GLUCOMANAN or DEVIL'S TONGUE

Description

Plant of Asian origin that is cultivated mainly in Japan. Its stem has lobed leaves and a single inflorescence (spathe) of purplish-black color, with a long spadix characteristic of the Araceae family. It has a bulky tuber which is the part that, once dried and pulverized, constitutes the konjac flour, from which a suitable extraction is made to obtain glucomannan.no.

Active ingredients

• Polysaccharides of the glucomannan type (49-60%) of high molecular weight, made up of a main chain of D-glucose and D-mannose units, in a 1:1.6 ratio joined by ß-1,4 bonds, with branching by ß-1,6-glucosyl residues. It presents acetyl groups on the C-6 of the sugar, every 9 to 19 units, which contribute to its solubility properties.
• It is one of the most soluble fibers, among those commercialized, due to its great capacity to absorb water and form a highly viscous gel.
• Other compounds: starch (10-30%), soluble sugars (3-5%), proteins, inorganic elements, vitamins, ß-carotene, serotonin and traces of alkaloids.

Pharmacological action

• Satiating, decreases appetite.
• Hypocholesterolemic.
• Hypoglycemic.
• Mild laxative.

Indications

• As an adjuvant in weight loss treatments.
• Cholesterol increase.
• As an adjuvant in type 2 diabetes.
• Constipation.

Contraindications

• Esophageal or gastrointestinal stenosis.
• In case of treatment with anticholinergic drugs, calcium antagonists or any drug that reduces intestinal transit.

Precautions

• In case of diabetes, it is advisable to rigorously control blood glucose levels.
• It is advisable to take with plenty of liquid (at least two glasses of water) and to drink enough water during the day.

Drug interactions

It can reduce the absorption of other medicines when taken together, so it is recommended to take them approximately one hour apart.

Side effects

They are rare and infrequent. Flatulence, sensation of fullness and abdominal distension may occur, which disappears when decreasing the dose or increasing the intake of liquids.

Bibliography

Monografía de la SEFIT (Sociedad Española de Fitoterapia).

Zalewski BM, Chmielewska A, Szajewska H. The effect of glucomannan on body weight in overweight or obese children and adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition. 2015; 31 (3): 437-42.e2.

Sood N, Baker WL, Coleman CI. Effect of glucomannan on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008; 88 (4): 1167-75.

Behera SS, Ray RC. Konjac glucomannan, a promising polysaccharide of Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch in health care. Int J Biol Macromol. 2016; 92: 942-956. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.07.098.

Chua M, Baldwin TC, Hocking TJ, Chan K. Traditional uses and potential health benefits of Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch ex N. E. Br. J Ethnopharmacol 2010; 128 (2): 268-278.