Gymnema Sylvestre - Side Effects and Cautions

Side effects and cautions relating to Gymnema sylvestre are few.

The main side effect, as such, is that as it can reduce blood sugar levels, some caution may be necessary if you take it with other agents, such as herbs or pharmaceutical drugs, which might lower blood sugar.

If blood sugar levels fall too low, side effects include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control may occur. If it is not corrected, low blood sugar could eventually lead to unconsciousness and coma.

Gymnema Sylvestre And Herbal Side Effects

Herbs whose side effects can include reducing blood sugar levels include:

• Aloe Vera
  
• Devil's Claw
  
• Eleutherocccus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)
  
• Fenugreek
  
• Ginger (in high amounts)
  
• Jambul Seed
  
• Panax Ginseng
  
• Psyllium Husks
  
• Stevia
  
• Turmeric

It must be stressed that there is little definitive research to show that these herbs definitely reduce blood sugar, and certainly not in every case; but it is best to be cautious if taking any of these herbs in addition to Gymnema.

Gymnema sylvestre And Drug Side Effects

Gymnema sylvestre may increase the amount by which drugs for diabetes can lower blood sugar. As well as insulin, these drugs include:

• Actos
  
• Avandia
  
• Glimepiride
  
• Glipizide
  
• Glyburide
  
• Glyset
  
• Metformin
  
• Prandin, and
  
• Precose

Toxicity

There are no side effects published relating to human toxicity with Gymnema sylvestre.

Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Very little information is available on side effects of Gymnema sylvestre relating to pregnancy or breast feeding, or its use for infants. Therefore, we advise caution in using Gymnema in these circumstances.