Gymnema
Sylvestre
Gymnema is a plant used medicinally in
India and Southeast Asia for treatment of “sweet urine” or what we refer to in
the West as diabetes or hyperglycemia. In ancient Indian texts, gymnema is
referred to as gurmar, which means “sugar killer” in Sanskrit. Gymnema leaves,
whether extracted or infused into a tea, suppress glucose absorption and reduce
the sensation of sweetness in foods - effects which may deliver important health
benefits for individuals who want to reduce blood sugar levels or body weight.
The botanical name of Gymnema is Gymnema Sylvestre. It is also known as Gurmar,
Gurmabooti, Ram’s Horn, Periploca of the woods and Meshasringi.
It is known as Periploca of the woods in English and Meshasringi - meaning ram’s
horn - in Sanskrit. The leaves, when chewed, effectively block sweet tastes in
the mouth which explains the Hindi name Gurmar meaning “sugar destroyer”.
A member of the milkweed family Gymnema Sylvestre is a woody climbing plant that
grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India, Deccan peninsula,
Assam, and some parts of Africa whose leaves are used in herbal medicine
preparations.

History
Indian physicians first used Gymnema to treat diabetes almost 2,000 years
ago. The primary application was for adult-onset diabetes, a condition for a
condition once described as “honey urine and is continued to be recommended
today in India. The leaves were also used for stomach ailments, constipation,
water retention, and liver disease.
In the 1920s, preliminary scientific studies found some evidence that Gymnema
leaves can reduce blood sugar levels, but nothing much came of this observation
for decades. Today, Gymnema has become increasingly popular in the United States
as a supportive treatment for diabetes.
Active constituents:
Plant constituents include two resins (one soluble in alcohol), gymnemic acids,
tartaric acid, gurmarin, calcium oxalate, glucose, saponins, stigmasterol,
quercitol, and the amino acid derivatives betaine, choline and trimethylamine.
Gymnema Sylvestre is a stomachic, diuretic, refrigerant, astringent, and tonic.
It has been found to increase urine output and reduce hyperglycemia in both
animal and human studies.

Usage Gymnema sylvestre
Blood Sugar
The main focus of gymnema research is blood sugar regulation and glucose
metabolism. It has been used in India for treatment of diabetes for about 2000
years. Today in India it is being used to treat primarily type II diabetes and
type I as well. The herb has shown to reduce blood sugar, glycosylated
haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins when used for 18-20 months [1]. The
effect is gradual rather than immediate with conventional drugs. The active
components responsible for lowering glucose are the gymnemic acids.

Weight Loss
Gymnema could also reduce and alter the taste of sugar, and it does just
that. By placing the herb on your tongue or drinking the tea, the perception of
sugar or aspartame is reduced or eliminated completely. That may come in handy
if you want to deter a binge on chocolate cheesecake. Some articles state that
this is not true so I tried it myself by breaking open a capsule and placing a
small amount in my mouth. It did indeed eliminate the perception of sugar. The
effect lasted for about 15 minutes as I sampled other foods and drinks. Sweet
Relief gum is available which contains gymnema.

Unproven Uses
Gymnema has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on
scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in
humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness.
Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially serious and
even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before using
Gymnema for any unproven use.

>> Aphrodisiac
>> Cardiovascular disease
>> Cholesterol reduction
>> Constipation
>> Cough
>> Digestive stimulant
>> Diuretic
>> Gout
>> High blood pressure Laxative
>> Liver disease
>> Liver protection
>> Malaria
>> Obesity
>> Rheumatic arthritis
>> Snakebite antidote
>> Stomach disorders
>> Uterine stimulant

General Interaction
Gymnema may alter the dosage needed for other drugs commonly used to treat
diabetes, including glipizide, metformin, and insulin resulting in hypoglycemia.

Cautions
Gymnema has safely been used for decades in various countries. Careful long-term
studies on its safety have not been done so far, however.
Consult your doctor about your desire to supplement your diabetes regimen with
Gymnema.

Ailments Dosage

Diabetes: 150 mg twice a day
Warnings: Gymnema should not be taken in place of insulin. It could potentially
lower blood sugar too much, resulting in a hypoglycemic reaction. If you have
been diagnosed with diabetes and wish to use Gymnema consult your physician
first. It should not be used as a substitute, only a supplement to your current
therapy.

Allergies
People allergic to plants in the Asclepiadaceae (milkweed) family should
avoid Gymnema.
Side Effects: Gymnema may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you
are also taking prescription drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients
taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by
their health care provider while using Gymnema. Dosing adjustments may be
necessary. Gymnema may alter the ability to taste sweet foods.
Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding: Gymnema cannot be recommended during pregnancy or
breast-feeding because of a lack of information on safety and effectiveness.
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Herbs and Nutrition Supplement Research -

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The craving for sugar many people suffer is a common addiction in today’s society where sugary foods are easily available and cheap as well. However sugar craving is not just a lack of willpower like many people think, the reason the body craves sweet food can be traced back to dietary problems that cause physical withdrawal symptoms.
Source: ezinearticles.com