herbs - Gymnema -  (Gymnema sylvestre)

What is it?

Gymnema is sometimes called gurmur or gurmurbooti in Hindi, meaning sugar destroyer, which is relevant as the leaves when chewed reduce the ability to taste sweet foods. The plant is native to India where it grows in the tropical rainforests, and it is the leaves that are used in herbal medicine.

Action

The leaves of Gymnema contain gymnemic acid and gurmarin, which do affect the ability to taste sweet foods, however the leaves also have the ability to lower blood sugar levels. It is thought to do this in two ways. Firstly by regenerating insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas, which encourages insulin production and secondly by improving glucose uptake into the cells of the body. Constituents in Gymnema leaves also demonstrate cholesterol-lowering properties. 

Uses

Our experts recommend Gymnema for:

• Diabetes – both type 1 and type 2

Other information

Gymnena is often used as a herb for regulating blood-sugar levels and improving insulin response. It has much history in India for use in the treatment of digestive disorders and fluid retention. It may also be of use at lowering high cholesterol levels. Gymnema is available mainly as tablets, but is sometimes found as a tincture.

Cautions

• Generally there are no side effects from using Gymnema.



• Until more is known about Gymnema, it is best avoided during pregnancy or lactation.



• If you are diabetic, it is best to work closely with your health-care professional before using Gymnema, as you will need close monitoring, and dosages of blood sugar-lowering drugs (insulin, glipizide, glyburide) may need to be adjusted.



• When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with gymnena.

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