Indications
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre), known in South Asia as gurmar or “sugar destroyer”, is a climbing plant whose leaves are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. Gymnema leaf extract is used as a supportive herbal supplement for people with type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar, alongside diet, exercise and prescribed medicines, and to reduce cravings for sweet foods. Some small studies suggest it may modestly lower blood sugar, but evidence is limited. It is not a cure for diabetes and must never replace insulin or prescribed diabetes medicines.
How It Works
Gymnema contains natural compounds called gymnemic acids. On the tongue, they temporarily block the taste of sweetness, which may reduce the desire for sugary food. In the gut, they may reduce the absorption of sugar, and some research suggests they may help the pancreas release insulin and help the body use it better.
Dosage and Administration
Take as directed on the label or by a doctor or registered practitioner, usually with meals. Do not take more than the label amount. Not for children unless a doctor advises it.
Interactions
Gymnema may add to the effect of diabetes medicines such as Metformin, Glibenclamide, Gliclazide or insulin and cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). It may also affect how the liver handles some other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you use.
Contraindications
- Known allergy to Gymnema or plants of the milkweed family.
- Type 1 diabetes as a replacement for insulin.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless a doctor advises it.
- Children.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include nausea, stomach upset, headache, a reduced ability to taste sweetness and, when taken with diabetes medicines, low blood sugar. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported with Gymnema products.
Get urgent medical help if you notice signs of low blood sugar that do not improve after taking sugar (shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion, fainting), yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or swelling of the face, lips or throat with difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is not enough safety information for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Diabetes in pregnancy needs close medical care. Avoid Gymnema unless a doctor advises it.
Precautions and Warnings
Keep taking your prescribed diabetes medicines and check your blood sugar more often when starting Gymnema, as your doses may need adjusting. Learn the signs of low blood sugar and keep sugar or glucose with you. Stop taking it at least 2 weeks before planned surgery. People with liver disease should talk to a doctor first.
Overdose
Taking too much may cause low blood sugar, nausea and stomach upset. If low blood sugar occurs, take sugar, glucose or a sweet drink straight away and seek medical help if it does not improve quickly.
Therapeutic Class
Herbal supplement (traditional blood sugar support).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.