Description: This herb has been given the name ‘gur-mar’ meaning ‘sugar destroyer’ because of its property of abolishing the taste of sugar. It has the unique property of inhibiting the taste of sugar. When Gymnema is taken before eating, the molecules of one of its constituents, gymnemic acid (whose molecular structure is similar to that of sugar), fill the sugar-taste receptor sites on the tongue for one to two hours, thus preventing the taste buds from reacting to the sugar molecules in food and blocking the taste of sugar. It blocks up to 50% of the absorption of sugar. In doing so, it will not affect the taste of food but will suppress the desire of sweets. It has been in India for more than 2000 years to regulate sugar metabolism with success.

The plant is antidiabetic, antiperiodic, astringent, digestive, diuretic, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, laxative, refrigerant, stomachic and tonic. This is one of the main herbs used for healing diabetes mellitus. It has been believed, therefore, that it might neutralise the excess sugar present in the body in diabetes mellitus. The leaves raise insulin levels in Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes by regeneration of the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin.

Other research has shown that it also improves uptake of glucose into cells by increasing the activity of the glucose utilising enzymes, and prevents adrenaline from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Gymnema has been successful in controlling the blood sugar level without reducing it to below the normal blood sugar level, an effect seen with the use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic sulphonylurea compounds.

The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides. It also acts as a cardiovascular stimulant.

Recommended Dosage: 5 to 7 g powder of the full plant.

Contraindication: People with diabetes should only use Gymnema to lower blood sugar under the clinical supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, as use of the herb may necessitate an adjustment in insulin dosage. Gymnema cannot be used in place of insulin to control blood sugar by people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.