Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema Sylvestre questions and answers
Learn more about Gymnema Sylvestre at Diet & Health.net.
Q: Gymnema Sylvestre?
What you know about this product? Could this help to cure diabetes type 1? I've read that it help. I want to buy it for my 10 years old son who has diabetes.
This is link from that product :
http://www.gymnema.com/
If it help can be found in some European pharmacy ???
A: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, sir, but Gymnema Sylvestre will NOT cure your son's type 1 diabetes. At present, there is no cure for type 1, though there are ongoing experiments taking place around the world.
I'm quite sure that you already know that type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disorder where the body's own natural defences [defenses] set out to destroy what it sees as an 'invading force'. In type 1 diabetes this would be the beta cells (Islets of Langerhans) in the pancreas that produce insulin. If those beta cells have been destroyed, how could taking any such compound as gymnema bring them back to life?
Having said what I've just said, there may be some evidence that gymnema does, in fact, help to lower blood sugar levels. I'm not aware of any ... apart from what 'snake oil' doctors would have you believe, purely so you'd buy their product.
There are other herbs and spices that tend to have a similar effect, but they work better on people who have type 2 diabetes, and then not all of them. (What works for one person may not necessarily work for another.) One such compound that came in for some investigation within the last few years was cinnamon. Research, however, seems to suggest that it's not as efficient in everyone as it was originaly thought to be.
Take a look at the few articles I've listed below to see what has been said about a few different things that aim to lower blood glucose levels.
I will say that I admire your apparent determination in helping your son overcome his condition by looking at alternative sources, but what I would say to you, sir, is not to be taken in by claims that a certain product will do this or a certain product will do that. Diabetes really is nothing to play around with. (I speak from experience here, as I have a multitude of complications that have come about as a result of having diabetes.)
If you do see fit to try gymnema, please, I beg you, do not discontinue your son's insulin injections. Do be guided by your own common-sense.
May all of you have a long, healthy, life that is free from complications.
Q: Gymnema Sylvestre. I am looking for a Gymnema Sylvestre plant can someone help me?
I have recently heard that Gymnema Sylvestre blocks the sugar receptors. i have a terriable "addiction" to sugar and I would like to get rid of it. I would love hear anyones opinion or if they know where I can get a Gymnema Sylvestre plant.
Thank you!!!
A: well its a plant thatgrows in Africa and the tropics so you will be unlikely to buy the plant, health food stores sell teas, capsules and liquid extract here is some info on it.....................................................................Gymnema sylvestre (GS) 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 mesbasringi (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."
Plant constituents include two resins (one soluble in alcohol), gymnemic acids, saponins, stigmasterol, quercitol, and the amino acid derivatives betaine, choline and trimethylamine.
Gymnema sylvestre is a stomachic, diuretic, refrigerant, astringent, and tonic. It has been found to increase urine output and reduce hyperglycemia in both animal and human studies.
Gymnema has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes for over 2,000 years. The primary application was for adult-onset diabetes, a condition for which it continues to be recommended today in India. The leaves were also used for stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, and liver disease.
Extracts of G. sylvestre given to patients with type I diabetes on insulin therapy reduces insulin requirements and fasting blood sugar levels, and improves blood sugar control. In a study of type II diabetics, gyrmnema extract given along with oral hypoglycemic drugs was shown to improve blood sugar control and to either lead to discontinuation of the medicine or a significantly reduced dosage. It is interesting to note that gymnema extract given to healthy volunteers does not produce any blood sugar-lowering, or hypoglycemic, effects.
Gymnema sylvestre is one of the Asclepiad strains that grows in South-east Asia. Their therapeutic effects for treating diabetes mellitus, rheumatic arthritis and gout have been well known for a long time. However, the problem is that GS suppresses sweetness and tastes bitter. For this study, we chose Gymnema inodorum (GI) instead of GS, since it has an advantage that it does not suppress sweetness nor is it bitter in taste. Our studies suggest that the component of GI inhibits the increase in the blood glucose level by interfering with the intestinal glucose absorption process.
The effectiveness of GS4, an extract from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, in controlling hyperglycemia was investigated in 22 Type 2 diabetic patients on conventional oral anti-hyperglycemic agents. GS4 (400 mg/day) was administered for 18-20 months as a supplement to the conventional oral drugs. During GS4 supplementation, the patients showed a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins, and conventional drug dosage could be decreased. Five of the 22 diabetic patients were able to discontinue their conventional drug and maintain their blood glucose homeostasis with GS4 alone. These data suggest that the beta cells may be regenerated/repaired in Type 2 diabetic patients on GS4 supplementation. This is supported by the appearance of raised insulin levels in the serum of patients after GS4 supplementation.
Q: What is the advantage of the ingredient called Gymnema Sylvestre Extract in a weight loss supplement?
A: The Hydroxycut formula now includes a special ingredient called Gymnema Sylvestre Extract to help promote normal blood sugar levels. The science behind this incredible product is nothing less than inspiring. In fact, Hydroxycut can help you lose 4.5 times the weight than with diet and exercise alone!
Q: Is there a weight loss supplement that has an ingredient called: Gymnema Sylvestre Extract?
I have a high blood sugar count and they say that this ingredient normalizes the sugar in our system.
A: It sounds like this ingredient is more likely for controlling diabetes than weight loss, but I'm guessing that's still relevant to you.
Here's a page from the National Institute of Health.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/druginfo/natural/patient-gymnema.html
They do mention PharmaTerra's product Proβeta®. The PT website describes the product as a way to improve blood-glucose levels. They sell the product here:
http://www.pharmaterra.com/blood-glucose.html
Hope this helps!
James
Q: Has anyone had any success with Gymnema Sylvestre?
How effective was it for you? Did it help you by making sweets taste bad as it claims to do? Your experiences with it would be very helpful. Thanks.
A: Gymnema Sylvestre stimulates the body to produce more insulin. That won't help the body's cells to use the insulin. And too much insulin in the body is dangerous. One of the results of too much insulin is PCOS - poly cystic ovary syndrome.
Q: can one take glucophage with Gymnema sylvestre(herb)?
I don't know much about Gymnema sylvestre but it is in a supplement I am taking with 25mg worth. I'm also on glucophage 1500mg a day. Ive heard that they interact with each other and shouldn't be taken together. Can anyone confirm this with some info about this interaction if there is one.
Many thanks
A: I found the following on their website:
Gymnema Cautions
Extremely high doses may have the potential to induce hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar) in individuals who are prone to hypoglycemic episodes. In those individuals with active diabetes, it is recommended to consult your personal physician before and during use of gymnema, as alterations to your dosage of insulin or other anti-diabetic medications may be warranted
I would consult my physician before mixing these two drugs.
Q: why has my homoepath given me Ignatia 30 and Gymnema sylvestre?
i am trying for a pregnancy
A: Based on the research I did on these two products there is one that helps to control blood sugars and the other one is to help like with stress.
I would recommend checking with your homeopathic practicioner as well to see what they say and also your doctor for additional opinions.
Q: is it safe for my husband to take gymnema sylvestre if he is taking toprol and norvasc or highblood pressure?
A: It would be far safer for him to work his way off the blood pressure medications. Gymnema sylvestre is a lot safer than those two high powered medications. Whether there's a contraindication or not, well... your doctor might have that information, or he might not. Doctors seldom get involved in natural supplements.
If you want him healthy again, you'll take the advice of two doctors who are into natural cures for health issues and shy away from powerful medications with all of their nasty side affects. Pay particular attention to Dr. McDougall's "Star McDougaller's" who have quit the drugs and gotten into a healthy lifestyle. I've quit all diabetes medications following a blend of these two diets:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/
http://www.drfuhrman.com/default.aspx
Q: Anyone taking Gymnema Sylvestre with type-1 ?
I am curious of the results or side effects caused by taking Gymnema Sylvestre or other types of supplements or herbs and the impact on type-1 diabetes.
A: Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. is a herb native to the tropical forests of southern and central India where it has been used as a naturopathic treatment for diabetes for nearly two millennia.Sanskrit Name is Meshasringi, Gurmar
Description
Large climbers, rooting at nodes, leaves elliptic, acuminate, base acute to acuminate, glabrous above sparsely or densely tomentose beneath; Flowers small, in axillary and lateral umbel like cymes, pedicels long; Calyx-lobes long, ovate, obtuse, pubescent; Corolla pale yellow campanulate, valvate, corona single, with 5 fleshy scales. Scales adnate to throat of corolla tube between lobes; Anther connective produced into a membranous tip, pollinia 2, erect, carpels 2,unilocular; locules many ovuled; Follicle long, fusiform1
Chemical composition
The major bioactive constituents of Gymnema sylvestris are a group of oleanane type triterpenoid saponins known as gymnemic acids. The latter contain several acylated (tigloyl, methylbutyroyl etc.,) derivatives of deacylgymnemic acid (DAGA) which is 3-O-glucuronide of gymnemagenin (3, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28-hexahydroxy-olean-12-ene)2. The individual gymnemic acids (saponins) include gymnemic acids I-VII, gymnemosides A-F, gymnemasaponins
Extra Information -
G. sylvestre leaves contain triterpene saponins belonging to oleanane and dammarene classes. Oleanane saponins are gymnemic acids and gymnemasaponins, while dammarene saponins are gymnemasides. Besides this, other plant constituents are flavones, anthraquinones, hentri-acontane, pentatriacontane, α and β- chlorophylls, phytin, resins, d-quercitol, tartaric acid, formic acid, butyric acid, lupeol, β-amyrin related glycosides and stigmasterol. The plant extract also tests positive for alkaloids. Leaves of this species yield acidic glycosides and anthroquinones and their derivatives.
Gymnemic acids have antidiabetic, antisweetener and anti-inflammatory activities. The antidiabetic array of molecules has been identified as a group of closely related gymnemic acids after it was successfully isolated and purified from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre. Later, the phytoconstituents of Gymnema sylvestre were isolated, and their chemistry and structures were studied and elucidated.
Use as herbal medicine
While it is still being studied, and the effects of the herb are not entirely known, the herb has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when used for an extended period of time. Additionally, Gymnema reduces the taste of sugar when it is placed in the mouth, thus some use it to fight sugar cravings. From extract of the leaves were isolated glycosides known as Gymnemic acids, which exhibit anti-sweet activity.[1]
This effect, however, is short-lived, lasting a mere fifteen minutes. Some postulate that the herb actually reduces cravings for sugar by blocking sugar receptors in the tongue, but no scientific studies have supported this hypothesis. It is currently being used in an all natural medication for diabetes with other ingredients such as cinnamon, chromium, zinc, biotin, banaba, huckleberry and bitter melon.
The active ingredient is thought to be gurmenic acid which has structure similar to saccharose. Extracts of Gymnema is not only claimed to curb sweet tooths but also for treatment of as varied problems as hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anemia and digestion. According to the Sushruta of the Ayurveda it is helps to treat Madhumeha ie glycosuria.
In 2005, a study made by King’s College, London, United Kingdom, showed that a water-soluble extract of Gymnema Sylvestre, caused reversible increases in intracellular calcium and insulin secretion in mouse and human β-cells when used at a concentration (0.125 mg/ml) without compromising cell viability. Hence forth these data suggest that extracts derived from Gymnema Sylvestre may be useful as therapeutic agents for the stimulation of insulin secretion in individuals with T2DM.
Mechanism of Action
Gymnemic acid formulations have also been found useful against obesity, according to recent reports. This is attributed to the ability of gymnemic acids to delay the glucose absorption in the blood. The atomic arrangement of gymnemic acid molecules is similar to that of glucose molecules. These molecules fill the receptor locations on the taste buds thereby preventing its activation by sugar molecules present in the food, thereby curbing the sugar craving. Similarly, gymnemic acid molecules fill the receptor location in the absorptive external layers of the intestine thereby preventing the sugar molecules absorption by the intestine, which results in low blood sugar level.
Gymnema sylvestre leaves have been found to cause hypoglycemia in laboratory animals and have found a use in herbal medicine to help treat adult onset diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). When Gymnema leaf extract is administered to a diabetic patient, there is stimulation of the pancreas by virtue of which there is an increase in insulin release. These compounds have also been found to increase fecal excretion of cholesterol, but further studies to prove clinical significance in treating hypercholesterolemia (high serum cholesterol) are required. Other uses for Gymnema leaf extract are its ability to act as a laxative, diuretic, and cough suppressant. These other actions would be considered adverse reactions when Gymnema is used for its glucose lowering effect in diabetes.
Gymnema leaf extract, notably the peptide ‘Gurmarin’, has been found to interfere with the ability of the taste buds on the tongue to taste sweet and bitter. Gymnemic acid has a similar effect. It is believed that by inhibiting the sweet taste sensation, people taking it will limit their intake of sweet foods, and this activity may be partially responsible for its hypoglycemic effect.
There are some possible mechanisms by which the leaves and especially Gymnemic acids from Gymnema sylvestre exert its hypoglycemic effects are:
1. It increases secretion of insulin
2. It promotes regeneration of islet cells.
3. It increases utilization of glucose: it is shown to increase the activities of enzymes responsible for utilization of glucose by insulin-dependant pathways, an increase in phosphorylase activity, decrease in gluconeogenic enzymes and sorbitol dehydrogenase.
4. It causes inhibition of glucose absorption from intestine
The gymnemic acid components are believed to block the absorption of glucose in the small intestine, the exact action being unknown. It could be involve one or more mechanisms.
One of the mechanisms responsible for adult onset diabetes mellitus is a form of insulin resistance, which is attributed to the inability of insulin to enter cells via the insulin receptor. Gymnema may overcome this resistance, but require further studies to confirm its validity and also whether the effect is clinically relevant. Should this effect be proven, Gymnema may prove useful in both adult onset (NIDDM) and juvenile onset diabetes mellitus (IDDM) to help insulin enter cells. In the case of IDDM, the insulin is injected by syringe and is not secreted from the pancreas.
The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides. The primary chemical constituents of Gymnema include gymnemic acid, tartaric acid, gurmarin, calcium oxalate, glucose, stigmasterol, betaine, and choline. While the water-soluble acidic fractions reportedly provide the hypoglycemic action, it is not yet clear what specific constituent in the leaves is responsible for the same. Some researchers have suggested gymnemic acid as one possible candidate, although further research is needed. Both gurmarin (another constituent of the leaves) and gymnemic acid have been shown to block sweet taste in humans. The major constituents of the plant material 3B glucuronides of different acetylated gymnemagenins, gymnemic acid a complex mixture of at least 9 closely related acidic glucosides.
The following figure could provide a diagrammatic representation for explaining the action of gymnemic acids on the intestinal receptors. The basic function of the acids is to bind to the receptor on the intestine, and stop the glucose molecule from binding to the receptor. Thus, gymnemic acids prevent the absorption of excess glucose.
for more information on diabetes visit
http://www.reddiabetes.com
Q: Anybody use Gymnema Sylvestre to help control diabetes or weight loss?
Read about this herb known for being a sugar destroyer, and am trying it. Only a week so far, it hasn't busted the sugar factor, but I can really see a difference in inches melting away, amazingly? Whata ya think?
A: I think that gymnema, bitter melon, cinnamon, alpha lipoic acid, fenugreek, and a few others, all help to keep us normalized. My last HbA1C was 5.8, so something I'm doing must be working. Read this for more:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/Type_II_Diabetes.html
Q: Anyone knows how the following herbs affect Diabetes? Fenugreek,Gymnema Sylvestre,Konjac Mannan,Nopal Cactus?
I have Type2 Diabetes and heard that if the mentioned herbs are used correctly, the portion will CURE Diabetes.
A: I've taken Gymnema in the past and found that it lowered the overall blood sugars. A few others that I've taken are Morinda Citrifolia (also known as Noni) and just regular cinnamon. These all worked to lower the blood sugars over time, The best being the Noni.
Q: Will you give me your opinion on Gymnema Sylvestre from anyone who has tried it.?
A: Hi Lionheart! Thanks...I heard about this stuff...has something to do with regulating blood sugar levels...I just ordered some the other day from GNC via the web...I'll let you know what I think once I try it...
Q: Do we get Gurmar leaf in India? (Gymnema Sylvestre)?
I have heard that this product is good for diabetics. Is this available in India? From whatever I googled for it I found it being available with Himalaya Products. Can someone give me more info about this? What is this called in Hindi? Do we get the leaves or the extract from the leave? I think its mostly available in the form of tablets, capsules etc
A: its called gurmar or gurmar booti in hindi.............
u can contact the below for it
SHRI MAHAVIR JADI BOOTI
RAJESHWARI ROAD,
SHIVPURI - 473551, MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA
Phone:91-7492-233450/401049
Fax:91-7492-232912
Key Personnel
Mr. Abhishek Jain (CEO)
Mobile:+919425429404
Q: Will taking any of these effect micogynon 30? i want to take a slimming supplement but dont want it to effect?
Guarana (Natural caffeine
Bee Pollen:
Ginseng (root):.
Ginger (root): .
Lecithin:
Damiana (leaf):
Sarsaparilla (root):
Golden Seal (aerial part):
Nettles (leaf):
Gotu Kola (aerial part)
Gymnema Sylvestre (aerial part)
A: None of these will affect the contraceptive. But the contraceptive might increase the concentration and effect of the caffeine.
Good Luck!
Jan
Q: can i find these items at the gnc? guggul,juniper berries,chromium chelate,vanadyl sulfate?
these items are for weight loss can i find them at the gnc? banana leaf extract, licorice, gymnema sylvestre
A: why ask here? call them and ask or go to gnc.com and look there.