What is Gymnema Sylvestre?

Modern Use

• Some modern alternative medicine practitioners use gymnema as a supportive (not replacement) treatment for diabetes. The usual daily dosage is 400 to 600 mg of an extract standardized to contain 24 percent gymnemic acid. (The primary active compound in Gymnema is gymnemic acid.) Gymnema acids are also available as a tea.

Other Uses and Attributes

• Traditionally, gymnema was also used to treat asthma, eye problems, inflammation, uterine problems and snakebites, among other complaints. The herb is believed to have properties that fight microbes, help lower elevated cholesterol levels, protect the liver and suppress the taste of sweetness.

Clinical Evidence

• Only a few animal studies and human open trials suggest gymnema might help lower blood sugar. No double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have been done to test gymnema's effectiveness, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center.

Safety

• Gymnema is believed to be safe, taken in appropriate dosages. However, if you are already taking medication to reduce blood sugar and if gymnema works, your blood sugar levels may drop too much, creating a dangerous hypoglycemic reaction. So, if you want to use the herb, do so under medical supervision.