Gambir

Botanical

What is it

Gambir or gambier (Uncaria gambir, also known as gou teng for some Uncaria species) is a Southeast Asian shrub. The leaves and twigs are processed into a tannin- and catechin-rich extract used in tanning, dyeing, betel chewing, and traditional medicine.

Evidence for 3 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Hypertension (TCM use of gou teng)

Limited Evidence

Some Chinese studies suggest modest blood-pressure-lowering effects from rhynchophylline-containing Uncaria. Methodological quality varies.

Diarrhea (astringent use)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use as an astringent for diarrhea based on tannin content. Limited modern clinical evidence.

Tremor and movement disorders (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional Chinese use for tremor and convulsions. No good modern human evidence.

How it works

Gambir is rich in catechins (similar to those in green tea), proanthocyanidins, and the alkaloid gambirine. Some Uncaria species used in TCM under the name gou teng contain rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, alkaloids studied for cardiovascular and CNS effects. Traditional uses include diarrhea (astringent tannin effect), sore throat, and (in Chinese tradition) tremor, headache, and hypertension.

Dosage

Traditional decoctions use 6 to 15 grams of dried herb per day in TCM formulations. Modern standardized extracts are highly variable.

When and how to take it

Traditionally divided into 2 to 3 doses daily. Avoid concurrent administration with iron supplements.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Gambir powder/extract

Processed solid extract used in TCM and traditional Southeast Asian medicine.

Catechins are moderately absorbed; tannins act locally.

Uncaria rhynchophylla (gou teng)

Different species than gambir but sometimes confused in trade names.

Alkaloid-containing species used in TCM.

Safety

Tannin content can cause GI upset and reduce mineral absorption. Long-term high-dose use is not recommended. Allergic reactions are possible.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data and possible vasoactive effects. Caution in people with hypotension or on cardiovascular medications.

Interactions

May interact with antihypertensives (additive effect from rhynchophylline-containing Uncaria), sedatives, and (due to tannin content) reduce absorption of iron and certain medications.

Frequently asked questions

Is gambir the same as gou teng?⌄

They are related but distinct. Gambir is typically Uncaria gambir (used commercially), while gou teng usually refers to Uncaria rhynchophylla or Uncaria sinensis used in Chinese medicine.

Is it safe?⌄

Short-term use at traditional doses is generally tolerated. Long-term safety and interactions are not well studied.

References

Gambir on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Gambir on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Gambir (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.