1950-6. PubMed
  17. Stevens T, Qadri A, Zein NN. Two patients with acute liver injury associated with use of the herbal weight-loss supplement hydroxycut. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:477-8. PubMed
  18. Wani S, Weskamp C, Marple J, Spry L. Acute tubular necrosis associated with chromium picolinate-containing dietary supplement. Ann Pharmacother 2006;40:563-6. PubMed
  19. Kleefstra N, Houweling ST, Jansman FG, et al. Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with poorly controlled, insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in an obese Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Care 2006;29: PubMed
  20. Martin J, Wang ZQ, Zhang XH, et al. Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2006;29:1826-32. PubMed
  21. Singer GM, Geohas J. The effect of chromium picolinate and biotin supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized trial. Diabetes Technol Ther 2006;8:636-43. PubMed
  22. John-Kalarickal J, Pearlman G, Carlson HE. New medications which decrease levothyroxine absorption. Thyroid 2007;17:763-5. PubMed
  23. Yazaki Y, Faridi Z, Ma Y, et al. A pilot study of chromium picolinate for weight loss. J Altern Complement Med 2010;16:291-9. PubMed
  24. Davis ML, Seaborn CD, and Stoecker BJ. Effects of over-the-counter drugs on chromium retention and urinary excretion in rats. Nutrition Research 1995;15(2):201-210.
  25. Young P, Turiansky G, Bonner M, and et al. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by chromium picolinate. J.Am Acad.Dermatol. 1999;41(5 Pt 2):820-823. PubMed
  26. Gibb, H. J., Lees, P. S., Pinsky, P. F., and Rooney, B. C. Lung cancer among workers in chromium chemical production. Am J Ind.Med 2000;38(2):115-126. DOI
  27. Gibb, H. J., Lees, P. S., Pinsky, P. F., and Rooney, B. C. Clinical findings of irritation among chromium chemical production workers. Am J Ind.Med 2000;38(2):127-131. PubMed
  28. Pittler, M. H. and Ernst, E. Dietary supplements for body-weight reduction: a systematic review. Am.J.Clin Nutr. 2004;79(4):529-536. PubMed
  29. Pei, D., Hsieh, C. H., Hung, Y. J., Li, J. C., Lee, C. H., and Kuo, S. W. The influence of chromium chloride-containing milk to glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Metabolism 2 PubMed
  30. Hisatomi, K., Ishii, H., Hashiguchi, K., Seki, M., Ide, M., Sugiyama, K., Ishimoto, H., Nakayama, S., Mukae, H., and Kohno, S. Interstitial pneumonia caused by inhalation of fumes of nickel and chrome. Respirology. 2006;11(6):814-817. PubMed
  31. Kleefstra, N., Houweling, S. T., Bakker, S. J., Verhoeven, S., Gans, R. O., Meyboom-de Jong, B., and Bilo, H. J. Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled tri DOI
  32. Parsons, A., Ingram, J., Inglis, J., Aveyard, P., Johnstone, E., Brown, K., Franklin, M., and Bermudez, I. A proof of concept randomised placebo controlled factorial trial to examine the efficacy of St John's wort for smoking cessation and chromium to pr
  33. Bagdon RE and Hazen RE. Skin permeation and cutaneous hypersensitivity as a basis for making risk assessments of chromium as a soil contaminant. Environ.Health Perspect. 1991;92:111-119. PubMed
  34. Bharmal, S. V., Moyes, V., Ahmed, S., and Grossman, A. Hypoglycaemia: possible mediation by chromium salt medication. Hormones.(Athens.) 2010;9(2):181-183. PubMed
  35. Krol, E., Krejpcio, Z., Byks, H., Bogdanski, P., and Pupek-Musialik, D. Effects of chromium brewer's yeast supplementation on body mass, blood carbohydrates, and lipids and minerals in type 2 diabetic patients. Biol.Trace Elem.Res. 2011;143(2):726-737.
  36. Unisa, S., Jagannath, P., Dhir, V., Khandelwal, C., Sarangi, L., and Roy, T. K. Population-based study to estimate prevalence and determine risk factors of gallbladder diseases in the rural Gangetic basin of North India. HPB (Oxford) 2011;13(2):117-125. PubMed
  37. Noda, S., Asano, Y., and Sato, S. Lichen planus in a patient with long-term exposure to chrome. Eur.J.Dermatol. 2011;21(3):417-418. PubMed
  38. Xiang, J., Sun, Z., and Huan, J. N. Intensive chromic acid burns and acute chromium poisoning with acute renal failure. Chin Med.J.(Engl.) 7-5-2011;124(13):2071-2073.
  39. Chhabra, D., Oda, K., Jagannath, P., Utsunomiya, H., Takekoshi, S., and Nimura, Y. Chronic heavy metal exposure and gallbladder cancer risk in India, a comparative study with Japan. Asian Pac.J.Cancer Prev. 2012;13(1):187-190. PubMed
  40. Huszonek, J. Over-the-counter chromium picolinate. Am J Psychiatry 1993;150(10):1560-1561. PubMed
  41. Bunner S and McGinnis R. Chromium-induced hypoglycemia. Psychosomatics 1998;39(3):298-299. PubMed
  42. Martin, W. R. and Fuller, R. E. Suspected chromium picolinate-induced rhabdomyolysis. Pharmacotherapy 1998;18(4):860-862. DOI
  43. Proctor, D. M., Fredrick, M. M., Scott, P. K., Paustenbach, D. J., and Finley, B. L. The prevalence of chromium allergy in the United States and its implications for setting soil cleanup: a cost-effectiveness case study. Regul.Toxicol Pharmacol 1998;28(1 PubMed
  44. De Marchi S, Cecchin E, De Marchi SU. Systemic allergic dermatitis resulting from oral administration of chromium with a food supplement. Contact Dermatitis 2014;70(2):123-5. PubMed
  45. Hedberg YS, Gumulka M, Lind ML, Matura M, Lidén C. Severe occupational chromium allergy despite cement legislation. Contact Dermatitis. 2014;70(5):321-3. PubMed
  46. Thyssen JP, Jellesen MS, Møller P, Menné T, Johansen JD. Allergic chromium dermatitis from wearing 'chromium-free' footwear. Contact Dermatitis 2014;70(3):185-7. PubMed
  47. Liu Y, Cotillard A, Vatier C, et al. A Dietary Supplement Containing Cinnamon, Chromium and Carnosine Decreases Fasting Plasma Glucose and Increases Lean Mass in Overweight or Obese Pre-Diabetic Subjects: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. PLoS One.
  48. Jamilian M, Asemi Z. Chromium Supplementation and the Effects on Metabolic Status in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015;67(1):42-8. PubMed
  49. Guimarães MM, Carvalho AC, Silva MS. Effect of chromium supplementation on the glucose homeostasis and anthropometry of type 2 diabetic patients: Double blind, randomized clinical trial: Chromium, glucose homeostasis and anthropometry. J Trace Elem Med Bi PubMed
  50. Paiva AN, Lima JG, Medeiros AC, et al. Beneficial effects of oral chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical study. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2015;32:66-72. PubMed
  51. Yin RV, Phung OJ. Effect of chromium supplementation on glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus. Nutr J. 2015;14:14. PubMed
  52. Jamilian M, Zadeh Modarres S, Amiri Siavashani M, et al. The influences of chromium supplementation on glycemic control, markers of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress in infertile polycystic ovary syndrome women candidate for in vitro fertilizati
  53. Alinaghi F, Thyssen JP, Zachariae C, Johansen JD. No immediate effect of regulatory reduction of chromium in leather among adult patients with chromium allergy. Contact Dermatitis 2021;85(5):514-522. PubMed

See these in context on the Chromium monograph →

Cassia Cinnamon 20 references
  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  2. Khan A, Safdar M, Ali Khan M, et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003;26:3215-8. PubMed
  3. De Benito V, Alzaga R. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from cassia (Chinese cinnamon) as a flavouring agent in coffee. Contact Dermatitis 1999;40:165. PubMed
  4. Drake TE, Maibach HI. Allergic contact dermatitis and stomatitis caused by a cinnamic aldehyde-flavored toothpaste. Arch Dermatol 1976;112:202-3.
  5. Press release. Cinnamon capsules to reduce blood sugar are medicinal products! Efficacy has not been scientifically proven - some products contain high levels of coumarin. Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfM), Germany, November 11, 2006. Available a
  6. Felter SP, Vassallo JD, Carlton BD, Daston GP. A safety assessment of coumarin taking into account species-specificity of toxicokinetics. Food Chem Toxicol 2006;44:462-75. PubMed
  7. Crawford P. Effectiveness of cinnamon for lowering hemoglobin A1C in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled trial. J Am Board Fam Med 2009;22:507-12. PubMed
  8. Akilen, R., Tsiami, A., Devendra, D., and Robinson, N. Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Diabet.Med. 2010; PubMed
  9. Lu T, Sheng H Wu J Cheng Y Zhu J Chen Y. Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Nutr Res. 2012;32(6):408-412. PubMed
  10. Choi, J., Lee, K. T., Ka, H., Jung, W. T., Jung, H. J., and Park, H. J. Constituents of the essential oil of the Cinnamomum cassia stem bark and the biological properties. Arch Pharm Res 2001;24(5):418-423.
  11. Altschuler JA, Casella SJ, MacKenzie TA, Curtis KM. The effect of cinnamon on A1C among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2007;30(4):813-6. PubMed
  12. Stoecker BR, Zhan Z, Luo R, et al. Cinnamon extract lowers blood glucose in hyperglycemic subjects. FASEB J. 2010;22:722.1 (Abstract only). DOI
  13. Admani S, Hill H, Jacob SE. Cinnamon Sugar Scrub Dermatitis: "Natural" Is Not Always Best. Pediatr Dermatol. 2017;34(1):e42-e43. PubMed
  14. Isaac-Renton M, Li MK, Parsons LM. Cinnamon spice and everything not nice: many features of intraoral allergy to cinnamic aldehyde. Dermatitis. 2015;26(3):116-21. PubMed
  15. Vandersall A, Katta R. Eyelid dermatitis as a manifestation of systemic contact dermatitis to cinnamon. Dermatitis. 2015 Jul-Aug;26(4):189. PubMed
  16. Wickenberg J, Lindstedt S, Nilsson J, Hlebowicz J. Cassia cinnamon does not change the insulin sensitivity or the liver enzymes in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. Nutr J 2014 Sep 24;13:96. PubMed
  17. Brancheau D, Patel B, Zughaib M. Do cinnamon supplements cause acute hepatitis? Am J Case Rep 2015;16:250-4. PubMed
  18. Shekarchizadeh-Esfahani P, Heydarpour F, Izadi F, Jalili C. The effect of cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2021;58:102699. PubMed
  19. Bernaola J, Valverde-Monge M, Otal-Buesa M, Cullen D, Heras-Mendaza F. Cinnamon allergic contact cheilitis. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(5):418-419. PubMed
  20. Patel K, Howard M, Tate B. Cheilitis caused by allergic contact dermatitis to cinnamon in chai tea: A case report. Contact Dermatitis 2023;88(3):239-240. PubMed

See these in context on the Cassia Cinnamon monograph →

Banaba 7 references
  1. Judy WV, Hari SP, Stogsdill WW, et al. Antidiabetic activity of a standardized extract (Glucosol) from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves in Type II diabetics. A dose-dependence study. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;87:115-7. PubMed
  2. Kakuda T, Sakane I, Takihara T, et al. Hypoglycemic effect of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa L. leaves in genetically diabetic KK-AY mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1996;60:204-8.
  3. Fukushima, M., Matsuyama, F., Ueda, N., Egawa, K., Takemoto, J., Kajimoto, Y., Yonaha, N., Miura, T., Kaneko, T., Nishi, Y., Mitsui, R., Fujita, Y., Yamada, Y., and Seino, Y. Effect of corosolic acid on postchallenge plasma glucose levels. Diabetes Res C PubMed
  4. Yamaguchi, Y., Yamada, K., Yoshikawa, N., Nakamura, K., Haginaka, J., and Kunitomo, M. Corosolic acid prevents oxidative stress, inflammation and hypertension in SHR/NDmcr-cp rats, a model of metabolic syndrome. Life Sci 11-25-2006;79(26):2474-2479. PubMed
  5. Fuchikami H, Satoh H, Tsujimoto M, Ohdo S, Ohtani H, Sawada Y. Effects of herbal extracts on the function of human organic anion-transporting polypeptide OATP-B. Drug Metab Dispos 2006;34:577-82. PubMed
  6. Manaf A, Tjandrawinata RR, Malinda D. Insulin sensitizer in prediabetes: a clinical study with DLBS3233, a combined bioactive fraction of Cinnamomum burmanii and Lagerstroemia speciosa. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2016;10:1279-89. PubMed
  7. Tjokroprawiro A, Murtiwi S, Tjandrawinata RR. DLBS3233, a combined bioactive fraction of Cinnamomum burmanii and Lagerstroemia speciosa, in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients inadequately controlled by metformin and other oral antidiabetic agents. J Comple

See these in context on the Banaba monograph →

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 →

Bitter Melon 18 references
  1. Leatherdale B, Panesar RK, Singh G, et al. Improvement in glucose tolerance due to Momordica charantia. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1823-4.
  2. Welihinda J, et al. Effect of Momordica charantia on the glucose tolerance in maturity onset diabetes. J Ethnopharmacol 1986;17:277-82. PubMed
  3. Srivastava Y, Venkatakrishna-Bhatt H, Verma Y, et al. Antidiabetic and adaptogenic properties of Momordica charantia extract: An experimental and clinical evaluation. Phytother Res 1993;7:285-9.
  4. Baldwa VS, Bhandari CM, Pangaria A, Goyal RK. Clinical trial in patients with diabetes mellitus of an insulin-like compound obtained from plant sources. Ups J Med Sci 1977;82:39-41. PubMed
  5. Aslam M, Stockley IH. Interaction between curry ingredient (karela) and drug (chlorpropamide). Lancet 1979:1:607. PubMed
  6. Ahmad N, Hassan MR, Halder H, Bennoor KS. Effect of Momordica charantia (Karolla) extracts on fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels in NIDDM patients (abstract). Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 1999;25:11-3.
  7. Basch E, Gabardi S, Ulbricht C. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia): a review of efficacy and safety. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2003;60:356-9. PubMed
  8. Yin RV, Lee NC, Hirpara H, Phung OJ. T. The effect of bitter melon (Mormordica charantia) in patients with diabetes mellitus: s systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Diabetes. 2014;4:e145.
  9. Rahman IU, Khan RU, Rahman KU, Bashir M. Lower hypoglycemic but higher antiatherogenic effects of bitter melon than glibenclamide in type 2 diabetic patients. Nutr J. 2015;14:13. PubMed
  10. Alam MA, Uddin R, Subhan N, Rahman MM, Jain P, Reza HM. Beneficial role of bitter melon supplementation in obesity and related complications in metabolic syndrome. J Lipids. 2015;2015:496169. PubMed
  11. Konishi T, Satsu H, Hatsugai Y, et al. Inhibitory effect of a bitter melon extract on the P-glycoprotein activity in intestinal Caco-2 cells. Br J Pharmacol. 2004;143(3):379-87. PubMed
  12. Peter EL, Kasali FM, Deyno S, et al. Momordica charantia L. lowers elevated glycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;231:311-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.10.033. PubMed
  13. Cortez-Navarrete M, Martínez-Abundis E, Pérez-Rubio KG, González-Ortiz M, Méndez-Del Villar M. Momordica charantia administration improves insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Med Food. 2018;21(7):672-7. doi: 10.108
  14. Kim SK, Jung J, Jung JH, et al. Hypoglycemic efficacy and safety of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Aug;52:102524. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102524. PubMed
  15. Unsal O, Sütcüoglu O, Yazici O. Dangerous interaction of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) with pazopanib: a case of acute pancreatitis. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022;28(2):486-8.
  16. Bae W, Kim S, Choi J, et al. Acute interstitial nephritis associated with ingesting a Momordica charantia extract: a case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021;100(27):e26606. PubMed
  17. Chattopadhyay K, Wang H, Kaur J, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of Ayurvedic Medicines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:821810. Published 2022 Jun 8. PubMed
  18. Kim B, Lee HS, Kim HJ, et al. Momordica charantia (bitter melon) efficacy and safety on glucose metabolism in Korean prediabetes participants: a 12-week, randomized clinical study. Food Sci Biotechnol 2022;32(5):697-704. PubMed

See these in context on the Bitter Melon 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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team