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Common names
Gurmarbooti, Gurmar
Botanical name
Botanical name
Gymnema sylvestre
Parts used and where grown
Gymnema sylvestre 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 meshasringi (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.”
Gymnema has been used in connection with the following condition (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Type 1 diabetes
** - Type 2 diabetes
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Parts used and where grown
Gymnema sylvestre 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 meshasringi (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.”
Gymnema has been used in connection with the following condition (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Type 1 diabetes
** - Type 2 diabetes
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Gymnema has been used in India for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes for over 2,000 years. The leaves were also used for stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, and liver disease.
Active constituents
The hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of gymnema 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 leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers.4 Based on animal studies, this may be due to regeneration of the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin,5 6 or by increasing the flow of insulin from these cells.7 Other animal research shows that gymnema can also reduce glucose absorption from the intestine,8 improve uptake of glucose into cells, and prevent adrenal hormones from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels.9 10
Other animal studies have shown that extracts of gymnema leaves can lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent weight gain,11 12 13 14 but these effects have not been tested in humans. When placed directly on the tongue, gurmarin, another constituent of the leaves, and gymnemic acid have been shown to block the ability in humans to taste sweets.15 16
How much is usually taken?
Clinical trials with diabetics in India have used 400 mg per day of a water-soluble acidic fraction of the gymnema leaves. The gymnemic acid content of this extract is not clear. A recent preliminary trial in the United States reported promising results in a group of type 1 and type 2 diabetics who took 800 mg per day of an extract standardized for 25% gymnemic acids.17 Traditionally, 2 to 4 grams per day of the leaf powder is used.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Used at the amounts suggested, gymnema is generally safe and devoid of side effects. The safety of gymnema during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not yet been determined. People with diabetes should only use gymnema to lower blood sugar under the clinical supervision of a healthcare professional. Gymnema cannot be used in place of insulin to control blood sugar by people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Gymnema has been used in India for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes for over 2,000 years. The leaves were also used for stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, and liver disease.
Active constituents
The hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) action of gymnema 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 leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers.4 Based on animal studies, this may be due to regeneration of the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin,5 6 or by increasing the flow of insulin from these cells.7 Other animal research shows that gymnema can also reduce glucose absorption from the intestine,8 improve uptake of glucose into cells, and prevent adrenal hormones from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels.9 10
Other animal studies have shown that extracts of gymnema leaves can lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent weight gain,11 12 13 14 but these effects have not been tested in humans. When placed directly on the tongue, gurmarin, another constituent of the leaves, and gymnemic acid have been shown to block the ability in humans to taste sweets.15 16
How much is usually taken?
Clinical trials with diabetics in India have used 400 mg per day of a water-soluble acidic fraction of the gymnema leaves. The gymnemic acid content of this extract is not clear. A recent preliminary trial in the United States reported promising results in a group of type 1 and type 2 diabetics who took 800 mg per day of an extract standardized for 25% gymnemic acids.17 Traditionally, 2 to 4 grams per day of the leaf powder is used.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Used at the amounts suggested, gymnema is generally safe and devoid of side effects. The safety of gymnema during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not yet been determined. People with diabetes should only use gymnema to lower blood sugar under the clinical supervision of a healthcare professional. Gymnema cannot be used in place of insulin to control blood sugar by people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with gymnema: Some interactions may increase the need for gymnema (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate gymnema should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Glipizide (-)
Glyburide (?)
Insulin (?)
Certain medicines interact with gymnema: Some interactions may increase the need for gymnema (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate gymnema should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Glipizide (-)
Glyburide (?)
Insulin (?)
Source: www.cncahealth.com
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