There is increasing renewed interest in using herbs as a complementary treatment for health issues. A wide variety of plants possess health-promoting properties, but this does not make them safer than traditional medicine. Gymnema sylvestre is a perennial plant used to lower blood sugar in individuals with high blood sugar. People with high blood sugar may experience hypoglycemic reactions when using blood sugar-lowering agents. Hypoglycemia is a side effect of diabetes medications, for instance. It is important to consult your doctor before taking gymnema sylvestre.
Hypoglycemia
Healthy blood sugar levels are vital to your health. Glucose is your body's primary energy source. Normal levels between meals range from 70 to 100 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia is characterized by levels that fall below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms include nervousness, feeling faint and shakiness. Waiting too long between meals can also cause hypoglycemia. Eating or drinking a glucose-rich food generally raises blood sugar quickly, relieving these symptoms.
Effects of Gymnemic Acids
Active substances called gymnemic acids are responsible for gymnema sylvestre's effects. Gymnemic acids exert potent anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory effects, according to Parijat Kanetkar and his colleagues at the Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, India. The molecular structure of gymnemic acids is similar to that of glucose. These acids fill glucose receptor sites in the intestines, preventing glucose absorption, according to Kanetkar's review, published in the August, 2007 issue of "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition."
Control
Some individuals with high blood sugar are more sensitive to blood sugar-lowering agents than others. When you use a blood sugar-lowering drug such as metformin, your doctor closely monitors the effects and adjusts your dosage if hypoglycemic reactions occur. This is why you should use caution with gymnema sylvestre if you have a history of hypoglycemic reactions due to blood sugar-lowering agents. It is important to take gymnema sylvestre only under the supervision of your health care provider. You should lower the dosage if you experience hypoglycemic reactions.
Dosage and Precautions
The typical dose of gymnema sylvestre used to lower blood sugar is 200 to 400 mg twice daily, standardized to 25 percent gymnemic acids. Gymnema sylvestre is not associated with serious side effects or toxicity. However, you should talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, are taking prescribed medication or have existing health conditions. Keep in mind that clinical data supporting the efficacy of gymnema sylvestre are lacking.
Member Comments