gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre is a perennial woody climbing plant native to Asia (including India), Africa and Australia. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine primarily for the management of diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders. The leaves and extracts contain gymnemic acids—triterpenoid saponins that are the major bioactive constituents—which interact with taste receptors on the tongue to temporarily suppress sweet taste perception. Gymnemic acids also reduce intestinal absorption of sugar molecules by binding to receptors on intestinal walls and may stimulate insulin secretion by promoting pancreatic cell growth or regeneration. Modern uses include support for blood sugar control in diabetes and prediabetes; weight loss; reduction of cholesterol levels; appetite suppression; digestive stimulation; anti-inflammatory effects; antibacterial activity (notably against Streptococcus mutans); hepatoprotective effects; diuretic action; laxative effect; and as an adjunct in metabolic syndrome management[1][2][3][5][6][7][8][9]. Most evidence comes from animal studies or small clinical trials.

Brand names

GNC Herbal Plus Standardized G. sylvestreGymnema GoldGymnema sylvestre 75

Other names

gurmargurmarbootimadhunashinimeshashringimiracle plantshardunikavishanigymnéma sylvestregymnémagemnema melicidagimnema