What Is Gymnema Sylvestris?

There is a strong link between diabetes and obesity, as many diabetics are also overweight or obese. There is a growing trend to treat or prevent these health problems using compounds derived or extracted from plants. Gymnema sylvestris is one such plant. Its leaves may have anti-obesity and anti-diabetes properties.

Identification

Gymnema sylvestre is a plant that can be found in tropical forests. It's most commonly found in portions of southern and central India, Gymnema.org explains, and has a history of being used as an herbal remedy in these areas. It also can be found in some tropical forests within Africa.

Uses

Gymnema sylvestre is most commonly used as an alternative remedy for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. This medication is thought to be able to inhibit the absorption of sugar in the intestines, which can help treat diabetes and obesity. It can also stimulate the pancreas to increase the secretion of insulin, according to a 2007 article published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition titled "Gymnema sylvestre: A Memoir." Type 2 diabetes is marked by the muscle, fat and liver tissue being resistant to the effects of insulin, resulting in increased blood sugar. By stimulating insulin secretion by the pancreas, Gymnema sylvestre could help counteract this problem and lower blood sugar.

Active Ingredients

The chemicals that are thought to be responsible for the anti-diabetic activity of Gymnema sylvestre are known as gymnemic acids. These acids, which come in several different forms, are similar in structure to glucose molecules, the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition says. Gymnema leaves also contain other chemicals, known as gymnemasaponins and gymnemasides, which may also be able to treat diabetes and obesity.

Formulations

The main way in which Gymnema sylvestre can be administered to patients is via derivatives of its leaves. In some cases, the leaves can be processed to make an extract, though powdered leaves can also be used. The leaves can also be ground up and used as part of a tea formulation. In all cases, Gymnema sylvestre should be taken orally.

Clinical Research

The effects of Gymnema sylvestre were studied in a 2000 article in the Journal of Asian Natural Product Research, titled "Antihyperglycemic effects of gymnemic acid IV, a compound derived from Gymnema sylvestre leaves in streptozotocin-diabetic mice." This study, which used mice that had been genetically modified to have some of the same physiology of diabetic humans, found that one of the gymnemic acids found in Gymnema sylvestre leaves was able to lower blood glucose levels by increasing insulin levels. Another study, cited by Amruta Herbals, found that Gymnema sylvestre was able to lower blood glucose levels in humans. However, there is not enough evidence to support the therapeutic use of this plant.