How does Gambir work to treat diarrhea?

Gambir works primarily through its high tannin and catechin content, which exert astringent effects on the digestive tract. Tannins bind to mucosal proteins in the intestines, forming a protective layer that reduces fluid secretion and inflammation. This astringent action helps decrease watery stools and soothes irritated intestinal tissue. The catechins also demonstrate antimicrobial properties that may help address bacterial causes of diarrhea. Evidence Level: C (based on pharmacological studies and traditional use).

Does Gambir interact with any medications or supplements?

Yes, Gambir's high tannin content can interfere with the absorption of certain substances. Tannins bind to iron, significantly reducing its absorption, which is problematic for individuals taking iron supplements or those with iron deficiency anemia. Gambir may also reduce absorption of alkaloid-based medications. Due to its constipating effects, it should not be combined with other antidiarrheal medications. Separate Gambir and medication doses by at least two hours. Evidence Level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Gambir extract?

The standard adult dosage for Gambir extract is 1-3 grams daily, typically divided into two or three doses. For acute diarrhea, starting at the lower end (1 gram) is often sufficient. Gambir is traditionally prepared as a decoction or taken in capsule form. Due to its strong astringent properties, exceeding recommended doses may cause constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort. Limit use to acute episodes unless supervised by a healthcare provider. Evidence Level: C/Traditional.

Is Gambir safe to take during pregnancy?

Gambir is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used at recommended doses for short-term treatment of acute diarrhea. The herb has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia without documented adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, pregnant women should avoid prolonged use, as Gambir's constipating effects can worsen pregnancy-related constipation. Women with iron deficiency anemia should exercise caution due to tannins' interference with iron absorption. Consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence Level: C/Traditional.

What are the side effects of taking Gambir?

The most common side effects of Gambir are constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort, which occur due to its high tannin content and astringent properties. These effects are dose-dependent and typically resolve when discontinuing use or reducing dosage. Individuals with pre-existing constipation should avoid Gambir entirely. Long-term use may lead to chronic constipation. Rare cases of stomach upset and nausea have been reported. Discontinue use if symptoms persist or worsen. Evidence Level: C/Traditional.

Gambir (Uncaria gambir)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Uncaria gambir is a Southeast Asian plant used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties [PMID:36235088, 37730579].

Background

Uncaria gambir Roxb. is a plant native to Southeast Asia, specifically West Sumatra in Indonesia, as well as Malaya and Borneo [PMID:36235088, 35795272, 31949507].

Traditional uses

In Sumatra, it has been used as a traditional treatment for fever, diarrhoea, diabetics, and wound healing [PMID:31949507]. It is also used as an astringent medicine in Asian countries [PMID:34290534] and as a component in traditional Chinese 'Jinchuang Ointment' for chronic diabetic wounds [PMID:36678562].

Active compounds

Biologically active constituents include flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids [PMID:36235088]. Specific compounds identified include (+)-catechin (often in high concentrations), epicatechin, pyrocatechol, quercetine, uncariitannin (a polyphenolic polymer), ursolic acid, strictosamide, and 3α-dihydrocadambine [PMID:36678562, 35252606, 31288080, 34820315, 42176307].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include antioxidant activity and the reduction of oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA) and TNF-α [PMID:38266537]. It may increase glucose uptake via Sirtuin-1, PPAR-γ, and GLUT-4 expressions [PMID:33072538]. In S. aureus, uncariitannin attenuates virulence by inhibiting the interaction of MgrA with DNA [PMID:31288080]. It may also act as an inhibitor of the MurB enzyme in S. mutans [PMID:35935691] and the CDC25B phosphatase [PMID:42176307].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DDiabetes/Hyperglycemia

Purified gambir (90% catechin) lowered plasma MDA and TNF-α levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats [PMID:38266537]; other studies showed antidiabetic activity in Sprague-Dawley rats [PMID:40035273] and improved glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells [PMID:33072538].

Evidence DPulmonary Fibrosis

Exhibited antifibrotic effects in bleomycin-induced fibrosis rat models [PMID:35795272].

Evidence DGastritis

Extract at 80 mg/kg BW reduced TNF-alpha levels and lesion area while increasing prostaglandin E2 in Wistar rat models [PMID:31949507].

Evidence DDiarrhea

A bioactive fraction (DLBS1Y62) showed antidiarrheal effects in castor oil-induced diarrhea rat models [PMID:34290534].

Evidence DBreast Cancer

Nano-encapsulated U. gambir demonstrated anti-cancer and chemopreventive effects against T47D cells and in benzo[a]pyrene-induced breast cancer mice [PMID:37555190].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

In vitro cytotoxic evaluation against M3CT3-E1 cells was conducted to establish safe concentrations for dental pulpotomy use [PMID:37730579].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant potential for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities, but lacks human clinical trials.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36235088 (2022) — Current Research of Phytochemical, Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Uses of Uncaria gambir Roxb.: A Review. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 38266537 (2024) — Malondialdehyde and TNF-α lowering effects of purified gambier (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) in diabetic rats. · Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine
3.PMID: 37555190 (2023) — Nano Uncaria gambir as Chemopreventive Agent Against Breast Cancer. · International journal of nanomedicine
4.PMID: 35795272 (2022) — Fibropreventive and Antifibrotic Effects of Uncaria gambir on Rats with Pulmonary Fibrosis. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
5.PMID: 41716185 (2025)

Gambir

Sources & Citations