Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is essential for maintaining the structure and function of cell membranes. It is also required for the formation of bile, adrenal hormones and corticosteroids. However, excessive amounts of cholesterol in the blood can lead to the formation of plaques, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and obesity often contribute to high cholesterol levels. Apart from a healthy lifestyle, several medications help manage cholesterol levels. Certain supplements and herbs such as Gymnema sylvestre may also help lower blood cholesterol levels.
About Gymnema Sylvestre
Gynmena sylvestre is a perennial, woody climber native to central and peninsular India. The leaves of the plant contain chemicals, such as gymnemic acid and gymnemasaponins, that are responsible for its medicinal value. G. sylvestre supplements are available as capsules, tablets and liquid extracts, and they have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, inflammation, obesity and high cholesterol. The dose and form depend on the age of the patient and the condition being treated.
How It Affects Cholesterol
The leaves of G. sylvestre may help lower blood cholesterol by causing increased excretion of the fat, according to an article published in the September 2007 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition." Some animal studies, such as the one published in a 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Pharmacology," reveal that G. sylvestre leaves possess significant antihyperlipidemic activity, especially against cholesterol. Another study in the November 2009 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that a compound known as dihydroxy gymnemic triacetate found in G. sylvestre can help lower blood cholesterol and sugar levels in diabetic animal models and could be used for long-term treatment.
Side Effects
The side effects and drug interactions of G. sylvestre have not been well documented. It may lower blood sugar levels and should be used with caution, especially by individuals taking anti-diabetes drugs. The herb is also a powerful laxative and may lead to diarrhea in some cases.
Precautions
Although G. sylvestre supplements are available without any prescription, it is best to talk to your doctor before using them to lower your cholesterol levels. Inform your doctor about any preexisting conditions and other medications you are taking. Also remember that the production and distribution of G. sylvestre supplements in the United States is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so be sure to talk to your pharmacist to ensure the safety of the product.
References
- "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition"; Gymnema Sylvestre: A Memoir; Parijat Kanetkar, et al.; September 2007
- "International Journal of Pharmacology"; Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Gymnema Sylvestre R. Br. Leaf Extract on Rats Fed with High Cholesterol Diet; R. Rachh, et al.; 2010
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; A Novel Dihydroxy Gymnemic Triacetate Isolated from Gymnema Sylvestre Possessing Normoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Activity on STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats; Pitchai Daisy, et al.; November 2009
- Drugs.com: Gymnema
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