by Raynie Andrewsen

Created on: October 20, 2007

A vine from the tropical regions of India shows promise as a diabetes treatment. Gymnema sylvestre, has been used as herbal medicine in India for centuries. In Ayurvedic Medicine it is used to treat diabetes and hyperglycemia, obesity, anemia, stomach problems including digestion, constipation, water retention, cholesterol and liver disease.

Recent studies have shown that Gymnema sylvestre successfully controlled blood sugar levels with extended use in both patients with insulin dependent Type I diabetes, and Type II diabetes mellitus. In Type I diabetes, in addition to lower blood glucose levels, patients required less insulin. This may be indicative of the possible restorative effects of Gymnema on the pancreas and the natural production of insulin.

Gymnema showed significant benefits to patients with Type II diabetes as well. Those with Type II diabetes were able to reduce or eliminate oral medications while using Gymnema therapy. The effects of the herb are not entirely known and more research needs to be done. Thus far no interactions have been reported.

Gymnema has been used in a variety of ways, from chewing the leaves to relieve a sweet tooth to the liquid preparations used in studies. Though many preparations include other herbs, the typical single herb therapeutic dosage is two to four grams of powdered Gymnema leaf.

The herb has not been studied for use in pregnant or lactating women and there are no known health conditions that would preclude its use. As with any herbal therapy patients using Gymnema would be monitored by their health practitioner.

Learn more about this author, Raynie Andrewsen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.