Gymnema sylvestre
herb grows in South-east Asia.
Its therapeutic role in relation to diabetes mellitus, rheumatic arthritis,
weight management and gout have been well known for a long
time by Ayurvedic doctors in India. Extracts of this plant are widely used in Australian,
Japanese, Vietnamese and Indian folk medicine. However, gymnema is best known for its benefits in
diabetes. It helps
support healthy blood sugar levels and contains compounds known as gymnemic acids and tritepenoid
saponins, gymnemasins A, B, C and D.
The leaves
have antibacterial compounds. Anti-allergic, antiviral, lipid lowering and other
effects are also reported. Studies indicate that the use of this herbal
extract may have the
capacity to maintain healthy
cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Benefits of Gymnema supplement
Cholesterol and lipids
Effect of administration with the extract of Gymnema sylvestre
leaves on lipid metabolism in rats.
Biol Pharm Bull. 2001.
Extract of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br leaves was orally administered once a day to
rats fed a high fat diet or normal fat diet for 3 weeks to investigate its
influence on lipid metabolism. There was no influence on body weight
gain or feed intake in both diet groups during the experimental period. The
apparent fat digestibility was significantly decreased by
Gymnema sylvestre in both diet groups
for the last 2 weeks of the experimental period, though not the apparent protein
digestibility. In addition, the excretion of neutral sterols and acid steroids
into feces was increased
in both diet groups. The herb improved serum cholesterol and
triglyceride levels through influence over a wide range of lipid metabolism in
rats.
Diabetes mellitus
Gymnema sylvestre is regarded as a plant with potent anti diabetic
properties.
Diabetic patients were orally administered 1 gram of gymnema extract daily for 60 days. The herb induced increases in circulating insulin and C-peptide which produced reductions in fasting and post-prandial glucose. Also, in vitro measurements of human cells demonstrated direct stimulatory effects of insulin secretion. Al-Romaivan A, Liu B, Asare-Anane H, et al. A novel Gymnema sylvestr1e extract stimulates insulin secretion from human islets in vivo and in vitro. Phytother Res. 2010.
Exp Ther Med. 2015. Neuroprotective effects of Gymnema sylvestre on streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats. The results demonstrated that the brain cell protective effect of Gs may be associated with the inhibitory effect on the excessive activation of inflammatory molecules and oxidative stress mediators.
Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from
Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients.
J Ethnopharmacol 1990.
The effectiveness of GS4, an extract from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, in
controlling hyperglycaemia was investigated in 22 Type 2 diabetic patients on conventional
oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents. Gymnema (400 mg/day) was administered for 18-20 months as a
supplement to the conventional oral drugs. During supplementation, the patients showed
a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma
proteins, and conventional drug dosage could be decreased. Five of the 22 diabetic
patients were able to discontinue their conventional drug and maintain their blood glucose
homeostasis with Gymnema alone. These data suggest that the beta cells may be
regenerated/repaired in Type 2 diabetic patients with supplementation. This is supported
by the appearance of raised insulin levels in the serum of patients after supplementation.
Structural alterations in pancreatic islets in streptozotocin-induced
diabetic rats treated with of bioactive additive on the basis of Gymnema
sylvestre.
Morfologiia. 2008.
The structural alterations in pancreatic islets in streptozotocin-induced
diabetic rats were studied after the administration of Gymnema sylvestre extract
or its composition. Prophylactic administration tended to restore the area occupied by B-endocrinocytes in the
pancreatic islets. These results indicate the equal potency of the composition
and extract of Gymnema sylvestre to induce the regeneration of B-endocrinocytes.
Additional herbs used for blood sugar
control
Gymnema leaf has been used traditionally in India for
centuries and has been shown in research to support healthy glucose metabolism
and healthy pancreatic function. There are several other herbal options to treating high blood
sugar and excess pounds. One for instance is
Artichoke Leaf Extract.
Throughout history medicine men and women have stumbled upon herbs that treat various health issues. Some of the popular herbs used for diabetes include Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia), Fenugreek (trigonella foenum graecum), Gymnema Sylvestre, Ivy Gourd (Coccinia indica), Nopal or Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia streptacantha), Ginseng, Aloe Vera, Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), and Garlic (Allium sativum).
Kidney transplant
I am contacting you regarding gymnema sylvestre supplement. Is this
product safe for a diabetic who has had a kidney transplant? It is important to
know these facts before trying this product. The anti-rejection medicines that
my husband is taking include Cellcept, Prograf and prednisone.
I have not seen studies regarding the use of gymnema sylvestre
herb in patients who have had a kidney transplant, therefore it is not easy to
give an answer. Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) is used to prevent rejection of
a kidney. Prograf (tacrolimus) is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ
rejection in patients receiving allogeneic liver, kidney, or heart transplants.
I am not aware of studies regarding the interaction of gymnema sylvestre or
other herbs used for diabetes with these medications.
Weight loss
This plant is traditionally used for controlling obesity in the form of Gymnema tea. The
active compound of the plant is a group of acids termed as gymnemic acids. A
human study conducted in India in 2004 shows this herbal extract to have promise
in terms of weight loss.
Decreased bodyweight without rebound and regulated lipoprotein metabolism by
gymnemate in genetic multifactor syndrome animal.
Mol Cell Biochem. 2007. Department of Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Science, Division of Medical Biochemistry,
Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.
In our previous studies, gymnemate extracted from Gymnema sylvestre, inhibited
oleic acid absorption. The effect of gymnemate on obesity in Otsuka Long-Evans
Tokushima Fatty rat was investigated. Supplementation promoted
weight loss by its ability to reduce hyperlipidemia, which was no withdrawal
rebound: an important discovery.
Effects of a natural extract of hydroxycitric
acid (HCA-SX) and a combination of HCA-SX plus niacin-bound chromium and Gymnema
sylvestre extract on weight loss.
Diabetes Obes Metab. 2004; Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Satyanarayana S. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Georgetown University
Medical Center, Georgetown, Washington, DC, USA.
The efficacy of optimal doses of highly bioavailable hydroxycitric acid
(HCA-SX) alone and in combination with niacin-bound chromium (NBC) and a
standardized Gymnema sylvestre extract (GSE) on weight loss in moderately obese
subjects was evaluated by monitoring changes in body weight, body mass index
(BMI), appetite, lipid profiles, serum leptin and excretion of urinary fat
metabolites. HCA-SX has been shown to reduce appetite, inhibit fat synthesis and
decrease body weight without stimulating the central nervous system. NBC has
demonstrated its ability to maintain healthy insulin levels, while GSE has been
shown to regulate weight loss and blood sugar levels. A human study was conducted in Elluru, India for
8 weeks in 60 moderately obese subjects. Subjects were randomly divided into
three groups. Group A was administered HCA-SX 4667 mg, group B was administered
a combination of HCA-SX 4667 mg, NBC 4 mg and GSE 400 mg, while group C was
given placebo daily in three equally divided doses 30-60 min before meals. All
subjects received a 2000 kcal diet/day and participated in supervised walking.
At the end of 8 weeks, body weight and BMI decreased by 5-6% in both groups A
and B. Food intake, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides
and serum leptin levels were significantly reduced in both groups, while
high-density lipoprotein levels and excretion of urinary fat metabolites
increased in both groups. A marginal or non-significant effect was observed in
all parameters in group C. The present study shows that optimal doses of HCA-SX
and, to a greater degree, the combination of HCA-SX, NBC and Gymnema sylvestre
extract can serve as an effective and safe weight-loss formula that can
facilitate a reduction in excess body weight and BMI, while promoting healthy
blood lipid levels.
Decreased bodyweight without rebound and
regulated lipoprotein metabolism by gymnemate in genetic multifactor syndrome
animal.
Mol Cell Biochem. 2007; Luo H, Kashiwagi A, Yamada K.
Department of Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Science, Division of Medical
Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.
The aim of this work was to find obesity control method without rebound. In our
previous studies, gymnemate extracted from Gymnema sylvestre, inhibited oleic
acid absorption. The effect of gymnemate on obesity in rats was investigated.
Supplementation with gymnemate promoted weight loss by its ability to reduce
hyperlipidemia, which was no withdrawal rebound: an important discovery.
Supplementation with gymnemate is a novel therapeutic tool for weight
management, especially in multifactor syndrome.
Gymnema safety and side effects
A one year study on rodents did not show any
toxicity. Limited human studies also confirm its safety when used for
about a year or two. Doctors in India who have extensive experience with this
herb have not
mentioned any major side effects with its use.
No major side effects have been reported in the medical literature as of March 2014 when used by itself.
Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract: a 52-week dietary toxicity study in
Wistar rats
Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health
Sciences, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo,
Japan.
A 52-week study of oral-repeated-dose toxicity for the extraction powder of
Gymnema sylvestre, Indian-native genus, Metaplexis japonica, was conducted in
both genders of Wistar rats. The rats were administered a graded dose of the
plant at 0.01, 0.10 and 1% of basal powder diet, along with a group fed solely
with the basal powder diet without gymnema. At 26 weeks, for an
intermediate examination, and 52 weeks, for the final examination, animals were
subjected to hematology, serum chemistry, and pathological examination. None of
the animals died in the period up to 52 weeks. No exposure-related changes in
body-weight, in the food consumption, in the hematological examinations, or in
the serum biochemical examinations were recognized. No histopathological
alterations were seen. Thus, it was concluded that there was no toxic effect in
rats treated with gymnema at up to 1% in the diet for 52 weeks.
How is the herb available
Gymnema Sylvestre extract is often standardized
to 25% gymnemic acids. Each tablet or capsule usually has between 200 to 300 mg and most
users take one or two pills a day with breakfast or lunch.
You can buy gymnema in the form of capsules or tablets sold by a number of online
companies and health food stores. There are dozens of products on the market in
different dosages and extract concentrations. Here are some examples:
Gymnema Sylvestre 400 mg (leaf) 60 tablets
Gymnema Leaf Standardized Extract 25% 260 mg, 60 capsules.
Chemical constituents from the leaves
Gymnemic acids are
the primary constituents.
Gymnemagenin is the deacylated aglycone of gymnemic acid.
Chemical constituents from the stem of Gymnema sylvestre
herb
Zhong Yao Cai. 2008;
Research on chemical constituents from stem of Gymnema sylvestre
College of Pharmaceutical,
Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, Nanning, China.
Eight compounds
were isolated and identified as fallows: Conduritol A, 1-Heptadecanol,
Stigmasterol glucoside, 1-Quercitol, 1-Octadecanol, Potassium nitrate, Lupeol
cinnamate, Stigmasterol.
Summary
and review
Gymnema Sylvestre extract may help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels when
used as part of a healthy diet. It has been used traditionally in India for
centuries and has been shown in research to support healthy glucose metabolism
by mediation of insulin release and activity and enhancement of healthy
pancreatic function. Perhaps some diabetics may be able to reduce their required
dosage of blood sugar lowering medications, but a few more studies would be
helpful to confirm these early promises.
There are a number of natural supplements potentially useful for
diabetes including
cinnamon , nopal (prickly
pear), American ginseng,
chromium, banaba, psyllium, alpha lipoic acid,
fenugreek herb, and
bitter melon. The best way to use these supplements or how to combine them and
in what dosages remains to be investigated. In the meantime, some patients, in
consultation with their doctors, are trying these options one a time to see how
each supplement influences their blood sugar levels.
Biomed Res Int. 2014. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Gymnema sylvestre: An Important Medicinal Plant. Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae), popularly known as "gurmar" for its distinct property as sugar destroyer, is a reputed herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. The phytoconstituents responsible for sweet suppression activity includes triterpene saponins known as gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, and a polypeptide, gurmarin. The herb exhibits a broad range of therapeutic effects as an effective natural remedy for diabetes, besides being used for arthritis, diuretic, anemia, osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia, cardiopathy, asthma, constipation, microbial infections, indigestion, and anti-inflammatory. G. sylvestre has good prospects in the treatment of diabetes as it shows positive effects on blood sugar homeostasis, controls sugar cravings, and promotes regeneration of pancreas. The herbal extract is used in dietary supplements since it reduces body weight, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and holds great prospects in dietary as well as pharmacological applications. This review explores the transition of a traditional therapeutic to a modern contemporary medication with an overview of phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the herb and its phytoconstituents.
Animal studies
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014. Pretreatment of Gymnema
sylvestre revealed the protection against acetic acid-induced ulcerative
colitis in rats. GS leaves extract showed significant amelioration of
experimentally induced colitis, which may be attributed to its
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property.
Other products on the market
buy
Gymnema Sylvestre extract, 400 mg, 90 Tablets
Supplement Facts:
Serving Size: 1 Tablet
Gymnema Leaf 400 mg
Suggested Use: 2 gymnema tablets daily. Take 1 tablet after breakfast, and 1 after
dinner, or as recommended by your health care professional.
Now Foods, Gymnema Sylvestre, 400 mg, 90 Veggie Caps
Gymnema Sylvestre has been used traditionally in India for centuries and has
been shown in research to support healthy glucose metabolism by mediation of
insulin release and activity and enhancement of healthy pancreatic function.
In addition to active saponin ingredients called gymnemic acids, the herb contains a number of
other saponins,anthraquinones, and flavonoid compounds including
kaempferol and quercetin.
Buy gymnema
| Supplement Facts | ||
| Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule | ||
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value | |
| Gymnema sylvestre Extract (Leaves) (GS4 PLUS) (6:1) (Standardized to Gymnemic Acids) |
400 mg | * |
| *Daily Value not established. | ||