Home :: Glucomannan

Glucomannan Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Tubers of the Amorphophallus konjac plant typically are harvested to yield glucomannan (also called konjac mannan). In addition to being known as konjac, the plant is called ju ruo (pronounced in Chinese) by the Chinese people, and called konjaku or konnyaku by the Japanese. After reports of side effects, Australia stopped distribution of the tablet form of glucomannan in the mid-1980s.

Glucomannan does not dissolve in water, but forms a thick, gooey gel when exposed to fluids. The body does not digest glucomannan, so the resulting large soft mass moves through the intestines and may trigger intestinal muscle contractions. Glucomannan may have laxative activity. It may also have activity in the control of serum glucose and lipid levels. Glucomannan has putative bariatric activity.

Common doses of glucomannan

Glucomannan is available as:

• powder
• capsules
• tablets (600 milligrams)

Some experts recommend the following doses:

• To lower cholesterol, 3.9 grams taken orally daily for 4 weeks, stopped for 2 weeks, and then resumed for another 4 weeks. Or 100 milliliters of a I % solution taken orally daily.
• To reduce blood sugar levels, 3.6 to 7.2 grams taken orally daily for 90 days.
• To lose weight, 1.5 grams taken orally twice daily for 8 weeks.

Uses of glucomannan herb

Glucomannan is high in fiber, essential for cleaning the digestive system. Glucomannan is taken from the Konnyaku root and is from the same family as the yam, which is 100 percent natural dietary fiber without calories. Since lack of fiber is a major cause for the high incidence of growing gastrointestinal disorders, it is a valuable herb. Specifically, glucomannan may help to :-

• Constipation
• To aid weight loss
• To lower cholesterol
• To reduce blood sugar

Side effects of glucomannan

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of glucomannan:

• diarrhea
• intestinal gas
• loose stools

Glucomannan also may cause:

• blockage of the esophagus and lower digestive tract
• low blood sugar
• perforation of the esophagus. (Several people have had to undergo surgery to have the herb removed under general anesthesia.)

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking, especially:

• drugs that lower blood sugar, such as insulin, Amaryl, DiaBeta, Diabinese, Glucophage, Glucotrol, Precose, or Rezulin
• drugs that reduce cholesterol, such as Baycol, Colestid, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Questran, or Zocor.

Important paints to remember

• Don't use this herb if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have diabetes and use glucomannan, be aware that you may need to reduce your insulin dosage. Check for changes in your blood sugar level.
• Take glucomannan a few hours apart from any other drug because it may alter drug absorption.
• Know that large doses can have a laxative effect.
• Report symptoms of esophageal or digestive tract blockage, such as constipation, a swollen or tense abdomen, appetite loss, abdominal pain, or nausea.
• Watch for the herb's effects on your bowel habits.
• Tell your health care practitioner if other drugs you're using seem less effective.
• Keep in mind that long-term effects of this herb aren't well known.

What the research shows

Scientific studies show that glucomannan lowers cholesterol. However, modern drugs such as Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor do this more effectively. Nonetheless, scientists think the herb eventually may prove to be a valuable secondary treatment for high cholesterol. They must study it further to identify side effects.

Studies also show that glucomannan can lower blood sugarbut again, larger studies are needed. Information on the herb's effectiveness as a weight-loss aid are conflicting and hard to interpret.

Other names for glucomannan : -

Other names for glucomannan include konjac and konjac mannan.

A product containing glucomannan is sold as Glucomannan.