GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE

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Botanical Name(s) Family Name Kingdom Division Class Order Family Genus Species Popular Name(s) Parts Used Habitat

Gymnema Sylvestre Asclepiadaceae Plantae Magnoliophyta Magnoliopsida Gentianales Asclepiadaceae Gymnema G. sylvestre Periploca of the woods, Gudmar, Gurmari, Gurmarbooti, Sirukurinjan Whole Plant and Leaves Grows in tropical forests of the central and southern parts of India.

Common Names
Gurmari, Gurmarbooti, Gurmar, periploca of the woods, meshasring , Sirukurinjan.

Distribution
Gymnema sylvestre is found throughout the tropical forests of central and southern India.

Description
Gymnema Sylvestre is a woody climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. The leaves lamina is ovate, elliptic or ovate-lanceolate, with both surfaces pubescent. The flowers are small bell-shaped yellow color. The leaves of gurmar are used medicinally, for its unique property to directly mask the tongue’s ability to taste sweet foods; at the same time suppresses glucose absorption from the intestine. This is the reason it is known in Hindi as gurmar, or "destroyer of sugar."

History
Historically, gymnema sylvestre has been used to treat conditions ranging from malaria to snake bites. Sushruta, the classic book on Ayurveda, describes G. Sylvestre, as a destroyer of 'Madhumeha' (glycosuria) and other urinary disorders. This herb has been given the name of 'gur-mar' meaning 'sugar-destroying,' because of its property of abolishing the taste of sugar and "mesbasringi" meaning 'ram's horn' with relation to the shape of its fruits. It has been used in India as a remedy against this condition with success.

Active ingredients
Found in leaves and the roots.

What is Gymnema sylvestre?
Gymnema Sylvestre is a plant used in India and parts of Asia as a natural treatment for diabetes or “sweet urine.” The herb’s active ingredient, gymnemic acid, is extracted from leaves and roots, and helps to lower and balance blood sugar levels. The unique shape of gymnemic acid molecules are similar to that of glucose, allowing it to fill cell receptors in the lining the intestines, thereby preventing uptake of sugar molecules.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) find “good scientific evidence” that Gymnema Sylvestre can be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes when used in conjunction with insulin and other medications as prescribed by a doctor. It is important that people with existing blood sugar issues talk to their doctors before adding gymnema sylvestre to their diet, as insulin or other medications may need to be reduced.

In healthy adults Gymnema Sylvestre is believed to help curb cravings for sweets. Though not a magic bullet, when taken with a high-carbohydrate meal or a meal high in sugar, it can aid the body by passing through sugars and making carbs available for burning, rather than turning these into fat stores. In this way it helps to build lean muscle mass.

Gymnema, also commonly referred to as Gymnema Sylvestre, is an herb that grows in south central India, where it was first used in naturopathy or alternative medicine for its potential health benefits. Due to its effects on how the body reacts to and regulates sugar, many believe that this herb can have a positive effect on diabetes and obesity, as well as other conditions. It may also help with digestion.

The strongest active components of the plant are called gymnemic acids, taken from either the leaves or root. The acids affect two particular areas of the body. First, they can permeate the taste buds on the tongue that detect sweet flavors. As the acids are digested, they act on the surface of the intestines. In both places, the herb is able to help decrease the intake of sugars.

Plant Chemicals
(+)- gymnema saponins I-IV, gymnemic acids I-IX, acylated (tigloyl, methylbutroyl, etc) derivatives of deacylgymnemic acid (DAGA), 3-O-glucuronide of gymnemagenin (3, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28-hexahydroxy-olean-12-ene), gymnemosides A-F, triterpene saponins, dammarene saponins, flavones, anthraquinones, hentri-acontane, pentatriacontane, a and ß- chlorophylls, phytin, resins, d-quercitol, tartaric acid, formic acid, butyric acid, lupeol, ß-amyrin related glycosides and stigmasterol.

Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Benefits
Gymnema Sylvestre leaf is believed to benefit people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. In people with type II diabetes, it has been shown that the majority of patients who took this herb were able to reduce their prescription medications. It helps support healthy blood sugar levels and also possesses antiviral and lipid lowering effects. For this reason, Gymnema Sylvestre leaf is also thought to help maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Other benefits include suppressing the appetite by reducing the sugar cravings. It is also touted for effectively blocking the absorption of sugar and carbohydrates, and enhancing pancreatic function. Anemia and osteoporosis sufferers have also been shown to benefit from the use of Gymnema Sylvestre leaf. Cardiopathy, jaundice and constipation have also been treated effectively with this botanical herb.

Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Weight Loss
Gymnema Sylvestre leaf has been shown effective for weight loss because of it's ability to curb sweet cravings and the effect it has on blocking sugar absorption. It is also thought to boost metabolism and energy levels.

Gymnema Sylvestre leaf is also known to be an effective herb for appetite control and cravings for certain foods. Carbohydrates and sweets are especially problematic for people trying to lose weight, and this herbs absorption blocking capabilities have proven to show very beneficial results in weight loss.

Pharmacology
The hypoglycemic extract of Gymnema Sylvestris brings about blood glucose homeostasis, which in turn prevents increased glycosylation of proteins thus reversing the onset of changes leading to micro and macroangiopathy. Control of Diabetes mellitus and the associated complications are mediated through the revival or regeneration of the insulin, producing beta-cells in the islets of langerhans. The glucose-like molecules in Gurmar known as the gymnemic acid fills the receptor locations in the absorptive external layers of the intestine, thereby preventing the intestine from absorbing the sugar molecules. Due to the change in the absorption level of sugar, there is a consequent change in the blood sugar level.

Action
Anti-diabetic, Astringent, stomachic, tonic and refrigerant. In Ayurveda the plant has been described as an anti-diabetic, antiperiodic, stomachic and diuretic.

Uses & Benefits of Gymnema Sylvestre

• When used for an extended time period, gudmar reduces blood sugar levels.
• It forms one of the ingredients in the manufacture of all natural medication for diabetes, apart from cinnamon, chromium, zinc, biotin, banaba, huckleberry and bitter melon.
• Extracts of the herb are believed to treat problems like hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anemia and digestion.
• Gudmar suppresses the taste of sweet foods and consequently reduces the desire to eat.
• Its root is made into a paste or powder and applied to the wounds of snakebites.
• The herb controls and regulates weight, promotes healthy blood lipid levels, controls sugar craving and curbs sweet tooth.
• Gudmar is useful in hepatosplenomegaly, dyspepsia, constipation, jaundice, halminthiasis, cardiopathy and amenorrhoea.
• Chewing fresh leaves of gudmar paralyzes the taste for sweet and bitter substance for some time.