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Gymnema Sylvestre - Helps to Normal Blood Sugar level
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.
NUTROVITA.COM
About the author:
Herbs and Nutrition Supplement Research
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