Gymnema Sylvestre

The herb Gymnema is traditionally known in India as  "gurmar" (the sugar destroyer). For the past 1800 years, Ayurvedic physicians have used a combination of diet and Gymnema leaf to help support normal blood sugar levels. The key component of Gymnema - gymnemic acid - mimics glucose molecules, numbing receptor sites on your tongue. And even better, research shows Gymnema has the similar effect internally, by supporting the normal function of the specialized cells for sugar taste within the intestinal walls.

Key Benefits

• Supports normal appetite level
• Supports normal blood glucose levels and triglycerides
• A great choice for athletes and weight-conscious individuals
• Supports proper function of the pancreas
• Helps to maintain blood sugar levels that are already within the normal range 

Gymnema

• Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that comes from India. Its name means “sugar destroyer.”
• A 2013 review found that people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who took gymnema showed signs of improvement.
• In people with type 1 diabetes who took the leaf extract for 18 months, fasting blood sugar levels fell significantly, compared with a group who received only insulin.

Other tests found that people with type 2 diabetes responded well to both the leaf and its extract over various periods. Some people had lower blood sugar levels and higher insulin levels.

Using either the ground leaf or leaf extract may be beneficial. But speak with a healthcare professional beforehand.

Gymnema

• Gymnema sylvestre is an herb used as a diabetes treatment in the Ayurvedic tradition of India. The Hindu name for the plant — gurmar — means “sugar destroyer” (6Trusted Source).
• In one study, people with type 2 diabetes taking 400 mg of gymnema leaf extract daily for 18–20 months experienced a 29% decrease in fasting blood sugar. A1C decreased from 11.9% at the start of the study to 8.48% (24Trusted Source).
• Further research suggests that this herb may help lower fasting blood sugar and A1C in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes and may reduce cravings for sweets by suppressing the sweet-taste sensation in your mouth (25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).

How it works: Gymnema sylvestre may reduce sugar absorption in your gut and promote cells’ uptake of sugar from your blood. Due to its impact on type 1 diabetes, it’s suspected that Gymnema sylvestre may somehow aid insulin-producing cells in your pancreas (6Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).

Taking it: The suggested dose is 200 mg of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract twice a day with meals (24Trusted Source).

Precautions: Gymnema sylvestre can enhance the blood sugar effects of insulin, so use it only with a doctor’s guidance if you take insulin injections. It may also affect blood levels of some drugs, and one case of liver damage has been reported (27Trusted Source).

You can find gymnema sylvestre supplements online.

Summary Gymnema

• sylvestre may lower fasting blood sugar and A1C in both type 1 and type 2
• diabetes, though more research is needed. If you require insulin injections,
• it’s essential to consult your doctor before trying this supplement.

Gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema can reduce sugar cravings and help balance blood sugar. It is thought to block glucose receptors in the gut as well, preventing the absorption of sugar.

Do not take gymnema if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to milkweed, or taking antidepressants or medication for diabetes. You should also avoid it if you're taking St. John's Wort, willow bark, or aspirin. Be sure to consult your health care practitioner before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.