GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE
Gymnema sylvestre is an ingredient in our Weight loss blend, below you will find fascinating information and key benefits about this ingredient.
Gymnema sylvestre has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions. It can block sugar receptors on the tongue, reducing sugar cravings and block sugar absorption in the intestine, lowering blood sugar levels. It can also stimulate insulin production and contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Deep in the tropical forests of Africa, India and Australia, there grows a woody shrub called gymnema sylvestre. In Hindi, it is known as ‘gurmar’, which translates as ‘destroyer of sugar’. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions ranging from diabetes to malaria and it works in a variety of interesting ways.
Gymnema sylvestre contains gymnemic acid, which has the unique ability to suppress sweetness in sugar. It can block sugar receptors on the tongue, making sweet things taste much less appealing. In turn, this can reduce sugar cravings which is highly conducive to weight loss.
It can also block receptors in the intestine which are responsible for sugar absorption, thereby lowering blood sugar levels, especially after eating. Studies have shown that reduced blood sugar after a meal can result in long-term low blood sugar levels. It also stimulates insulin production and replenishes insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas, which is great news for diabetics.
Gymnema sylvestre has shown to be effective at limiting lipid levels and fat absorption. It can lower levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, which are known risk factors of heart disease. It also contains anti-inflammatories, saponins and tannins and is immunostimulatory, meaning that it can regulate the immune system. All these components make gymnema sylvestre a fantastic fighter against chronic inflammation and the development of deadly diseases.
Gymnema sylvestre is considered safe for most people to use but as its primary function is to lower blood sugar levels, it can interact with diabetes medications.
Key benefits of gymnema sylvestre include:
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Gymnema sylvestre contains phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- Blood Sugar Control: Gymnema sylvestre can help reduce sugar cravings and inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestines. It can also support insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity, which are important factors in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
- Cholesterol Management: Gymnema sylvestre can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. It can help lower LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). These effects contribute to improved cardiovascular health.
- Digestive Health: Gymnema sylvestre has been traditionally used to support digestive health. It can help alleviate gastrointestinal complaints, such as indigestion, constipation, and stomach ulcers. Gymnema sylvestre can have protective effects on the digestive tract and promote healthy gut function.
- Weight Management: Gymnema sylvestre can play a role in weight management. It can help reduce food intake and cravings, leading to a decrease in overall caloric intake. By supporting blood sugar control, it can also help prevent fluctuations in energy levels and reduce the risk of overeating.
Avoid combining gymnema sylvestre with the following medications:
- Antidiabetic Medications: Gymnema sylvestre may lower blood sugar levels, which could enhance the effects of antidiabetic medications such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Concurrent use of gymnema sylvestre with these medications could potentially lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult with a healthcare provider before combining gymnema sylvestre with antidiabetic medications.
- Blood Sugar-Lowering Herbs and Supplements: Gymnema sylvestre may have additive effects when combined with other herbs or supplements that also lower blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon, fenugreek, or chromium. Concurrent use of gymnema sylvestre with these substances could potentially lead to excessively low blood sugar levels. Use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before combining gymnema sylvestre with other blood sugar-lowering agents.
- Insulin Sensitisers: Gymnema sylvestre may possess insulin-sensitising properties, which could enhance the effects of medications or supplements that improve insulin sensitivity, such as metformin, tolbutamide, or alpha-lipoic acid. Concurrent use of gymnema sylvestre with insulin sensitisers could potentially lead to hypoglycaemia or other adverse effects. Monitor blood sugar levels and consult with a healthcare provider.
- Medications Metabolised by the Liver: Gymnema sylvestre may affect the activity of certain enzymes in the liver involved in drug metabolism. Concurrent use of gymnema sylvestre with medications metabolised by the liver, such as substrate P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) or cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates, could potentially alter their effectiveness or increase the risk of adverse effects. Consult with a healthcare provider before combining gymnema sylvestre with medications metabolised by the liver.
Individuals with the following allergens or medical conditions should use caution or avoid gymnema sylvestre:
- Allergies to Milkweed Family Plants: Gymnema sylvestre belongs to the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). Individuals with known allergies to plants in this family, such as milkweed, may also be allergic to gymnema sylvestre. Allergic reactions can manifest as skin rash, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing. Use gymnema sylvestre cautiously if you have known allergies to milkweed family plants.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Limited safety data are available regarding the use of gymnema sylvestre during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It's advisable for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals to avoid using gymnema sylvestre due to potential risks to the developing fetus or nursing infant. Consult with a healthcare provider before using gymnema sylvestre if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia): Gymnema sylvestre may lower blood sugar levels. Individuals with a history of hypoglycaemia or those taking medications or supplements that lower blood sugar levels should use gymnema sylvestre cautiously. Monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult with a healthcare provider before using gymnema sylvestre, especially in combination with other blood sugar-lowering agents.
- Surgery: Gymnema sylvestre may affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. If you have a scheduled surgery, it's advisable to discontinue the use of gymnema sylvestre several weeks before the procedure to prevent potential interactions with anesthesia or medications used during surgery. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding the use of herbal supplements before surgery.
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