Application and Uses of Gymnema sylvestre and Gymnemic acid.

  seminal trace...Gymnema sylvestre Extract.5:1,Gymnema Acid7.5%HPLC~25%HPLC.CAS.RN.NO:1399-64-0....

 


  Botanical Basic Data of Gymnema Sylvestre:Gurmarbooti, Gurmar

 Herbs: Gymnema Sylvestre
 Brief: Gymnema
 Common names: Gurmarbooti, Gurmar
 Botanical name: Gymnema sylvestre(Latin Name)
 Family Name: Asclepiadaceae
 Latin name: Gymnema sylvestre Roxb.
 English name: Ram's Horn
 Sanskrit / Indian name: Gurmar, Meshashringi
 Specification: Minimum 7.0%~75% of Gymnemic acid,Part Used: Leaves
 A herb which helps decrease the craving for sugar and is beneficial in diabetes mellitus.
 Gymnema sylvestre is a large, woody climber. Its principle constituent is gymnemic acid which has anti-diabetic properties
 It abolishes the taste of sugar and is believed to neutralize excessive sugar present in the body in diabetes mellitus. The leaf extracts contain gymnemic acid which is said to inhibit hyperglycemia. It has also been shown to have a regenerative effect on pancreatic beta cells and is insulinotropic.
 The leaf extract is a cardiovascular stimulant and hypoglycemic. It is useful in glycosuria and has purgative properties. The alcoholic extract of leaves and stems is hypoglycemic. The extract in vitro was effective against diabetes and insulinotropic action was observed in rabbits. The plant is stomachic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic.
 


 Botanical Basic Data of Gymnema Sylvestre.
 Parts used and Habitat of Gymnema sylvestre(urmarbooti, Gurmar).
 Phytochemicals and Structure of Gymnema sylvestre(urmarbooti, Gurmar).
 Application and Uses of Gymnema sylvestre and Gimnemic Acid.
 Gymnema:Diabetes.Lipid-lowering.Weight loss.
 Gymnema and its administration.
 Research Update:Gymnema.
 


   Parts used and Habitat of Gymnema sylvestre(urmarbooti, Gurmar):

 Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is a climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. The woody gymnema plant also grows in parts of Africa. Leaves of this long, slender plant have been used for more than 2,000 years in India to treat diabetes. Gymnema is also known as gurmar, gurmabooti, periploca of the woods, and meshasringi (ram's horn).
 Gymnema sylvestre is a woody climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. The leaves are used in herbal medicine preparations. G. sylvestre is known as periploca of the woods in English and meshasringi (meaning "ram's horn") in Sanskrit. The leaves, when chewed, interfere with the ability to taste sweetness, which explains the Hindi name gurmar:"destroyer of sugar."
 Gymnema sylvestre, a family of Asclepiadaceae, is a perennial plant originated in India. In India, there is a locally descended medical science with the history of 2,000 years called "AYUL-VEDA" in which all treatments are done with natural materials. Among those materiales, Gymnema sylvestre has always been used as a herb good for diabetes treatment, and also as a diuretic, a digestive and a tonic. The word "Gymnema" is said to be derived from a Hindu word "Gurmar", a sugar destroyer, because a bite of Gymnema sylvestre makes you feel no sweet taste of sugar.
 Properties: Antiperiodic, Diuretic, Stomachic

 Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) Known in Hindi as gurmar or the "sugar destroyer", Gymnema acts as a pancreatic trophorestorative by focusing on the Beta cells and the release of insulin. It seems to act by disrupting the absorption of sugar giving the Beta cells a rest. It is used for hyperglycemia, diabetes, sleep disturbance due to insulin resistance, sugar cravings and to assist weight loss by suppressing appetite. Our clients just won't stop taking this, even when their bodies no longer need it! When applied to the mouth directly in extract, it anesthetizes the sweet taste buds for several hours.
 


   Phytochemicals and Structure of Gymnema sylvestre(urmarbooti, Gurmar):

 Gymnema leaves contain Gymnemic acid as an effective substance. Gymnemic acid has a structure with tri-terpenoid combined with glucuronic acid and several fatty acids. We have established analytical method of Gymnemic acid by HPLC method, and extract and refine Gymnema syrvestre extract with a clear guideline of effective substance.
 Phytochemicals:
 The primary chemical constituents of Gymnema include Gymnemic acid, tartaric acid, gurmarin, calcium oxalate, glucose, stigmasterol,betaine, and choline. While studies have shown that a water-soluble acidic fraction provides the hypoglycemic actions, it is not yet clear what specific constituent in the leaves is responsible for this action. Some researchers have suggested gymnemic acid as one possible candidate, however further research is needed. Both gurmarin (another constituent of the leaves) and gymnemic acid have been shown to block sweet taste in humans.
 The hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of gymnema leaves was first documented in the late 1920s. This action is gradual in nature, differing from the rapid effect of many prescription hypoglycemic drugs. Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers. Based on animal studies, this may be due to regeneration of the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin. Other animal research shows that gymnema can also improve uptake of glucose into cells and prevent adrenaline from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels.
 The presence of Gymnemic acid (GA),(+) quercitol, lupeol, Alpha-Amyrin, stigmasterol etc., have been reported. GA I, II, III and IV are anti sweet substance from the leaves of G. sylvestris. They all contain a glucuronic acid moiety, and the gymnemagenin aglycone esterified at position C-21 and C-28. A second series of Gymnemic acid V-VII has also been reported. GA VII is the 3-O-glucuronide of gymnemagenin and GA V is the O-3-glycuronyl- 22, 21-bis-O-tigloyl substitution pattern. GA VIII-IX are also esters of saponin, have an oxoglycoside moiety attached to the glucuronic acid residue. Gurmarin, another constituent of the leaves, and gymnemic acid have been shown to block sweet taste in humans.Some researchers have suggested gymnemic acid as one possible candidate responsible for antidiabetic activity.
 Molecular Structure of Gymnemic acid:
 


   Application and Uses of Gymnema sylvestre and Gimnemic Acid:

 Primary Uses: Diabetes, Hyperactivity, Hypoglycemia
 Secondary Uses: Allergies, Anemia, Cholesterol/high, Gastric Disorders, Indigestion, Obesity, Weight Related Conditions
 General use:In the past, powdered gymnema root was used to treat snake bites, constipation, stomach complaints, water retention, and liver disease. However, the Hindu word gurmar best describes the primary use of gymnema. Gurmar means sugar destroyer, and it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat adult-onset diabetes, a condition once described as "honey urine."
 Gymnema is also known by the names Gymnema Silvestre, Gurmar, Gurmabooti, Rams Horn, Periploca of the Woods, and Meshasringi. Gymnema is a climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. The woody Gymnema plant also grows in parts of Africa. Leaves of this long, slender plant have been used for more than 2,000 years. The leaves, when chewed, interfere with the ability to taste sweetness, which explains the Hindu name "gurmar". In the past, powdered Gymnema root was used to treat snake bites, constipation, stomach complaints, water retention, and liver disease. However, the name Gurmar best describes the primary use of Gymnema - because "gurmar" means "sugar destroyer". This herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat adult-onset diabetes, a condition once described as "honey urine." The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) action of Gymnema leaves was first documented in the late 1920s. This action is gradual in nature, differing from the rapid effect of many prescription hypoglycemic drugs. Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers. Based on animal studies, this may be due to regeneration of the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin. Other animal research shows that Gymnema can also improve uptake of glucose into cells and prevent adrenaline from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
 Its principal constituent is gymnemic acid which has anti-diabetic properties. The plant is stomachic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic. It abolishes the taste of sugar and is believed to neutralize excessive sugar present in the body in diabetes mellitus. The leaf extracts contain gymnemic acid which is said to inhibit hyperglycemia. It has also been shown to have a regenerative effect on pancreatic beta cells and is insulinotropic.
 

  How Gymnema sylvestre Works:

 Recent pharmacological and clinical studies have shown that Gymnema sylvestre acts on two sites:
 First, the taste buds in the oral cavity;
 Second, the absorptive surface to the intestines.
 The structure of those taste buds which detect sugar in the mouth is similar to the structure of the tissue that absorbs sugar in the intestine. The important active ingredient of Gymnema sylvestre is an organic acid called "gymnemic acid." The gymnemic acid is made up of molecules who seatom arrangement is similar to that of glucose molecules. Those molecules fill the receptor locations on the taste buds for a period of one to two hours, thereby preventing the taste buds from being activated by any sugar molecules present in the food. Similarly, the glucose-like molecules in the gymnemic acid fill the receptor locations in the absorptive external layers of the intestine, thereby preventing the intestine from absorbing the sugar molecules.
 It has also been noted that Gymnema sylvestre takes away the bitter taste of bitter substances, such as quinine, in much the same way that it affects the sense of sweetness associated with candies and other sweet foods. However, it has no effect on pungent, salty, astringent or acidic tastes. Therefore, if you are eating an orange within two hours after chewing Gymnema sylvestre leaves, for instance, you would taste the sourness of it but not the sweetness.


  Historical or traditional use:

 Indian physicians first used Gymnema to treat diabetes almost 2,000 years ago. 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.
 The leaves of Gymnema sylvestre have been used for centuries in the traditional Indian System of Ayurvedic medicine. Gymnema has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes for over 2,000 years. The leaves were also used for stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, and liver disease.
 The term "destroyer of sugar" is traditionally used for Gymnema because chewing the leaves will abolish the taste of sweetness.
 Gymnema sylvestre has been used for thousands of years and has proven over time to be a non-toxic remedy. It is used for many conditions including diabetes, digestion, urinary tract problems, obesity, hypoglycemia, allergies, anemia, cholesterol and hyperactivity.
 The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides. While studies have shown that a water-soluble acidic fraction of the leaves provides hypoglycemic actions, the specific constituent responsible for this action has not been clearly identified. Some researchers have suggested gymnemic acid as one possible candidate. However, further research is needed to clearly determine which constituent is responsible for this effect. Gurmarin, another constituent of the leaves, and gymnemic acid have been shown to block the ability in humans to taste sweets.
 Research has confirmed that the active ingredient, gymnemic acid, blocks the taste of sugar as well as blocking sugar's absorption by the body.
 A study published in 1986 suggests that the extract of gymnema can significantly increase liver and pancreatic function. This is promising for diabetes, obesity, hypoglycemia, allergies, anemia and osteoporosis.
 Some of the most promising studies have shown that gymnema reduces blood sugar levels after the consumption of the extract. This may help to reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetics.
 Stabilizes blood sugar levels:
 Is an herb that reduces blood sugar levels after sugar consumption.
 Can block absorption of up to 50% of dietary sugar calories.

  Why Gymnema Sylvestre?:

 Gymnema Sylvestre - controlling the blood sugar level
 Gymnema Sylvestre - to help maintain healthy glucose levels
 Gymnema Sylvestre - glucose lowering properties
 Gymnema Sylvestre - to promote proper pancreatic function

  Physiological Functions of Gymnemic acid:

 Gymnemic acid combined with the recognized site of sugar, and so it prevents sugar from combining with the site. It have suppressive activity of absorption of sugar. The following effects have been reported.
 Gymnemic acid help controlling sweet taste
 Gymnemic acid help controlling absorption of sugar in the body
 Gymnemic acid depress appetite and cause weight reduction
 Gymnemic acid restoring pancreas functions
 Gymnemic acid also show nti-tooth decaying effect

  Applications of Gymnemic acid and Gymnema Sylvestre Extracts:

 For health food for diet
 Prevention of diabetes
 For protection of decayed tooth processed in foods
 Research indicates this amazing herb has positive benefits on blood sugar control, helps with sugar cravings and to regenerate the pancreas. In tests on diabetic rats, the pancreas doubled in size and grew new insulin-producing cells.
 In clinical studies of animals with diabetes, gymnema sylvestre also appeared to reduce body weight, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Although the exact reasons are not clear, it is believed that gymnema sylvestre blocks the absorption of dietary fats into the bloodstream. Possibly, more fats are then eliminated instead of being stored. Some individuals taking gymnema sylvestre for diabetes have also seen a reduction in cholesterol and/or weight, but no human studies of gymnema sylvestre potential cholesterol-lowering or anti-obesity effects have been reported. All the potential uses of gymnema sylvestre need more study before it can be recommended for medical use.

   Contemporary uses of gymnema:

 Currently, gymnema is known primarily for its sugar-blocking properties. It is used to treat high blood sugar in diabetics and has been promoted as a weight loss remedy. In India, gymnema has been used by both Type I and Type II diabetics, but is used mainly to treat Type II diabetics.
 Some clinical trials in India indicated that gymnema could help with both types of diabetes. During the 1990s, Type II diabetics in India were studied, and gymnema proved successful for lowering blood sugar with continuous use for 18 to 24 months. In another study, people diagnosed as juvenile diabetics took gymnema along with insulin. In some cases, people were able to reduce their dosages of insulin.
 In mid-2002, a U.S. clinical trial was reported to further support gymnema's use in managing Type I diabetes. Of those participating in the trial, about 16% were able to decrease usage of their prescription medication usage. The same research group also found gymnema beneficial for non-insulin dependent diabetics. While those results appeared promising, medical professionals caution that more research is still needed. That research would include double-blind studies and involve more people.

   Practical Uses of gymnema:

 The benefits of Gymnema sylvestre are two-fold:
 By suppressing the taste of sweet foods, the desire to eat them is also suppressed. Picture a luscious-looking large piece of chocolate candy, which you know, despite the tempting look, is not sweet. Why bother to eat it? It is important to remember that this effect of Gymnema sylvestre's will last for only one to two hours. If you are using the herb to break the sugar habit, then it would be wise to take some Gymnema sylvestre before social events or other times when you might be tempted to dive into the tray of sweets.
 Gymnema sylvestre significantly reduces the metabolic effects of sugar by preventing the intestines from absorbing the sugar molecules during the process of digestion. Because there is a change in the absorption of sugar, there is a consequent change in the blood sugar level.
 

   Pharmacological actions:
 Blood Sugar Balance is made of the root and leaf of the plant Gymnema or its extraction. Its functions can explain as follow:
 1). The Gymnema molecular structure is similar to the dextrose molecular structure. Its affinity with sugar molecular acceptor is 20 times more than dextrose. The acceptor that can absorb sugar in the small intestine cannot absorb sugar when occupied by Gymnema. As the result, the blood sugar consistency plays down.
 2). As same reason, Gymnema can act on the taste buds in the tongue. The tongue feels no sweet taste when chewing Gymnema and candy at the same time.
 3). The blood sugar is controlled by insulin, and the insulin is produced by b-cells in the pancreas. Usually, in the adult diabetic, the b-cell had been damaged and the Gymnema can help the b-cell regenerate and thus lesson the diabetic symptoms. Therefore Blood Sugar Balance and Blood Sugar Balance II are effective for both dependent (infant) and adult diabetics.


   Gymnema:Diabetes.Lipid-lowering.Weight loss.

  Gymnema:Diabetes.

 Although gymnema sylvestre has been used to treat a number of conditions. It is best known for its apparent ability to lower blood sugar levels. Results from case reports and studies in humans and animals suggest that it may work in several ways to help control both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. First, the acids contained in gymnema sylvestre seem to decrease the amounts of sugar that are absorbed from foods. As a result, blood sugar levels may not increase as much as usual after meals. Secondly, gymnema sylvestre may promote the production of insulin by the body. It is possible that gymnema sylvestre may even prompt the pancreas to develop more beta cells ?the source of insulin. It may also make body cells more responsive to the insulin that is available. Finally, several studies have shown that chewing on the leaves of gymnema sylvestre dulls the sense of taste for sweet foods. Participants in studies tended to consume fewer sweet-tasting foods and drinks after using gymnema sylvestre.
 Gymnema Sylvestre is a plant native to the tropical forests of India, and has been long used as a treatment for diabetes. Recent scientific investigations has found it effective in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema Sylvestre is probably the most practical herbal recommendation for improving blood sugar control in diabetics. Furthermore, there is some evidence that it may possibly regenerate or revitalize the insulin- producing beta cells of the pancreas. It is interesting to note that Gymnema extracts are without side effects and exert its blood sugar-lowering effects only in the cases of diabetes. Gymnema extract, when given to healthy volunteers, does not produce any blood sugar lowering or hypoglycemic effects.
 Diabetes is a consequence of abnormalities in the blood levels of insulin, the hormone that converts blood sugar into energy. Adult-onset diabetes is caused by the body's inability to adequately process insulin. Today it is known as Type II diabetes, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and stable diabetes.
 Type I diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, results from an insulin shortage. Type I diabetes is also called insulindependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
 Thousands of years ago, Type II diabetes was treated with gymnema. The plant's sugar-destroying property was released when a person chewed on one or two leaves. Gymnema was said to paralyze a person's tongue to the taste of sugar and bitter tastes. That taste-blocking reaction lasted for several hours. During that time, leaves supposedly provided a slight block to the taste for salty foods, while the taste for acidic foods was not affected.
 By blocking the taste buds from tasting sugar, gymnema blocked sugar in the digestive system, resulting in a decrease in blood sugar, also known as a hypoglycemic effect. This medicinal action has been studied since the late 1930s.
 Gymnema has also been used in folk medicine as a remedy for allergies, urinary tract inflections, anemia, hyperactivity, digestion, cholesterol, and weight control. Most of those treatments did not prove to be effective. Gymnema lowers cholesterol slightly, but not enough to be regarded as a significant remedy.
 Diabetes;Diabetes, gestational;Diabetic retinopathy;Peripheral neuropathy;Diabetic retinopathy;Autonomic neuropathy
 

 In vivo studies have indicated that extracts of G. sylvestre containing gymnemic acid suppress the elevation of blood glucose levels by inhibiting glucose uptake in the intestine 9 and by increasing insulin release from the pancreas.The major mode of action was proposed to be through increased permeability of the ¦Â-cell plasma membranes, leading to unregulated loss of insulin from the cells. The high saponin glycoside content of the extract is thought to be responsible for this action. In addition, a calcium 2+ -sensitive component is present; some degree of insulin release may occur through channel-independent calcium 2+ influx into the beta-cells, perhaps through the pores formed by plasma membrane disruption.

  Clinical data:

 Few clinical studies exist; poor reporting of important design features such as blinding or randomization and very high dropout rates reduce the usefulness of their findings. Mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) decreased significantly from baseline (12.8% to 9.5%, P < 0.001) at 6 months in a controlled trial of patients with type 1 diabetes. 16 Study patients received 200 mg gymnema twice daily, in addition to their usual doses of insulin. Insulin dosage and fasting blood glucose were significantly reduced from baseline after 26 to 30 months. Patients receiving placebo had no significant changes from baseline in any of the measured parameters. Significant decreases in HbA 1c (12% to 8%, P < 0.001) and fasting blood glucose (174 to 124 mg/dL, P < 0.001) also were observed in a study of 22 patients with type 2 diabetes.

 Patients received 400 mg/day gymnema in addition to glibenclamide or tolbutamide; 5 patients were able to discontinue sulfonylurea treatment by the end of the study. No significant changes in HbA 1c , fasting blood glucose, or lipids were observed in placebo recipients. The use of a gymnema supplement (400 mg leaf extract standardized to 25%) twice daily reduced HbA 1c levels in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 in a third study.Mean daily preprandial plasma glucose concentrations were 11% lower (161 vs 144 mg/dL) after 90 days. The greatest glucose-lowering effects were observed in patients with the highest initial HbA 1c levels. Mean daily preprandial plasma glucose concentrations in this subset fell by 18% (216 vs 178 mg/dL). A systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements used for glycemic control in diabetes has been conducted. It concluded that the evidence for beneficial effects of G. sylvestre in diabetes is suggestive, although inconclusive given the limited data.

  Gymnema:Lipid-lowering.

 Animal data:A dose-dependent increase in fecal cholesterol and cholic acid-derived bile acid excretion has been demonstrated in rats. A 3-week study showed a decrease in apparent fat digestibility and an increase in excretion of neutral sterols and acidic steroids in rats receiving an extract of G. sylvestre leaves and either a normal or high-fat diet. Total serum cholesterol and triglycerides also were decreased significantly.After 10 weeks, plasma triglycerides were lower in gymnema-fed rats than in controls, but the difference in plasma total cholesterol levels was no longer significant.

 Clinical data:Reduction in plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acid levels was observed in 2 studies of diabetic patients who received supplements of gymnema in addition to their usual antidiabetic medication (eg, insulin, glibenclamide, or tolbutamide). In contrast, these levels increased gradually from baseline in the control group patients not taking gymnema. It should be noted that lipid lowering was a secondary endpoint in these studies, which were designed to demonstrate the antidiabetic effects of gymnema.

  Gymnema:Weight loss.

 Animal data:An increase in body weight was significantly suppressed in a long-term study of the administration of G. sylvestre extract in rats fed a high-fat diet. However, in rats receiving a normal diet, no significant suppression of weight gain was observed.

 Clinical data:Use of a dietary supplement containing G. sylvestre in combination with glucomannan, chitosan, fenugreek, and vitamin C was investigated in obese adults (body mass index 30 kg/m 2 or more).Compared with placebo recipients, the treatment group lost significantly more body weight (-2.3 vs 0 kg; P < 0.01), and percentage of body fat and absolute fat mass were significantly reduced ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Reduction in upper abdominal, waist, and hip circumferences also was demonstrated in patients receiving active treatment.

  Gymnema:Suppression of sweet taste.

 Gymnema extract interferes with the ability of the taste buds to taste sweet and bitter flavors (such as sugar or quinine), but the ability to taste sour, astringent, or pungent substances is maintained.
 Animal data:In rats, taste response to sucrose, fructose, lactose, and maltose was markedly suppressed by gurmarin, a protein extracted from G. sylvestre ; response to saccharin sodium was weaker.Minimal response to sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid, and quinine hydrochloride was noted.Preference for sucrose recovered within 1 or 2 weeks after cessation of gymnema intake.
 Clinical data:Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of gymnema for suppression of sweet taste.

  Gymnema:Inflammation.

 Anti-inflammatory properties of gymnema have been demonstrated. Biochemical markers of inflammation, such as ¦Ã-glutamyl transpeptidase, superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxides are enhanced, increasing protection against leukotrienes and free radicals and aiding rapid tissue repair and remodeling.
 Animal data:Histamine release from mast cells was inhibited by extracts of G. sylvestre in vitro. 5 Moderate inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema was induced by an aqueous extract of the leaves of G. sylvestre ; naproxen produced superior inhibition of edema. However, efficacy of gymnema was similar to naproxen in a peritoneal ascites model in mice. Unlike naproxen, gymnema did not inhibit beneficial granuloma formation and the gastric mucosa was not irritated by high doses.
 Clinical data:Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of gymnema for inflammation.

  Gymnema:Other uses.

 An alcoholic extract of dried leaves exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus pumilis , B. subtilis , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Staphylococcus aureus .Gymnemic acids A and B have demonstrated antiviral activity against the influenza virus. Other fractions lacked this activity. 5 A possible application in the prevention of dental plaque formation has been investigated, but systematic studies are lacking to confirm this use.


   Gymnema and its administration:

  Dosage and Administration:

 In human studies, the most common doses of gymnema sylvestre used for blood sugar control were 400 mg to 600 mg per day. Gymnema sylvestre is commonly added to many different herbal combination products, but the majority of studies used GS4, a standardized product that contains only gymnema sylvestre. Standardization by the manufacturer should assure the same amount of active ingredient in every batch of the commercial preparation. Standardization of herbal products is not required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so not every product will contain the same amounts of active ingredients. Gymnema Dosing:Typically, clinical studies investigating antidiabetic effects have used 200 or 400 mg of an extract standardized to contain 25% gymnemic acids administered twice daily.

  Indications or Mechanism Note:

 The important active ingredient of Gymnema sylvestre is an organic acid called gymnemic acid. The gymnemic acid is made up of molecules whose atom arrangement is similar to that of glucose molecules. The glucose-like molecules in the gymnemic acid fill the receptor locations in the absorptive external layers of the intestine, thereby preventing the intestine from absorbing the sugar molecules. The direct evidence is that sugar taste no longer sweet when took with the gymnema. Gymnema sylvestre significantly reduces the metabolic effects of sugar by preventing the intestines from absorbing the sugar molecules during the process of digestion. Because there is a change in the absorption of sugar, there is a consequent change in the blood sugar level. Also, it has been shown in clinical trials to assist regeneration of the insulin-producing Beta Cells, thus reduces prescription insulin requirements for those diabetics who actively monitor blood sugar levels.

  Precautions:

 Because gymnema sylvestre is known to lower levels of blood sugar, individuals who have diabetes should use it with caution. If blood sugar levels fall too low, shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control may occur. If it is not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
 Very little information is available on how gymnema sylvestre might affect a developing fetus, an infant, or a small child. Therefore, its use is not recommended during pregnancy, while breast-feeding, or during early childhood.
 The United States Food and Drug Administration does not regulate gymnema and other herbal remedies. That means that the remedies have not proven to be effective and that ingredients are not standardized.
 In addition, the safety of gymnema has not been established for use by children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people with severe kidney and liver diseases.
 Before beginning any herbal treatment, people should consult a physician or health practitioner. Consulting a medical professional is particularly important before taking gymnema because the remedy could potentially lower blood sugar too much, resulting in a hypoglycemic reaction.
 It is especially important for diabetics to consult with a doctor. Gymnema should not be regarded as a substitute for other medications. If people diagnosed with Type I or Type II diabetes are taking insulin to control their blood sugar, they cannot replace the insulin with gymnema.
 In addition, diabetes can go undetected for some time. It may not be diagnosed until a person goes to a doctor after experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, dizziness, and fatigue. Diabetes must be treated medically since complications from untreated diabetes can include kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, and loss of limbs.
 

  Side effects:

 As of June 2000, gymnema was believed to be free of side effects when taken at the recommended dosages. However, more research could reveal side effects.
 Although no side effects have been attributed to the use of gymnema sylvestre, its possible lowering effect on blood sugar may potentially result in hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low). Signs that blood sugar may be too low include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

  Interactions:

 Gymnema could interact with medications taken to reduce blood sugar levels. The herbal remedy could cause the drugs to work better, resulting in hypoglycemia.

 Interaction with Prescription Drugs: Gymnema sylvestre may increase the blood sugar lowering effects of insulin and oral drugs for diabetes, such as:

 Actos,Avandia,glimepiride (Amaryl),glipizide (Glucotrol XL),glyburide (Glynase),Glyset,metformin (Glucophage),Prandin,Precose
 The cholesterol-lowering effects of drugs such as Crestor, lovastatin (Mevacor), Lipitor, pravastatin (Pravachol), and Zocor may be increased by taking gymnema sylvestre.

 Interaction with Herbals:Because gymnema sylvestre may decrease blood sugar levels, taking it with other blood sugar-lowering herbal products may result in hypoglycemia -- blood sugar that is too low. Herbals that may reduce blood sugar include:

 Eleuthero,Fenugreek,Ginger (in high amounts),Kudzu,Panax ginseng
 Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others.

  Toxicology Study:

 No adverse reactions were reported in a long-term study of insulin-dependent diabetic patients. 16 However, consider the possibility of hypoglycemia. Systolic blood pressure was raised in spontaneously hypertensive rats fed a high sucrose diet. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown.
 The plant has not been associated with published reports of human toxicity; however, it is possible that as few as 12 tablets of some otc preparations could cause a demonstrable hypoglycemic reaction in humans. Blood urea, uric acid, and hemoglobin levels remained in the normal range in patients receiving gymnema supplements in addition to their usual antidiabetic medication, suggesting the absence of hepato- or nephrotoxicity at normal doses. In an acute toxicity study in mice, no gross behavioral, neurologic, or autonomic effects were observed. The acute LD 50 was 3990 mg/kg. The safety ratio (LD 50 /ED 50 ) was 11 and 16 in normal and diabetic rats, respectively.


  Scientific References:

  1.Application and Uses of Gymnema sylvestre and Gymnemic acid.