Gymnema Sylvestre

Learn how this plant extract can help keep blood sugar levels in the healthy range

Gymnema sylvestre is an extract from the leaves of a climbing plant native to the forests of central and south India. An effective natural treatment for diabetes, gymnema leaves have been used in traditional medicine since the sixth century BC.

What Conditions Is Gymnema Sylvestre Good For?

• Diabetes (one of my recommended nutrients for diabetes)

How Does Gymnema Sylvestre Work?

The leaves of the Gymnema sylvestre plant contain gymnemic acids, which have been shown to slow the transport of glucose from the intestines to the bloodstream. This, in turn, helps to:

• Lower blood sugar
• Lower hemoglobin A1c

Some research also suggests that gymnema can help repair and regenerate the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

What Does the Research Say About Gymnema Sylvestre?

Research has shown that Gymnema sylvestre is an effective therapy for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

In one clinical trial, 22 people with type 2 diabetes who were taking oral diabetes drugs also took 400 mg of Gymnema sylvestre (as GS4, a special gymnema extract) daily. Participants experienced significant reductions in blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, and glycosolated plasma protein levels.

More remarkably, at the end of the 18-month study, the participants were able to reduce their drug dosages, and five of the study subjects were able to effectively maintain normal blood sugar levels with the GS4 alone. The researchers concluded, “the beta cells may be regenerated in type 2 diabetic patients on GS4 (Gymnema sylvestre) supplementation.”

In another study, researchers gave 27 people with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes 400 mg of Gymnema sylvestre (GS4) daily. After 10 to 12 months, Gymnema sylvestre conferred a number of benefits, including reductions in fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, and glycosylated plasma protein levels. Insulin requirements were also reduced.

More Dr. Whitaker Advice on Nutritional Support

• How to overcome your doctor's objections to using supplements
  
• Special rules for safely selecting and using herbal supplements
  
• How to take and store supplements safely