Gymnéma Sylvestre : Sugar Killer

Common Names :Gurmari, Gurmarbooti, Gurmar, Merasingi, Meshashringi, Miracle Plant, Shardunika, Vishani. 

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.

Gymnema contains substances that decrease the absorption of sugar from the intestine. Gymnema may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is the place in the body where insulin is made.

Gymnema : Health Benefits

• Diabetes mellitus

• Urinary Problem

• Glycosuria

• Stomach pain, gastrointestinal benefits, the regulation of cholesterol levels, and various other anti-inflammatory properties

• Anti-allergic, antiviral

• Gymnema removes sugar from pancreas, restores pancreatic function.

• Gymnema stimulate the circulatory system, increases urine secretion.

• Gymnema is also useful for the treatment of swollen glands, cough, and fever.

• Appetite Suppression: The gymnema plant contains a number of compounds, such as acidic glycosides and anthroquinones. The primary bioactive constituent of gymnema, known as gymnemic acid, is found in the leaves and roots. Gymnemic acids are sweetness inhibitors. Simply put, chewing gymnema leaves will reduce the taste of sugar, or “sweetness,” in the mouth. The temporary effect is noticed with both artificial and natural sweeteners; and suggests Gymnema may have value within an appetite suppression spectrum.

This conclusion was cited in an a Physiology & Behavior study where researchers tested the effects of Gymnema on average weight persons who were fasting. They found that those who took gymnema one hour before being offered food ate less than the participants who had not consume gymnema [1].

• leaves are rubbed into scarifications in the sides to treat stitch.

• the leaves and roots are considered purgative and emetic

• crushed roots or powdered roots are applied to snakebites

• pounded cooked roots in food are taken to treat epilepsy.

• pounded cooked roots or root powder are applied externally to treat boils

• an infusion of the leafy twigs is taken to treat gonorrhoea

• Fresh leaves are chewed to treat diabetes.

• roots and leaves are furthermore used for a wide variety of ailments, e.g. to treat rheumatoid arthritis, gout, inflammation of the blood vessels, oedema, fever, cough, haemorrhoids, boils, sores, insect bites

• helpful in controlling high blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, when used in conjunction with insulin

• food additives as a weight loss remedy as it is considered to help curb cravings for sweets and to have lipid lowering effects

• It also helps preventing caries

• Gymnema sylvestre leaves is helpful in decreasing plasma triglyceride

• Gymnema may have benefit on people at risk of breast cancer

• Gymnema also has anti-atherosclerotic benefits that may reduce plaque buildup on the walls of the arteries, making this a potentially life-saving ingredient for one’s internal health.

If pregnant or lactating, it is not advised to take this herb due to lack of research and potential impact on the baby.

The leaves and roots of Gymnema sylvestre can be used fresh or dried and powdered for later use. The dried material can best be stored in airtight containers.