Gymnema sylvestre.
Other names of gymnema sylvestre are gurmarbooti and gurmar. Gymnema sylvestre is a plant which can be found in the tropical forests of central and Southern India and in some parts of Africa. The leaves, if chewed, interfere with the ability to taste sweetness which explains the Hindi name "gurmar", meaning destroyer of sugar.
In studies for both animals and humans, gymnema sylvestre has been found to increase urine excretion and reduce hyperglycemia.
The herb has been used in India for diabetes treatment for over 2,000 years. The most common application was for type 2 diabetes a disease for which it is still used in India. The leaves were also used for other illnesses as stomach ailment, constipation, water retention and liver disease.
Results of studies have been very encouraging in people with type 1 diabetes. Extracts of gymnema sylvestre can reduce insulin requirements. The same ingredient given in combination with oral diabetes medication has shown to improve blood sugar control and to lead to discontinuation of the medicine or to significant reduction of dosages. It is remarkable that gymnema sylvestre extract does not cause any blood sugar lowering or hypoglycemic effects to healthy individuals.
The only serious problem that patients should bear in mind is that gymnema sylvestre reduces the taste of sweet. Because of that, excessive amounts of carbohydrates can be eaten and can lead to increased blood glucose level.
Gymnema is widely used in blended diabetes herbal remedies. Safety in pregnancy has not been acknowledged yet.
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