Gymnema sylvestre is a medicinal plant often used in traditional wellness practices to support diabetes management. It contains active compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels, stimulate insulin production, and improve sugar metabolism.
This plant is rich in gurmarin, gymnemic acid, and gymnemasaponins, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Many people also incorporate this herbal supplement into their routines to help manage weight and reduce sugar cravings.
Commonly known as Gurmar, Gymnema sylvestre is available in natural health stores and through compounding pharmacies. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified herbalist before beginning use.
Health benefits
The main health benefits of Gymnema sylvestre include:
1. Reducing blood sugar
Gymnema sylvestre is rich in gurmarins, gymnemic acid, gymnemasaponins, and stigmasterol, with hypoglycemic action that reduces the absorption of sugar from food by the intestines, helping to reduce blood sugar levels.
In this way, this medicinal plant can be used to assist in the treatment of diabetes and pre-diabetes.
2. Helping in the control of diabetes
Gymnema sylvestre possesses antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that help stimulate the regeneration of beta cells in the pancreas and, thus, increase insulin production.
Consequently, Gymnema sylvestre helps reduce blood glucose levels and control diabetes.
3. Promoting weight loss
The gymnemic acid present in Gymnema sylvestre can also help with weight loss, as it changes the taste of sweet foods and helps reduce appetite and the desire for sweets, leading to a lower intake of calories throughout the day.
Therefore, Gymnema sylvestre can help in the treatment of obesity or being overweight.
4. Lowering cholesterol
The extract from Gymnema sylvestre leaves is rich in flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, with antioxidant and hypolipidemic actions that help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, while increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
5. Assisting in the treatment of arthritis
Gymnema sylvestre in the form of an aqueous or alcoholic extract can help reduce the release of inflammatory substances, potentially being useful in assisting the treatment of arthritis.
6. Eliminating fungi and bacteria
Some laboratory studies have shown that the alcoholic extract of Gymnema sylvestre leaves possesses antimicrobial action against microorganisms such as E. coli, B. cereus, C. albicans, and C. kefir.
This property of Gymnema sylvestre may help fight infections; however, more studies are still needed to prove this benefit.
How to use
The leaves of the Gymnema sylvestre plant are the primary part used to create various medicinal forms, including teas, capsules, and tinctures.
1. Gymnema sylvestre tea
This tea is often used for its glucose-lowering properties to help manage blood sugar levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 dessert spoon of dried Gymnema sylvestre leaves
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation
Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and add the dried leaves. Let the tea steep for about 10 minutes, strain it, and drink up to three times a day once it has cooled.
2. Gymnema sylvestre capsules
Capsules are a common way to ensure a consistent dosage of the herb.
Dosage: The standard recommendation is one 400 mg capsule taken twice daily. For best results, take the capsule 15 minutes before your two largest meals, such as lunch and dinner.
3. Gymnema sylvestre aqueous extract
A 20% aqueous extract is frequently sold as a spray to help curb a "sweet tooth."
Dosage: Use two sprays under the tongue whenever you experience a strong craving for sugary foods or snacks.
4. Gymnema sylvestre tincture
Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts that can be easily added to water.
Dosage: Dilute 20 to 30 drops of the tincture in 8 ounces of water. This mixture is typically taken twice a day before lunch and dinner.
Possible side effects
While generally considered safe for many, common side effects include a temporary change in taste perception, headaches, nausea, tremors, or dizziness. Because the plant is effective at lowering blood glucose, Gymnema sylvestre can potentially cause hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
Additionally, excessive doses may lead to liver toxicity, so it is crucial to stick to the recommended amounts.
Who should not use it
Gymnema sylvestre is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or those who are breastfeeding. It should also be avoided by individuals with pre-existing liver disease.
Diabetics must consult their doctor before using this supplement, as it can interact with prescription medications and significantly increase the risk of hypoglycemia. You should stop using this supplement at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery and avoid continuous use of Gymnema sylvestre for longer than 20 months.