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Glucomannan, which is also classified as a soluble dietary fiber, is derived from konjac flour. Konjac flour itself is derived from the Amorphophallus species, plants which are related to the common philodendron houseplant and which grow in only certain parts of the world, including some regions in China and Japan. One member of the Amorphophallus genus called Amorphophallus konjac, is also known as voodoo lily, devil's tongue and konjac. Konjac flour, however is derived from the tubers of various species of Amorphophallus, and the term konjac is used generically for the various species, as well as for the flour from their tubers. 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.
Glucomannan may have laxative activity. It may also have activity in the control of serum glucose and lipid levels. Glucomannan has putative bariatric activity. The laxative effect of glucomannan is thought to be due to the swelling of glucomannan with consequent increase in stool bulk.
Some studies indicate that glucomannan may improve glycemic control in Type 2 diabetics. The mechanism of this effect is unclear. Glucomannan may delay the absorption of carbohydrates by increasing gastric-emptying time and/or decreasing small intestinal transit time.
The mechanism of glucomannan's possible hypocholesterolemic activity is likewise, unclear. The polysaccharide may stimulate the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, as well as the fecal excretion of bile acids. Glucomannan may also decrease the intestinal absorption of cholesterol.
The putative bariatric (weight reduction) effect of glucomannan is not well understood. The swelling of glucomannan that occurs when it absorbs water in the gastrointestinal tract, may confer a feeling of satiety in some.
Obesity
Clinical evidence suggests glucomannan may be beneficial in weight loss. Because it is a soluble fiber, it absorbs water to form a viscous gel-like mass. This mass may promote feelings of satiety while traveling through the gastrointestinal tract. In obese patients, taking 1 gram of glucomannan with 8 ounces (250 ml) of water at 1 hour before each of 3 meals daily over 8 weeks resulted in an average weight loss of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).
Cholesterol and other lipids
Glucomannan has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the total cholesterol of obese patients, showing a mean weight loss of 5.5 pounds over 8 weeks (PMID 6096282). In healthy men, 4 weeks of taking 3.9 grams of glucomannan decreased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure; notably, triglycerides dropped by 23%. Glucomannan has also been tested in children with high cholesterol in conjunction with a diet. Interestingly, greater decreases in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were observed in female children when compared to male children.
When used in conjunction with chitosan, glucomannan decreases serum cholesterol possibly by increasing steroid excretion via the feces.
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*These statements about Glucomannan have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Glucomannan is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Glucomannan
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