Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestrae)
Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae), widely known as “gurmar” due to its notable ability to suppress blood sugar, is a highly regarded herb within the Ayurvedic system of medicine. The plant's blood sugar-regulating activity is attributed to its phytochemical components, which include triterpene saponins referred to as gymnemic acids and Gymnemasaponins, as well as a polypeptide named gurmarin.
Medicinal Uses: (The original text does not provide specific details for this section.)
Clinical Research:
➢ A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted involving 24 individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, based on modified International Diabetes Federation criteria. Participants were given either 300 mg capsules of Gymnema sylvestre or a placebo, twice daily before breakfast and dinner for a duration of 90 days. Investigators assessed various health parameters before and after the intervention. The findings of this study suggest that Gymnema sylvestre possesses significant potential for both the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome.
➢ A study was undertaken to investigate the impact of gurmar leaf powder on the blood glucose levels of 20 women (aged 40-60) with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The participants selected for the study were newly diagnosed, not currently taking any oral hypoglycemic medications, and were willing to participate in the intervention. Each day, the subjects consumed 6 grams of gurmar leaf powder, divided into three doses. The results of the intervention indicated that gurmar leaf powder had positive and encouraging effects on blood glucose levels. No adverse effects on the participants' health status were observed.
Possible Mechanisms of Hypoglycemic Action: The leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, and particularly the gymnemic acids they contain, are thought to exert their blood sugar-lowering effects through several mechanisms:
❖ They enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas. ❖ They support the regeneration of pancreatic islet cells. ❖ They improve the body's utilization of glucose by increasing the activity of enzymes involved in glucose utilization through insulin-dependent pathways, increasing phosphorylase activity, decreasing the activity of gluconeogenic enzymes, and reducing sorbitol dehydrogenase activity. ❖ They inhibit the absorption of glucose from the intestine, although the precise mechanism of this action is not fully understood and may involve one or more processes.
Specifications
Botanical/ Scientific Name: Gymnema sylvestre CAS No.: 90045-47-9 Description: Green to greenish-brown powder Identification: TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) Heavy Metal Limits: Arsenic: Not more than 20 ppm Lead: Not more than 1 ppm Cadmium: Not more than 10 ppm Content of Gymnemic acids: 25%, 75% Microbiological Quality: As per JPN Food Regulation