Gymnema Sylvestre, Blood sugar, Blood glucose, benefits

The incidence of Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate. There are three main types of Diabetes. One of them is Diabetes Mellitus. This is also referred to as Non insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM).

Diabetes Mellitus is a variable disorder of carbohydrates metabolism caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental Factors and is usually characterized by inadequate secretion and utilization of insulin, excessive urine production as well as excessive amount of sugar in Urine and blood.

The herb Gymnema Sylvestre,is a Nature’s Gift For diabetic patients. Gymnema Sylvestre (Hindi:Gudmar). It is a stout, large woody climbing plant which grows in Central and Southern India. The leaves of Gymnema Sylvestre have the active principle which has blood sugar reducing properties and which also stimulates insulin secretion.

Gymnema Sylvestre contains Gymnemic acid— a chemically complex mixture of Saponins and Guramarine which is a polypeptide of 35 amino acids. It was observed that Gymnema regulates blood sugar levels in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits and increases activity of enzymes which facilitate use of glucose by insulin dependent pathway.

Gymnema extract and Gymnemic acid significantly depresses the portal release of gastric inhibitory peptide after intraduodenal glucose infusion, meaning that the insulin secretion which may otherwise have been inhibited, gets released.

Modern science today also accepts the fact that this is a proven Herb with anti-diabetic properties.

When the leaves of Gymnema Sylvestre are chewed they anesthetize the sweet taste buds and this effect can last for many hours.

This may benefit those Diabetic Patients who are trying to reduce their sugar intake and it may also help in weight control. Hence it is used by Diabetics to reduce their craving for sweets and increased hunger.

The clinical studies done by modern science have show that the oral administration of Gymnema Sylvestre helps to regulate blood sugar and to relieve the complications related to Diabetes like weight loss , Polyphagia (increased hunger), Excessive thirst (Polydypsia), Increased urination (Polyurea), debility, leg cramps, recurrent infections etc.

Many research papers are available supporting the therapeutic action of Gymnema Sylvestre on diabetes.

Long term Indian studies without placebo controls yielded promising results in diabetic patients. These studies show that Gymnema Sylvestre controls blood sugar. The important aspect to be kept in the mind is that, clinical research was done directly on human beings during ancient times. Gymnema Sylvestre was also used by Ayurvedic practitioners for treating diabetics and they got satisfactory results all the time. The proof of the above lies in the fact that the herb got included in Dravyagunanighantu (An Ayurvedic Compendium Of Medicinal Plants).

Many herbs and minerals have been described in Ayurveda that benefit Diabetic patients. There are many herbal preparations for controlling blood sugar. The products that have the main ingredient Gymnema Sylvestre, along with 5 other valuable herbs , (proven for their anti-diabetic properties)like Bitter melon, Fenugreek , Cinnamon, Jambolon and Saptarangi are considered to be the most beneficial for blood sugar control. This combination of 6 herbal extracts makes a product potent,by improving one's pancreatic health. These products have a higher efficacy in reducing blood sugar levels and are effective in relieving the problems related to Diabetes.

Veena Deo, B.A.M.S. ( Ayurveda )

Dr. Veena Deo is an Ayurvedic Doctor in India and is the author of this story. All the information provided above and opinions expressed are her own and should not be construed as any medical advice. This information is provided for educational purposes only.