Gymnema Sylvestre

What It Is

Gymnema Sylvestre is an herb. It’s a slow growing, perennial climbing plant found mostly in India. Gymnema Sylvestre has been used as a natural treatment for diabetes in India and parts of Asia for many years. The active ingredient, gymnemic acid, is taken from the plant’s leaves and roots, and helps lower and balance blood sugar levels. Gymnemic acid molecules are similar to glucose molecules and allow your body to fill the cell receptors in the lining of your intestines, preventing uptake of sugar molecules.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) find good scientific evidence that Gymnema Sylvestre can be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes when used in conjunction with insulin and other medications. It is important that people with existing blood sugar issues talk to their doctor before adding Gymnema Sylvestre to their diet, because insulin and other medications may need to be reduced. The hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of gymnema is gradual, differing from the rapid effect of many prescription hypoglycemic drugs. Gymnema Sylvestre builds up in the system over a period of a few weeks becoming more and more effective. So be sure to give it time to work.

What It Does

Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels by regeneration of the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin. Other research has shown that gymnema also improves uptake of glucose into cells by increasing the activity of the glucose utilizing enzymes, and prevents adrenaline from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides. It also eradicates the taste of sugar, which effectively suppresses and neutralizes the craving for sweets.

Gymnema Sylvestre has been successful in controlling the blood sugar level without reducing it to below the normal level, an effect seen with the use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic sulphonylurea compounds. However, Gymnema is not a substitute for insulin.

It is one of many natural remedies that provide a simple and effective method to help maintain healthy glucose levels. It works safely within your current regimen to promote proper pancreatic function.

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