Gymnema Sylvestre- The tree of light for the body requirements

What do you mean by Gymnema?

Gymnema means the Tree of Light, is a woody climbing shrub found in India and Africa. Gymnema plant has a long history of usage in the history of India’s Ayurvedic medicine. The Hindi name for Gymnema is “Gurmar”, that literally means “destroyer of sugar.” The leaves of this plant are used to make medicine that attributes to the eponymous gymnemic acids. This plant is from the native species of Epitheton Sylvestre that means – “of the forest” in Latin. Gymnema sylvestre tree is a useful plant that is useful in multiple forms such as- blocking the taste of sweetness; it helps in regulating the blood sugar. It blocks the absorption of sugar in the intestines and stimulates releasing insulin from the pancreas.

Where is the plant available in INDIA?

Gymnema plant is a rare species that is found in few parts of India. It is a relatively new entrant to Kerala along with the other insulin plants available here. Gymnema sylvestre tree is basically extended native to the tropical forests of Central and South India. The herb is found to support the normal function of the specialized beta cells of the pancreas which are responsible for secretion of insulin. Gymnema Sylvestre is a rare herb of Patalkot, in the Chhindwara district. Patalkot is a lovely landscape located at a depth of 1200-1500 feet in a valley near Tamia in the north of the district. Its name is a significance of its location and due to the great depth at which it is located, this place is named as ‘Patalkot’ (Patal means very deep, in Sanskrit).

How does it work in lowering the cholesterol levels?

“Phytomedicine” after a research has found that Gymnema leaf has proved to be effective at lowering blood sugar levels and it was also noted that it supported the falling of “bad cholesterol” levels a lot. The leaves have been found lowering the serum cholesterol as they reduce the triglycerides level. More than over 29 various studies have shown that the herb is a potential help to rebuild the pancreas that improve blood sugar and supports healthy insulin function. This ancient herb actually functions as a sort of “blood sugar sensor” and regulates the excess blood sugar level in the body which is also linked to lowering the levels of cholesterol. Supporting the normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels, it also activates glucose cell transports thereby supporting the liver. This improves the process of digestion and aiding the digestion process by lowering the triglycerides and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol from the body.  Gymnema has also been found to be anti-allergic, antiviral and lipid lowering substance that equally affects the cholesterol lowering in the body.

Does it affect kidney yes/no?

Gymnema (Gymnema Sylvestre) is a climbing plant generally found in the tropical forests. It has been found to neutralize the sweet taste of sugar and thereby reduce the craving for sugar. As a result, this helps in lowering the blood sugar level. It has also helped in improving a lot of body function ranging from untreated diabetes that can include kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, etc. Gymnema Sylvestre extracts and leaf herbal supplement have proved to be a major health beneficial factor, without certain side effects. This herb is widely used for patients who have had a kidney transplant as it affects the working of the kidney in a positive manner. Yes! Gymnema Sylvestre is very helpful in managing and controlling both forms of kidney support functions, directly and indirectly. Diabetes tree is also a very common cause of kidney disease which can result into dialysis need for the body in the extreme case. Further moving to the extreme situations, this may eventually lead to a kidney transplant. The formula contained in this magical herb of Gymnema Sylvestre creates a bitter melon effect that in turn reduces blood sugar and associated effects on the kidney and other body parts.

Studies proving the benefits of Gymnema

There have been very little clinical evidences to support the use of Gymnema herb for lowering the sugar, increasing the insulin secretion and other related functions associated. As far as the studies have been conducted the results have been found in support of the benefits of the herb. It has been found that the Gymnema herb has multiple benefits attached to it such as:-

• Lowering blood sugar
• Lower Haemoglobin A1c
• Reducing the chances of Diabetes
• Reduces the Glycosylated Plasma Protein levels.
• Reducing the Cholesterol levels

Studies have also indicated that based on the need criteria, the medication dosage for the herb may need to be adjusted.  Gymnema is usually referred as diabetes tree. Gymnema has come up with multiple benefits today, but require further studies to prove its effects. Gymnema may prove beneficial to both adults and grown-ups. As a benefit of safety tool against diabetes, there have been evidences that Gymnema Sylvestre benefits both physically as well as mentally.

How useful it is to have Gymnema in PCOD- Poly cystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOD) is also known as Stein-Leventhal is a related ovary syndrome in women. Generally found in obese women, 30% to 40% of them have been found impaired to the glucose tolerance levels . Gymnema is helpful in reducing carbohydrate and sugar cravings that help in fighting against it. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS can result in infertility issues among women. In addition to eating the PCOS managing diet, supplements have also been needed for better results. Gymnema has been used since hundreds of years for reducing high blood sugar levels and proved to be effective in helping those fighting against the PCOD syndrome. The latest research in polycystic ovary syndrome has focused on the use of Gymnema medication for its treatment. This herbs has been found to increase insulin sensitivity include among those with insulin resistance or polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Normal intake of Gymnema and also toxicity

Safety studies have shown no such toxicity or adverse effects due to the usage of Gymnema levels. A recommended dosage usage level for Gymnema extract has however been found standardized to 200 milligrams of extract taken by mouth, twice daily for adults (18 Years or older). This helps to maintain blood sugar levels within the normal range. The herb’s long-term intake of leaf extract has also lowered the body weight and triglyceride levels that are found non-beneficial for our body. Thereby it has helped in the extraction process of absorbing the toxic solvents within the body.As per studies conducted on 52 subjects in the american journal it is been proofed that there is no reaction apart from blood sugar getting lowers on the subjects.Hence Toxicity of Gymnema is basically causing lower levels of blood sugar levels which can further lead to hypoglycaemia.