Gymnema Sylvestre Extract

Gymnema sylvestre extract is derived from the leaves of the Gymnema sylvestre plant, found in the forests of central and south India. Nicknamed “the Destroyer of Sugar”, Gymnema Sylvestre Extract is  known for its remarkable ability to temporarily block the sweet taste of sugar and artificial sweeteners ^{1a, 1b} without affecting the taste of non-sugary foods.

Used in ancient traditional medicine, Gymnema Sylvestre’s health benefits extend beyond its sugar blocking properties - with studies showing promising benefits for weight loss as well as for diabetic and pre-diabetic patients.

HEALTH & WEIGHT LOSS BENEFITS

Studies show that Gymnema Sylvestre Extract can help maintain healthy sugar levels by increasing glucose uptake into the liver, kidney, and muscle ^2a. Healthy sugar levels help maintain energy and can prevent weight gain - by encouraging the body to keep burning fat rather than to start storing it.

Gymnemic Acid also reduces the absorption of some fats, cholesterol, and sugars. ^{2b, 2c, 2d}

In one study involving genetically obese rats, gymnemic acid improved fat metabolism by lowering the levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol and increasing the proportion of “good cholesterol".^2e

Another study showed that Gymnema Extract significantly decreased body weight, food consumption, triglyceride and cholesterol levels in cafeteria and diet-induced obese rats.^2f

DIABETES RESEARCH AND GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE EXTRACT

The ability of Gymnema Sylvestre Extract is showing promising benefits for those struggling with diabetes. Its ability to slow the absorption of glucose in the gut,^3a increase the release of insulin in insulin-resistant patients,^3b combined with its ability to regenerate insulin-producing cells in the pancreas^3c have researchers considering it as a potential treatment for type II Diabetes.

In one trial - 22 patients with type 2 diabetes took 400 mg of a Gymnema supplement along with their medication for 18-20 months. 5 patients could stop their conventional treatment altogether for the duration of the trial.^3d

In another clinical trial, when 27 diabetic patients on insulin therapy took 400 mg a day of Gymnema  for up to 30 months, their required insulin dose was reduced to almost half. ^3e 

OTHER BENEFITS OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE EXTRACT

Phytochemical screening of Gymnema Sylvestre extract show the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes, and flavenoids that demonstrate antioxidant, anti-stress, and anti-ulcer properties. ^4a

Gymnema Sylvestre extract has also been shown to exhibit antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits - killing harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, S Pyogenes, and Candida albicans.^4b

 

Resources

1a. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7564423

1b. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10480675/

2a. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6865451

2b. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9152931

2c. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10100884

2d. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10356090

2e. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16691318

2f. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22486040

3a. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9152931

3b. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19255507

3c. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20537514

3d. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2259217

3e.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2259216

4a. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20102328

4b. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28587443