Gymnema Sylvestre
Madhunaashini – Sanskrit
Chakkarakolli, Chiru Kurinchan – Tamil
Gur-mar - Hindi
- Due to its active component GS4, this acts like raising the number of beta cells in pancreas. Thus the internal production of insulin (the amount of insulin produced by our body itself) is enhanced
- It can reduce the intestinal glucose uptake and, thus you can have low blood sugar levels.
- Some other benefits of gymnema sylvestre are related to decrease of your total cholesterol levels, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Instead, the HDL (good) cholesterol levels will be enhanced.
- Take gymnema sylvestre to reduce blood sugar levels. According to the University of the Denver School of Medicine, gymnemic acid, one of gymnema's constituents, is thought to reduce the absorption of glucose in the intestines, enhance the secretion of insulin from the pancreas and may improve the utilization of glucose.
- Chew the leaves of gymnema sylvestre to reduce the desire for sweet foods. Gymnema contains gurmarin peptide, which interferes with taste receptors for sweet and bitter flavors. However, this action only occurs from chewing dry or fresh gymnema leaves.
- Chew gymnema sylvestre leaves for appetite satiation. There is no clear evidence that gymnema sylvestre reduces appetite. However it is suspected that gymnema may act as an appetite suppressor, due to its ability to reduce the taste of sweet and bitter flavors, according to research done at the University of Denver School of Medicine
- Do not take gymnema sylvestre if you are pregnant or lactating. While there are no known side effects to using gymnema sylvestre during pregnancy and lactation, it is best to avoid this herb until more is known.
