GLUCOMANNAN

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Monograph: Glucomannan (PDF Version - 74 KB)

This monograph is intended to serve as a guide to industry for the preparation of Product Licence Applications (PLAs) and labels for natural health product market authorization. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the medicinal ingredient.

Notes

Date

December 30, 2022

Proper name(s), Common name(s), Source information

Table 1. Proper name(s), Common name(s), Source information
Proper name(s) Common name(s)
Source information
Source material(s) Part(s) Preparation(s)

Glucomannan

Glucomannan
  • Amorphophallus bulbifer
  • Amorphophallus konjac
  • Amorphophallus muelleri

Tuber

Isolate

References: Proper name: NIH 2019, O'Neil et al. 2009; Common names: NIH 2019, Chua et al. 2010, O'Neil et al. 2009; Source information: USDA 2019, O'Neil et al. 2009.

Route of administration

Oral

Dosage Form(s)

This monograph excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of Monographs Guidance Document.

The acceptable dosage forms are limited to capsules and powder.

Use(s) or Purpose(s)

The following combined use(s) or purpose(s) is/are also acceptable:

(Used in Herbal Medicine as a) bulk-forming laxative to provide gentle relief of constipation or irregularity and promote bowel movements (by increasing bulk volume and water content) (Chua et al. 2010; Chen et al. 2008; Chen et al. 2006; González Canga et al. 2004; Loening-Baucke et al. 2004).

Dose(s)

Subpopulation(s)

Adults 18 years and older

Quantity(ies)

Lowering of cholesterol

1 - 1.5 grams of glucomannan, 3 times per day (EFSA 2009; Martino et al. 2005; Chen et al. 2003; Arvill and Bodin 1995; Walsh et al. 1984)

Laxative; Promotion of bowel movement; Constipation relief

0.5 - 5 grams of glucomannan, 3 times per day (Chen et al. 2008; Chen et al. 2006; González Canga et al. 2004; Loening-Baucke et al. 2004)

Direction(s) for use

All products

Lowering of cholesterol

Take 0.5-1 hour before meals (Chen et al. 2003; Arvill and Bodin 1995; Walsh et al. 1984).

Laxative; Promotion of bowel movement; Constipation relief


Optional: For products with a dosage range

For capsules

Take with at least 240 milliliters of liquid (e.g. water, milk, fruit juice or other similar beverage) (FDA 2018; Martino et al. 2005; Chen et al. 2003; Arvill and Bodin 1995; Walsh et al. 1984).

For powder

For each gram of glucomannan, mix well with at least 240 milliliters of liquid (e.g. water, milk, fruit juice or other similar beverage). Stir briskly and drink immediately. Maintain adequate fluid intake (FDA 2018).

Duration(s) of use

Cholesterol-lowering products

Consult a healthcare practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician for use beyond 8 weeks (Martino et al. 2005; Walsh et al. 1984).

Risk Information

Caution(s) and warning(s)

All products

Laxative; Promotion of bowel movement; Constipation relief

Contraindication(s)

Do not use this product if you have difficulty swallowing (FDA 2018; Sweetman 2007; Vanderbeek et al. 2007; Henry et al. 1986).

Known adverse reaction(s)

Non-medicinal ingredients

Must be chosen from the current Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID) and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.

Storage conditions

Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR).

Specifications

References Cited

References Reviewed