Gymnema Sylvestre – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Composition And More

What Is Gymnema Sylvestre?

Gymnema Sylvestre is a kind of perennial woody vine local to Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has a wide application in Ayurvedic medicine. The common names of gymnema sylvestre is gymnema, Australian cowplant, and Periploca of the woods. The leaves and extracts of Gymnema Sylvestre consist of gymnemic acids, which are the major bioactive constituents.

These interact with taste receptors on the tongue to suppress the taste of sweetness in the body temporarily. The gymnema sylvestre plant is a climber with leaves having soft hairs on the upper surface. The leaves of gymnema sylvestre are elongated and oval. It has a small, yellow, umbelliferous inflorescence that is produced throughout the year.

Gymnema Sylvestre Chemical Constituents

The leaves of gymnema sylvestre consists of chemical constituents such as triterpenoid saponins, flavonols, and gurmarin. The major biologically active plant molecules found are gymnemic acids, a class of triterpenoid saponins, which have the effect of suppressing the taste of sweetness on the tongue from sucrose (sugar), stevia, xylitol, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.

The sweet-blocking effect of gymnema sylvestre lasts from 15 to 50 minutes and may even persist for a few hours. Gymnemic acids generally have no long-term effects on taste, and they do not influence bitter, salty, or sour taste sensations.

Gymnema sylvestre leaves consist of triterpene saponins, which belong to the oleanane and dammarene classes. Oleanane saponins are basically gymnemic acids and gymnemasaponins, while dammarene saponins are gymnemasides.

Apart from this, other plant constituents are flavones, anthraquinones, hentri-acontane, pentatriacontane, α and β-chlorophylls, phytin, resins, d-quercitol, tartaric acid, formic acid, butyric acid, lupeol, β-amyrin related glycosides and stigmasterol. Leaves of this species yield acidic glycosides and anthraquinones and their derivatives.

Gymnema Sylvestre Preparation

Gymnema sylvestre, also known as gurmar in Hindi, can be prepared in several ways depending on the result desired.

• Leaves: To harvest the leaves and flowers, hands are used; a knife or a sickle can also be helpful. Spread the leaves out thinly in the shade for 7–8 days to dry, ensuring good airflow and avoiding direct sunlight. A plant that is 3–4 years old can produce 5–6 kg of dried leaves.
• Tea: Traditionally, people have made tea from the leaves or chewed them directly. Gymnema sylvestre tea is commonly used to control appetite and support weight loss.
• Extract: To extract gymnemic acid from the plant, one method involves crushing the plant material and soaking it in 30–90% ethanol multiple times. The liquid is then filtered, and the ethanol is removed through ultrafiltration. Another method involves dissolving the extract in water, adjusting the pH with hydrochloric acid to precipitate gymnemic acid, and then stirring and drying it. The crude and raw gymnemic acid can be purified by recrystallizing it in a mixture of ethyl acetate and acetone.
• Other Forms: Gymnema sylvestre is also available in powder, tablet, or capsule form. Tablets and capsules are useful for ensuring accurate dosing and avoiding the risk of taking too much.

Gymnema Sylvestre Mother Tincture

Gymnema Sylvestre mother tincture is a homeopathic medicine that helps regulate blood sugar levels and is useful in cases of poisonous snake bites. It also has immune-boosting properties. Made from the gurmar plant, also known as the sugar destroyer, this mother tincture of gymnema sylvestre can help in increasing insulin secretion and lowering blood sugar levels. The key ingredients of gymnema sylvestre mother tincture are the extract of perennial woody vine, ethanol, and water.

Here are some benefits of gymnema sylvestre mother tincture:

• Gymnemic acids block sweetness receptors on taste buds, helping reduce sweet food intake.
• It also boosts insulin release from the pancreas.
• Supports the regeneration of pancreatic islet cells responsible for insulin production.
• Assists in managing and maintaining a healthy weight.

Benefits Of Gymnema Sylvestre

The gymnema sylvestre plant offers many health benefits, such as helping to reduce sugar cravings and lower high blood sugar levels. It is also helpful in fighting inflammation, supporting weight loss, and lowering bad or LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Here are some key benefits of gymnema sylvestre:

• Reduces Sugar Cravings: Gymnema sylvestre is found to decrease sugar cravings in the body and slow down the absorption of sugar and fat in the body. This is helpful in managing obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The active chemical compound in gymnema sylvestre is gymnemic acid, which particularly blocks sweet tastes without affecting other tastes. It can also reduce the desire for sugary foods, although the effect lasts for about an hour.
• Boosts Insulin Production: Diabetes is a common condition observed in people where the body struggles to produce or use insulin in the right way. Gymnema sylvestre may help people to increase insulin production by promoting cell growth in the pancreas, where insulin is formed.
• Lowers Sugar Absorption: Gymnema Sylvestre also reduces the amount of sugar absorbed in the intestines, which helps control blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes or prediabetes. Consuming 200 to 400 mg of gymnemic acid daily might lower glucose absorption in the intestines. Gymnema sylvestre supplements can also significantly reduce fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Blocks Fat Absorption: Gymnema sylvestre also prevents the absorption of fats, helping to lower the bad LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. The gymnema sylvestre supplements significantly reduce the triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Lowers Blood Pressure: Gymnema sylvestre supplements may also help reduce high blood pressure, but the real mechanism still needs to be well researched. Studies suggest that gymnema sylvestre can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which contribute to lowering blood pressure. Additionally, compounds in gymnema sylvestre may increase the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow, potentially reducing blood pressure.

What Does Gymnema Sylvestre Treat?

Gymnema sylvestre is a plant used for treating various health issues like diabetes, stomach problems, and malaria. It is also best known for lowering blood sugar and fat levels.
Here are some common medical conditions that are treated by gymnema sylvestre:

• Diabetes: Gymnema sylvestre helps in managing diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels, curbing sugar cravings, and supporting the pancreas. It addresses the root cause of insulin resistance and lower triglyceride levels in the blood. It is advised to be cautious if you’re taking diabetes medication, as combining it with gymnema sylvestre might cause your blood sugar to drop too low. Always monitor your levels and consult your doctor before using it.
• Obesity: Gymnema sylvestre assists with weight control by lowering body weight, blood cholesterol, and triglycerides. It also helps reduce fat around internal organs and can prevent weight gain.
• Arthritis and Inflammation: It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be effective in managing arthritis.
• Anemia and Bone Health: It is also used to treat anemia and support bone health in conditions like osteoporosis.

Gymnema Sylvestre Homeopathic Uses

Gymnema sylvestre is a medicinal plant that has been used in homeopathic medicine for various purposes for a long time in history. The functioning of the plant is still in discussion and its effects are still being researched.

• Diabetes management: It increases the secretion of insulin from the pancreas through the consumption of gymnema sylvestre to help regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the absorption of glucose in the intestines. Homeopathic gymnema sylvestre preparations are often used to control symptoms like that of diabetes, such as excessive urination, excessive thirst, and fatigue.
• Weight management: It is used to help suppress the taste of the food which is sweet, which can be beneficial for people trying to lose weight or manage their sugar intake. Homeopathic gymnema sylvestre is used as a supplement in dietary and lifestyle changes.
• Detoxification and liver support: Gymnema sylvestre is used in detoxification and homeopathic medicine to support liver health. It metabolizes the liver and removes toxins from the body, which is beneficial for the patient’s overall health and well-being.
• Cardiovascular support: Gymnema sylvestre is widely used to support cardiovascular health. It lowers cholesterol levels and improves blood circulation, which helps with heart-related medical conditions.
• Respiratory support: Gymnema sylvestre consists of mild expectorant properties, which may help to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract, and hence supports respiratory health.

Gymnema Sylvestre Dosage

The appropriate dosage of gymnema sylvestre varies based on multiple factors, such as age, overall health, and medical conditions to be treated. There is no universally established specified safe and effective dose. It is always advised to follow your doctor’s advice or the instructions on the product label. Gymnema sylvestre is generally considered safe when used as instructed.

• Tea: Boil dried leaves of gymnema sylvestre for five minutes and steep for 15 minutes. The tea has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. It is suggested that adding sweeteners may reduce its effectiveness.
• Powder: Start with 2 grams (2,000 mg) and gradually increase to 4 grams (4,000 mg) as tolerated and suggested by the doctor.
• Capsules or tablets: Take 100 mg three to four times daily.
• For sugar-blocking effects: Take gymnema sylvestre supplements five to 10 minutes before consuming high-sugar foods.
• Be cautious, as high doses of gymnema sylvestre can cause liver toxicity. There has been at least one report of drug-induced hepatitis in an adult with diabetes.

Gymnema Sylvestre Dosage For Adults

For adults, the dosage of gymnema sylvestre varies depending on multiple factors, like on the form in which it is taken and the specific health condition being treated. It is advised to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it if needed while monitoring your body’s response.

• Generally, 100 mg to 400 mg of gymnema sylvestre tablets or pellets are taken one to three times per day.
• 2 to 4 grams of powdered leaves of gymnema sylvestre can be taken daily.
• 1 to 2 cups of gymnema sylvestre tea is taken per day, using 1 to 2 grams of dried leaves per cup.

Gymnema Sylvestre Dosage For Children

The dosage of gymnema sylvestre for children should be approached with caution, as there is limited research on its safety and efficacy for this age group. At the early stage, it is mostly avoided to give gymnema sylvestre to children, but when recommended in severe conditions, it should be given under the strict supervision of a health care professional. The doctors will determine the appropriate dosage based on the child’s age, weight, and specific health needs.

• A lower dose, such as 25 mg to 100 mg of tablets or capsules of Gymnema sylvestre, can be given per day to the children.
• Small amounts of gymnema sylvestre powdered leaves or tea are given that are adjusted to suit the child’s size and tolerance.

Who Should Avoid Gymnema Sylvestre?

Gymnema sylvestre is mostly considered safe when used in appropriate doses, but there are certain individuals who should avoid or use caution when taking it.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is less research work done on the performance of Gymnema sylvestre while consumed by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Hence, it is advised for them to avoid the intake.
• Children: It is mostly avoided to give gymnema sylvestre to children due to lack of proper research on the safety and appropriate dosage.
• Individuals with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Gymnema sylvestre can be used to lower blood sugar levels. Individuals with a history of hypoglycemia or who are taking diabetes medications should consult with their doctors before using Gymnema sylvestre, as it may interact with their other medical treatments and further lower blood sugar, which could be dangerous for them.
• Individuals with kidney or liver disease: Gymnema sylvestre is majorly metabolized by the liver and kidneys. People having impaired kidney or liver function may be at a higher risk of adverse effects and should avoid using it unless under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Side Effects And Risks Of Using Gymnema Sylvestre

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Gymnema sylvestre can possibly lower blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes or those taking diabetes medications. This can lead to hypoglycemic episodes, which can be dangerous if not properly managed.
• Gastrointestinal issues: In some rare cases, people may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, when taking Gymnema sylvestre.
• Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may observe allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, or difficulty breathing, while consuming gymnema sylvestre.
• Interactions with medications: Gymnema sylvestre may interact with certain medications, such as diabetes medications, blood thinners, and antidepressants. This can enhance or reduce the effectiveness of these medications or increase the risk of complications.

References

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gymnema-sylvestre-benefits
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2170951/#:~:text=Gymnema%20sylvestre%20is%20regarded%20as,acids%20termed%20as%20gymnemic%20acids.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/gymnema-sylvestre-4692940
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/gymnema-sylvestre
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnema_sylvestre

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