Gymnema, Sugar Metabolism And Diabetes

Gymnema sylvestre has a 'common name' of Gurmar, which means 'sugar destroyer'.

Gymnema sylvestre has been used for centuries in India for the symptoms of diabetes. Studies have shown that Gymnema sylvestre not only reduces the taste of sweetness, but also reduces the absorption of sugar into the blood stream.

It also appears to have the rare ability to stimulate insulin production - insulin being the hormone which influences muscle and fat storage cells to remove sugar from the blood stream. Studies have shown these benefits could help extend life. (For example, see: Srivastava Y, et al. Hypoglycemic and Life-prolonging Properties of Gymnema sylvestre Leaf Extract in Diabetic Rats. Isr J Med Sci. Jun1985;21(6):540-42.)

The effects of Gymnema sylvestre on sugar are related to the fact that its molecular structure resembles that of glucose. This enables Gymnema sylvestre to attach to the cell receptors which normally absorb glucose, and stop that from happening. Lower blood sugar levels result.

Gymnema Sylvestre And Diabetes

Diabetes increases the tendency towards heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and loss of limbs. As such, anything which can help the body to produce more of its own insulin should be welcomed. In studies, Gymnema has been identified as a herb which can certainly assist in the management of diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre seems to work in several ways to assist in sugar metabolism. It is thought to help by:

• Reducing the amount of sugar absorbed from food in the intestines
  
• Stimulating the production of insulin, which helps remove sugar from the blood stream
  
• It may stimulate beta cells in the pancreas - those which produce insulin
  
• Finally, several studies have shown that taking Gymnema sylvestre orally dulls the sense of taste for sweet foods. This can easily be demonstrated to yourself by trying it on the tongue. In studies, participants using Gymnema sylvestre tended to consume fewer sweet-tasting foods and drinks afterwards.
  

Some benefits from Gymnema sylvestre have been reported for Type 1 diabetes, but most research has been done on Type 2 diabetes - the 'maturity onset' type.

For example, in a study lead by K Baskaran in 1990, Gymnema sylvestre was given to 22 patients with Type 2 diabetes for 18 months to supplement their anti-diabetic medication. Most of the patients showed a distinct reduction of blood sugar levels by several measures. In addition, 5 of the 22 were able to discontinue their conventional drugs altogether! The inference was made that Gymnema sylvestre appeared to be regenerating or repairing the pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin. Support for this view was drawn from the fact that blood insulin levels rose after Gymnema supplementation.

K, Kizar-Ahamath B, Shanmugasundaram MR, Shanmugasundaram ERB. Antidiabetic effect of leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1990;30(3):295-300.

Healthnotes, a reliable science based herbal assessment website says of Gymnema sylvestre:

"Gymnema sylvestre has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes for over 2,000 years.... The hypoglycaemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of Gymnema sylvestre leaves was first documented in the late 1920s.1 This action is attributed to members of a family of substances called gymnemic acids.2 3 Gymnema sylvestre leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers."

Gymnema sylvestre is a powerful herb to assist during low blood sugar or diabetes situations. It's use to help manage blood sugar levels - in combination with diet and exercise - in very strongly indicated. Of course, your doctor must be involved if you are on medication for blood sugar issues.