How much gymnema sylvestre to take

In fact, the Hindi name for this herb translates to "destroyer of sugar. Modern pharmacological research seems to support this traditional wisdom. Compounds extracted from gymnema have been shown to reduce the absorption of sugar from the intestinal tract and boost insulin production, all of which could help lower blood sugar. Animal testing confirms that gymnema reduces blood glucose levels. Lab rats given gymnema extract also eat less and lose weight.

Unfortunately, the research on humans is all but non-existent. Take one mg capsule every day to get the same benefits. National Institutes of Health Go to source Gymnema sylvestre helps to rebuild the cells around your pancreas, helping your pancreas produce healthy insulin, glucose, and enzymes. Continue taking your medication unless otherwise instructed.

Gymnema may help reduce your dependence on diabetes medications. Continue to take your diabetes medications as directed, and work with your doctor to see if your doses should be reduced as you take gymnema. Only reduce your medication dosage under the strict direction and supervision of your doctor. For many, it can take a year and a half to two years before you are able to completely reduce your medications.

Even if you do not feel the need to reduce your current medication, taking gymnema can still help you regulate your insulin levels. Monitor your blood levels closely. Gymnema has the potential to lower blood sugar levels. This means you need to watch carefully for signs of hypoglycemia and continue to monitor your blood sugar levels, even if you are able to reduce your medication. Kristi Acuna Holistic Nutritionist. Kristi Acuna.

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that can help manage blood sugars. It helps rebuild the cells around your pancreas to help it produce healthy insulin, glucose, and enzymes. Yes No. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Do not take gymnema if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Research is still ongoing as to whether gymnema is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Gymnema has only been tested through 20 months.

There is currently no research regarding the safety of taking gymnema long-term. Related wikiHows How to. How to. Holistic Nutritionist. The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Gymnema for any of the below-listed uses. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Gymnema supplements, and never use them in place of something a doctor recommends or prescribes. Some evidence suggests that Gymnema extracts may aid weight loss by helping control sweet cravings, and by diminishing the absorption of glucose and fat from the gut.

While the use of a Gymnema extract did not cause weight loss in normal rats, it did stop weight gain in genetically obese rats and in rats fed with high fat and cafeteria high carb diets [ 19 , 24 , 21 , 22 ]. No clinical evidence supports the use of Gymnema for any of the conditions listed in this section.

Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts. However, the studies listed below should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit.

A high-fat diet can elevate blood levels of triglycerides and total and bad cholesterol. This is a risk factor for the narrowing and hardening of the arteries atherosclerosis , which can develop into coronary heart disease. The ability of Gymnema to lower blood fat levels, particularly of bad cholesterol, protected obese rats fed with a high-fat diet from heart disease and hardening of the arteries [ 24 , 31 ]. Certain phenolic compounds present in plants act as antioxidants.

The ones present in Gymnema extracts can inhibit the oxidation of fat , and decrease oxidative stress in diabetic rats as well as protecting mice from radiation-induced oxidative damage [ 23 , 32 ]. Gymnema extract protected against ulcers in mice with aspirin-induced ulcers [ 33 ]. Other effects for Gymnema extracts have been observed, such as helping alleviate drug-induced arthritis in rats [ 5 ].

Flavonoids and heart glycosides found in Gymnema extracts have antimicrobial activity [ 34 ]. Gymnema extracts can kill harmful bacteria like S. Gymnema extracts helped stimulate the immune system and start a defense response in cells [ 25 , 36 ]. Due to the effects of Gymnema extracts on the immune system, it has been found to kill cancer cells in some tests, while it has no toxic effects or actually diminishes cell death in other cases [ 37 , 38 , 24 ]. However, many substances have anti-cancer effects in cells, including downright toxic chemicals like bleach.

On the contrary, most substances natural or synthetic that are researched in cancer cells fail to pass further animal studies or clinical trials due to a lack of safety or efficacy. When used in the recommended doses, Gymnema is considered safe for use by adults, but caution is advised for children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding [ 1 , 39 ].

Therefore, when it comes in contact with the tongue, it binds to the sugar receptors in the taste buds preventing binding by the sugar molecules in food, which reduces the taste of sweetness. This effect can help you limit the desire for and consequent intake of sweet foods. In a study, people who were given Gymnema one hour before being offered food had their perception of sweetness reduced and were more likely to eat fewer sweet calories than the control group.

The gymnemic acid present in Gymnema is also believed to prevent the absorption of excess glucose in the small intestine, thereby helping to balance the amount of glucose in your bloodstream. One study performed in a small cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes showed that Gymnema was able to reduce blood sugar levels as well as stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. Moreover, it also showed the ability to regenerate beta cells in the pancreas, which are the cells responsible for insulin production, and whose function is usually impaired in type 2 diabetes.

Altogether, there are several studies supporting the blood sugar and insulin regulating effects of Gymnema , and a recent randomized double-blind clinical study also reported a statistically significant reduction in body weight, BMI and LDL values.

Although Gymnema can be a great option to address your relationship with sugar be aware that its use with diabetic patients still requires more scientific validation and clinical approval.