Gymnema sylvestre is an herb native to the tropical forests of southern and central India where it has been used as a naturopathic treatment for diabetes over a period of nearly two millennia. It is also known by other common names such as Periploca Of The Woods, Gudmar (Literally meaning Destroyer of Sugar in Hindi language) and in ancient Sanskrit as Meshashringi, Vishani & Madhunashini.
The leaves of Gymnema Sylvestre are extremely beneficial in regulating diabetes so much so that in due course the patients can stop using conventional chemical drugs that are given under medication. It has been acknowledged by various research studies that the leaves of this unique plant can increase insulin secretion, which assists the body to control the blood sugar level.
In experimental and clinical trials, Gymnema sylvestre has been successful in controlling the blood sugar level without reducing it to below the normal blood sugar levels, an effect sometimes seen with the use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic sulphonylurea compounds.
The roots and leaves have the supposed potential to reduce the body weight & to help gain a healthier diet. This is because the herb has the property to induce an aversion to the desire for consuming sweets. This brings down the sugar intake habits thereby reducing the body weight. This plant is also used for controlling obesity in the form of Gymnema tea made by using the decoction of its leaves.
The herb’s active ingredient, gymnemic acid, is extracted from leaves and roots, and helps to lower and balance blood sugar levels. The unique shape of gymnemic acid molecules are similar to that of glucose, allowing it to fill cell receptors in the lining the intestines, thereby preventing uptake of sugar molecules. It is these gymnemic acids that possess antidiabetic, antisweetener and anti-inflammatory activities.
The metabolic effect of sugar is reduced by gymnema and it prevents the intestine from absorbing excessive sugar molecules during digestion. However the diabetic syndrome mechanisms are different for different people. Hypoglycemic effects of gymnema sylvestre are noticed in only few of the diabetic patients unlike insulin or oral hypoglycemic compounds, which is confirmed by scientific studies.
This is the reason that gymnema herb is beneficial for both the insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and the non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) cases.
Apart from gymnemic acid, this herb also includes saponins, quercitol, and the amino acid derivatives like betain, trimethylamine and choline.
The herb has the potential to be used in the capacity of a stomachic, diuretic, refrigerant, astringent and tonic. It is known from the ayurvedic medical scriptures that gymnema has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes since more than 2500 years ago. The leaves are also quite useful for curing stomach ailments, constipation and liver disease.
While it is still being studied, and the effects of the herb are not entirely known, the herb has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when used for an extended period of time. Additionally, Gymnema reduces the taste of sugar when it is placed in the mouth, thus some use it to fight sugar cravings as mentioned above.
It is currently being used in most natural medications for diabetes with other ingredients such as cinnamon, chromium, zinc, biotin, banaba plant, huckleberry and bitter melon.
The active ingredient is thought to be gurmenic acid, which has a structure similar to saccharose. Extracts of Gymnema is not only claimed to curb sweet tooth but also for treatment of as varied problems as hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anemia and digestion. According to the Sushruta of the Ayurveda it helps to treat Madhumeha i.e. glycosuria.
Along with a healthy diet and exercise, gymnema sylvestre can be a helpful addition to your weight-loss plan. Note that it builds up in the system over a few weeks time becoming more effective. Since it is recommended that gymnema sylvestre be taken with each meal, it is better to get a lower-milligram capsule that can be taken three times a day to reach the full daily suggested dose.
this article has Such a great information about herb. thanks for sharing .
Herbs are wonderful gift of God, which are very useful in many manners, Whether it is beauty or medicine, herbs play an important and effective role.
Thoughtful post.I’ll Thanks for posting
The weakness for diabetes can be inherited so it is important to strengthen the pancreas gland, digestive system and colon. Thanks for the great info.