Gymnema: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Gymnema sylvestris
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Gymnemic acid
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Type 2 diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Gymnema sylvestre is renowned for its beneficial effects in treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes, thanks to its ability to reduce blood glucose levels. Initial clinical research demonstrated that oral administration of dried Gymnema sylvestre leaves reduces blood glucose and increases insulin levels in diabetic rabbits and healthy volunteers. This action could be due to a regeneration of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. Subsequent studies have confirmed that Gymnema can decrease insulin dependency in type 1 diabetic patients and significantly reduce levels of HbA1c, cholesterol, triglycerides, and other markers of glycemic dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients. One study observed that a Gymnema extract, in addition to standard hypoglycemic treatments, allowed for a reduction in the dose of conventional drugs and, in some cases, maintained glycemic homeostasis with Gymnema alone. Recent meta-analyses show that Gymnema can moderately reduce fasting blood glucose and levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, although these analyses are limited by the quality and diversity of the studies included. These studies highlight the potential of Gymnema as an effective complementary treatment for diabetes control and its associated complications.
Posologie
Oral administration: leaf
500 - 6000 mg
aqueous extract, dry extract
Synergies
Short-term effect of G-400, polyherbal formulation in the management of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Effect of Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) Powder Intervention on the Blood Glucose Levels among Diabetics
An open label study on the supplementation of Gymnema sylvestre in type 2 diabetics
Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
The effects of Gymnema Sylvestre supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Weight control ✪✪✪✪✪
Gymnema sylvestre has been studied for its potential to modulate body weight and calorie consumption. A study revealed that an aqueous extract of Gymnema, rich in gymnemic acids, reduces the perception of sweet taste by 50%, leading to decreased calorie intake. Additionally, in a six-week randomized study, a formula including Gymnema significantly reduced body weight and fat mass in obese adults, although the specific role of Gymnema remains to be defined. Other research has combined Gymnema with other supplements such as hydroxycitric acid and chromium, showing weight loss, reduced appetite, and improved blood lipids. A clinical study observed a slight reduction in weight and body mass index after 12 weeks of supplementation with Gymnema leaves (300 mg twice daily) in overweight adults with metabolic syndrome, but it is unclear if these changes are significant compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral administration: leaf
400 - 600 mg
8 - weeks
dry extract
Synergies
Efficacy of a novel calcium/potassium salt of (-)-hydroxycitric acid in weight control
Effect of Gymnema sylvestre Administration on Glycemic Control, Insulin Secretion, and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Consuming Gymnema sylvestre Reduces the Desire for High-Sugar Sweet Foods
Metabolic Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Gymnema has been explored for its potential in managing metabolic syndrome. A small clinical study revealed that taking Gymnema leaves at a dose of 300 mg twice a day for 12 weeks resulted in a 4% reduction in body weight and a 2% reduction in body mass index (BMI) in overweight adults with metabolic syndrome. However, it remains uncertain whether these changes are significant compared to a placebo, especially since Gymnema does not appear to improve blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, or lipid profiles compared to a placebo. Another clinical study involving overweight or obese patients with glucose intolerance showed that taking Gymnema at the same dosage did not improve glucose control, lipid profile, or blood pressure compared to a placebo.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
600 - 1000 mg
dry extract
Effect of Gymnema sylvestre Administration on Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Sensitivity, and Insulin Secretion
Effect of Gymnema sylvestre Administration on Glycemic Control, Insulin Secretion, and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Properties
Hypoglycemic
Gymnema sylvestre, a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, shows promising effects in managing type 2 diabetes through several synergistic mechanisms. Firstly, Gymnema reduces the intestinal absorption of glucose and inhibits active glucose transport in the small intestine, thereby limiting glucose entry into the bloodstream. It also inhibits the release of gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), which plays an important role in metabolic regulation by stimulating the release of insulin in response to glucose intake. Furthermore, Gymnema stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreatic beta cells and promotes the regeneration of these cells as well as the islets of Langerhans, potentially improving the body's ability to regulate glucose levels. Animal studies have confirmed that Gymnema extract can normalize glucose and insulin levels in the blood and even double the number of pancreatic beta cells in diabetic rats. In addition, Gymnema has shown significant antioxidant effects, reducing lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage in the liver, kidneys, and brain, which is crucial for preventing long-term complications of diabetes.
Usages associés
Hypolipemic
Gymnema sylvestre has demonstrated beneficial effects on lipid profiles according to several studies on animal models. These studies suggest that Gymnema extract reduces fat digestibility and increases fecal excretion of cholesterol, neutral sterols, and steroid acids. The gymnemic acids, active components of Gymnema, could inhibit the intestinal absorption of fatty acids, which partly explains these hypolipemic effects. For example, a study using a saponin-rich aqueous extract administered to obese rats showed a significant decrease in food intake, weight, and an improvement in lipid profiles, including a reduction in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and an increase in HDL cholesterol. Another study using a standardized ethanolic extract observed significant reductions in body mass index and lipid parameters in rats. The results also showed a decrease in serum levels of leptin, insulin, glucose, and a reduction in oxidative stress. However, these effects observed in animals have not yet been demonstrated in humans.
Usages associés
Short-term effect of G-400, polyherbal formulation in the management of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Effect of administration with the extract of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br leaves on lipid metabolism in rats
Immunomodulator
Studies on the immunomodulatory effect of Gymnema show that this plant can stimulate the immune system in several ways. Gymnema extracts act by stimulating the production of key immune system molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by peritoneal macrophages, in a dose-dependent manner. At low concentrations, the extract promotes lymphocyte proliferation, while higher concentrations are necessary for the production of ROS and NO. Additionally, gymnemic acid, one of the main constituents of Gymnema, also stimulates the proliferation of splenic T and B cells.
Anti-inflammatory
Animal research shows that gymnema leaf extract has anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory effects of gymnema extract are attributed to saponins, tannins, and steroidal constituents.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 400 mg - 600 mg (standardized extract)
The typical therapeutic dose of an extract, standardized to contain 25% gymnemic acids, is 400-600 mg/day. To regulate blood sugar, it is preferable to administer Gymnema in divided doses throughout meals.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antidiabetic: moderate interaction
Gymnema reduces blood glucose levels in some human and animal research. In human studies, it has been shown to enhance the hypoglycemic effects of blood sugar-lowering medications. Close monitoring of blood sugar is recommended.
Precautions
Pregnant woman: avoid
There is not enough reliable information on the safety of Gymnema during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
There is not enough reliable information on the safety of Gymnema during breastfeeding.
Liver disorders: avoid
The use of Gymnema should be approached with caution, particularly due to reported cases of liver toxicity.
