The ayurvedic herb Gymnema sylvestre is used in traditional medicine to control blood sugar levels and curb carbohydrate cravings (uncontrollable urges for sugary products).
What do studies say about Gynema sylvestre?
In one study, Gymnema supplementation reduced glucose excretion in urine and blood sugar in 85% of i. dependent (type 1) diabetics (1).
In another study, Gymnema lowered fasting blood glucose levels and the i. requirements of type I diabetics without causing hypoglycemia in non-diabetic controls. After two weeks' supplementation, Gymnema also significantly reduced postprandial glycemia (after a meal) and levels of glycated hemoglobin (a marker of glycation levels caused by excess blood sugar). Gymnema also decreased the level of medication needed to control blood sugar in type II (non-i. dependent) diabetics.
Even more significantly, Gymnema sylvestre improves the functionality, and seems to increase the number, of I.-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It is the only known substance to have such a regenerating effect, making it the product of choice for regulating glucose metabolism.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Daily serving: 3 tablets
Number of servings per bottle: 30 |
Quantity
per serving |
| Gymnema sylvestre extract standardized to contain 75% gymnemic acids |
1,500 mg |
| Other ingredient: acacia gum. |
Each tablet contains 500 mg Gymnema sylvestre extract standardized to contain 75% gymnemic acids.
Adults: Take 1 to 3 tablets a day, at mealtimes, as required or as advised by your therapist.
Precautions: do not exceed the recommended daily dose. This product is a nutritional supplement and should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Do not leave within the reach of young children. Keep away from light, heat, and humidity. As with any nutritional supplement, consult a health care practitioner before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have a health problem.
- Shapiro K, Gong WC. Natural Products Used for Diabetes.J Am Pharm Assoc. 2002;42:217-26.
- Porchezhian E, Dobriyal RM. An overview on the advances of Gymnema sylvestre: chemistry, pharmacology and patents.Pharmazie 2003 Jan;58(1):5-12.
- Grover JK, Yadav S, Vats V. Medicinal plants of India with anti-diabetic potential.J Ethnopharmacol 2002 Jun;81(1):81-100.
- Yeh GY, Eisenberg DM, et al. Systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements for glycemic control in diabetes.Diabetes Care 2003 Apr;26(4):1277-94.
- In vitro callus and in vivo leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre stimulate β-cells regeneration and anti-diabetic activity in Wistar rats. Ahmed AB, Rao AS, Rao MV. Phytomedicine. 2010 Nov;17(13):1033-9.
- Sahu N., Mahato S.B., Sarkar S.K., Poddar G. Triterpenoid Saponins from Gymnema sylvestre. Phytochem. 1996;41:1181–1185.
- Nakamura Y., Tsumura Y., Tonogai Y., Shibata T. Fecal steroid excretion is increased in rats by oral administration of gymnemic acids contained in Gymnema sylvestre leaves. J. Nutr. 1999; 129:1214–1222.
- Persaud SJ, Al-Majed H, Raman A, Jones PM, J Endocrinol. 1999 Nov; 163(2):207-12.
- M. Smith and A. M. Reynard, Essentials of Pharmacology, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, Pa, USA, 1995.
