The Health Benefits of Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre is a plant used in Ayurveda, an ages-old form of holistic medicine practiced in India. The plant is a perennial vine found in tropical regions of India, as well as Africa and Australia. It is also known as Australian cowplant and periploca of the woods.

The Hindi term for G. sylvestre is gurmar, which is translated as "sugar destroyer." This is because gymnema leaves contain a compound called gymnemic acid that suppresses the taste of sugar. Limited evidence suggests that the suppression of sugar taste may be useful in treating diabetes.

Small studies also suggest that Gymnema sylvestre may block sugar and fat absorption in the body, the effect of which may be useful in treating obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

The article looks at the possible benefits of Gymnema sylvestre, including how the herbal remedy is thought to work. It also explains how G. sylvestre is prepared and prescribed, as well as the possible risks and contraindications.

Gymnema Benefits

The American Diabetes Association says there is no clear evidence of benefit from any herbal or nonherbal supplementation for people with diabetes who have no underlying deficiencies.

Research shows promise regarding the effectiveness of Gymnema sylvestre in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol. Much of the research done so far, however, has been in animals or has relied on very small study groups. More research is needed to definitively prove the safety and effectiveness of Gymnema sylvestre.

Lowers Sugar Cravings

Gymnema sylvestre is said to lower sugar cravings while reducing the rate at which sugar and fat are absorbed into the body. This two-fold action may help treat obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

The active compound in G. sylvestre is gymnemic acid. This compound selectively suppresses sweet tastes without affecting the perception of other tastes. Studies have shown that this can reduce cravings for high-sugar foods. Although these effects occur rapidly, usually within 30 seconds, they only last for around one hour.

A 2017 study from Oregon concluded that 34 adults given a lozenge containing gymnemic acid ate 44% fewer sweets than 33 adults who took a placebo, or sham treatment. By contrast, those who were given the placebo were 430% more likely to eat candy afterward.  

Increases Insulin Production

Diabetes is a common disorder caused by the body’s inability to utilize or produce insulin properly. G. sylvestre is thought to increase insulin production by improving cell growth in the pancreas where insulin is produced. To date, however, much of the research into this effect has been limited to animal or laboratory studies.

Lowers Sugar Absorption

Gymnema sylvestre is also thought to lower the amount of sugar that gets absorbed in the intestines. This may further help improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or prediabetes.

Research so far suggests that Gymnema might help improve glycemic control in people with diabetes. A 2014 review of studies, for example, concluded that taking 200 to 400 milligrams (mg) of gymnemic acid per day could help reduce the absorption of glucose in the intestines.

A 2021 meta-analysis of 10 qualifying studies had similar results. It found that Gymnema sylvestre supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, helping improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Blocks Lipid Absorption

G. sylvestre may also block the absorption of lipids (fats), thereby lowering "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood.

A 2021 meta-analysis concluded that Gymnema sylvestre supplementation could also significantly reduce triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis published in 2023 found similar results, concluding that Gymnema sylvestre supplementation could significantly decrease triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Gymnema sylvestre supplementation may also have an impact on high blood pressure, though the mechanisms behind this effect are unclear.

In animal studies, supplementation with G. sylvestre extract was associated with improvements in lipid and glycemic profile and in reduced heart rate and blood pressure. This may be because control over cholesterol and blood sugar also helps improve blood pressure.

The effect on blood pressure could also be because compounds in G. sylvestre increase the production of nitric oxide, a vasodilator. Nitric oxide helps relax the muscles inside blood vessels, causing them to dilate. This improves blood flow and can reduce blood pressure.

What Are the Side Effects of Gymnema?

While Gymnema sylvestre is generally considered safe for use, there are risks associated with this popular herbal supplement.

Common Side Effects

Certain side effects can occur as a direct result of G. sylvestre’s sugar-lowering effects. These include symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) such as:

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shakiness
• Nausea

Contraindications

Although G. sylvestre is generally considered safe, there are situations in which the supplement should be avoided due to the lack of safety research.

This includes the use of G. sylvestre:

• During pregnancy or breastfeeding
• In children and infants
• In people with diabetes (unless supervised by a doctor)
• Before surgery (discontinue use at least two weeks beforehand)

People with milkweed allergies should also avoid G. sylvestre, as the plant's components may similarly trigger a reaction.

Higher doses of the herb have been known to cause liver toxicity. Because there is no clear line between "safe" and "unsafe" doses, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid G. sylvestre if you have liver problems.

Drug Interactions

Gymnema sylvestre should not be taken with diabetes medications like insulin, Amaryl (glimepiride), Glucotrol XL (glipizide), Glynase (glyburide), and others. Doing so may lead to a potentially severe hypoglycemic event.

Dosage and Preparation

As with other herbal supplements, the proper dose of Gymnema sylvestre depends on different factors. These include age, general health, medical conditions, and more.

A safe and effective dose of Gymnema sylvestre has not been established. Always follow the directions of the prescribing doctor or the instructions on the product label.

Preparation

Traditionally, Gymnema sylvestre has been used as a tea or by chewing the leaves of the plant. It is also available in extract, powder, tablet, or capsule form.

G. sylvestre tea is commonly used to control appetite, specifically for the treatment of obesity.

Tablets and capsules are best able to ensure an accurate dose and avoid overdosing.

Dosage

Gymnema sylvestre is possibly safe when taken as directed. Some recommendations include:

• Tea: Boil the dried leaves for five minutes and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Gymnema sylvestre tea is said to be slightly bitter with an intense, earthy flavor. You can sweeten it, but that may undermine its benefits. 
• Powder: Starting by taking 2 grams (2,000 mg), gradually increasing to 4 grams (4,000 mg) as tolerated.
• Capsules or tablets: Take 100 mg three to four times daily.
• For sugar-blocking effects: Take Gymnema sylvestre supplements up five to 10 minutes before eating high-sugar foods.

High doses of G. sylvestre can cause liver toxicity, and there has been one report of drug-induced hepatitis in an adult with diabetes.

What to Look For

Although Gymnema sylvestre is considered safe when taken in the proper dose, it’s important to note that herbal supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that you must be cautious when selecting an herbal product of any sort. 

To ensure purity, opt for supplements that have been independently certified by third-party authorities like U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF International.

Don't be swayed by manufacturer claims that may or may not be true. Instead, talk with your healthcare provider if only to ensure the supplement won't cause any harm.

Summary

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that some people claim can help treat obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. It contains a compound called gymnemic acid that suppresses the taste of sugar and may help reduce sugar cravings.

G. sylvestre is also believed to block the absorption of sugar and fats in the intestines while increasing insulin production in the pancreas. However, the research supporting these claims is limited.

G. sylvestre is generally considered safe for use but may cause symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in some people. There is no recommended dose of G. sylvestre. Speak to your healthcare provider before using this supplement in any of its forms.