Gymnema sylvestre

An Overview on Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre or Gurmar is a herb which is native to the tropical forests of India. ^{[1, 2]} For more than 200 years, this herb is an India folk favorite for normalizing blood sugar levels and boosting up insulin production. ^{[3, 4]} Gymnema sylvestre is appropriately nicknamed as “the sugar destroyer”. ^[3] The leaves of Gymnema can deaden the feeling of sweetness on chewing. ^[3] Now it stands on firm position that more practitioners optimistically recommend Gymnema sylvestre to glucose sensitive people. ^[3] According to many health conscious people Gymnema is a positive means of shutting the door of sweets, losing weight and providing the favorable dietary plan. ^[3]

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Constituents of Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre contains major bioactive component called gymnemic acid which has ability to block the sensations of sweetness. ^{[1, 2]} Gymnemic acid contains gymnemic acids I-VII, gymnemosides & gymnemasaponins. ^[2] Gymnemic acid has some properties like it has anti-sweet activity, lowers blood sugar levels, and also reduces redness and soreness. ^[2] Researchers have been studying Gymnema sylvestre since long time to find out an association among its bioactive components and their potentially connected abilities to help make living with high blood sugar with a more controllable reality. ^[3]

Promising Studies on Gymnema sylvestre

Various studies suggest that gymnema appears to moderately lower blood sugar levels. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4]} After taking gymnema for several months many participants exhibit a drastic increase in pancreatic insulin production which is helpful in normalizing blood sugar levels. ^[3] Researchers revealed that Gymnema sylvestre shows remarkable promise in managing blood sugar. ^[3]

Health Benefits of Gymnema sylvestre

Effects on Blood Sugar Levels

Numerous researches have found that Gymnema sylvestre may improve blood sugar levels ^{[3, 5]} and may alter the ability to sense sweet tastes. ^[5] Gymnema sylvestre extract exerts its beneficial effects in maintaining blood sugar control. ^[1]

High Cholesterol Levels

There is an association in the capability of Gymnema sylvestre to reduce sugar snack cravings, which might be able to reduce bad cholesterol levels. ^{[1, 3]}

Favorable Effects on Weight Loss

Overabundance of sugar is one of the worst things a person can do when trying to lose weight or retain lean physique. Gymnema sylvestre has favorable effects on obesity and help curb the cravings. ^{[1, 3]}

Other Health Benefits of Gymnema sylvestre

Besides the positive effects of Gymnema sylvestre on blood sugar, blood cholesterol levels and obesity the bioactive ingredient of gymnemic acid is also thought to exhibit its favorable effects on red blood cell production and digestion. ^[2]

References:

1. Michael T. Murray, N.D. (1995) The Healing Power Of Herbs. (Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition) Page No. 358, 359. New York: Gramercy Books.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnema_sylvestre
3. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 93, 94, 95. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.
4. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 166. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
5. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/diabetes-000049.htm

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.