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Herbs & Supplements
Amorphophallus konjac
Scientific Name: Glucomannan
Other Names: Devil's Tongue, Elephant-foot Yam, Konjac, Konjac Mannan, Konnyaku, Snake Plant
What interactions should I watch for?
Glucomannan's possible lowering effect on blood sugar may intensify the effects of insulin and oral drugs for diabetes, such as:
- Actos
- Avandia
- glimepride
- glipizide
- glyburide
- Glyset
- metformin
- Prandin
- Precose
When mixed with water or other fluids, glucomannan forms a sticky, slippery gel that may coat the stomach and intestines. In theory, taking glucomannan by mouth could block the absorption of drugs, herbal products, other dietary supplements, or nutrients from foods that are taken at the same time. Those who take glucomannan should not take drugs, herbals, or dietary supplements within 2 hours.
Because glucomannan may decrease blood sugar levels, taking it with other blood sugar-lowering herbal products may result in hypoglycemia--blood sugar that is too low. Herbals that may reduce blood sugar include:
- Eleuthero
- Fenugreek
- Ginger (in high amounts)
- Kudzu
- Panax Ginseng
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how glucomannan interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What interactions should I watch for?
