What is Gymnema Sylvestre?

Gymnema is a woody liana that comes from the forests of India and Africa.

Gymnema was traditionally used for:

• to lower blood sugar
• to reduce the amount of sugar absorbed by the intestines
• to lower LDL cholesterol
• to stimulate the release of insulin in the pancreas

It is also sometimes used for stomach problems, constipation, liver diseases and water retention.

Gymnema is most often consumed in Western medicine in the form of pills or tablets, making the dosage easier to control and monitor. It can also be found in the form of powder or leaf extract.

 

What are the benefits of the Gymnema Sylvestre plant?

1. Reduces sugar cravings
One of the primary active components in this plant is gymnemic acid, which helps suppress the taste for sweets. When consumed before a sugary food or drink, gymnemic acid blocks the sugar receptors on the taste buds.
Research shows that Gymnema sylvestre extract can reduce the ability to taste sweet and thus sweet foods become less tempting.


2. Helps lower blood sugar levels
Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. It is caused by the body's inability to produce or use insulin effectively.
As a supplement, it has been used in combination with other diabetes medications to lower blood sugar. It is also called gurmar, which means "sugar destroyer".
Similar to its effects on the taste buds, Gymnema sylvestre can block the receptors in the intestines and therefore the absorption of sugar, lowering blood sugar levels after a meal.


3. It can contribute to the increase of insulin synthesis
Gymnema's role in insulin secretion and cell regeneration can also contribute to lowering serum glucose levels.
Gymnema sylvestre can stimulate insulin production in the pancreas, favoring the regeneration of insulin-producing islet cells.


4. Improves the level of cholesterol and triglycerides
Gymnema sylvestre can help lower the level of "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Research shows that Gymnema can play a role in lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.


5. It can help with weight loss
Gymnema sylvestre extracts have been shown to help with weight loss.
By blocking the sweet receptors on your taste buds, Gymnema sylvestre can cause you to eat fewer sweet foods and consume fewer calories.
A constant caloric deficit can lead to weight loss.


6. It helps to reduce inflammation due to its tannin and saponin content
Gymnema sylvestre's ability to reduce the absorption of sugar in the intestines may also allow it to reduce inflammation caused by excess sugar intake.
In addition, Gymnema seems to have anti-inflammatory properties of its own. This is believed to be due to its content of tannins and saponins, which are beneficial plant compounds.
Gymnema sylvestre leaves are considered immunostimulators, meaning they can regulate the immune system, reducing inflammation.