Gymnema sylvestra
| See Also | Botanical Monographs |
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Gymnema is known for its ability to decrease blood sugar. To explore the characteristics, medicinal uses and prescribing considerations of this herb in more detail, check out the references indicated.[1], [2]
Contents
Characteristics
- Common Names: Gymnema, Gurmar
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Habitat:
- Parts Used: Leaves
- Constituents: flavonol glycosides, saponins
- Medicinal Actions: antidiabetic, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, antiobesity, antimicrobial
Uses
Historical Uses:
Gymnema has been used widely in folk, Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicine to treat type II diabetes and dysglcemia.
Medicinal Uses:
- Gymnema is known for its ability to decrease blood sugar, hyperglycemia, Type II Diabetes.
- Weight Management
- increases serum leptin and seronin levels, decrease appetite and to lower body weight and body mass index (BMI).
- May improved blood lipid levels.[3]
Prescribing Considerations
The information provided is intended to augment the treatment from a naturopathic doctor or other trained medical professional. Although most herbs are generally safe, it is recommended that you avoid self-prescribing especially when there is an underlying ongoing medical condition, if you are on any prescription medications or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Formulations and Preparation
- Tincture - 1-15 drops three times daily
Safety
The safety and prescribing considerations for this herb include:[4] [5]
- Generally regarded as safe.
- Side-effects are rare. None have been reported.
- Drug-Herb Interactions. It may have a synergistic effect with other blood sugar lowering medications.
References
- ↑ Boon Heather, Smith Michael (2009) 55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide Second Edition Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research, CCNM Toronto.
- ↑ Godfrey Anthony, Saunders Paul, Barlow Kerry, Gowan Matt (2011) Principles and Practices of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine, Advanced Botanical Medicine. V3 CCNM Press, Toronto.
- ↑ http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbmedpro/index.html
- ↑ Stargrove Mitchell Bebell, Treasure Jonathan, McKee Dwight L (2008) Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies.
- ↑ Brinker Francis (1997) Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions: Plus Herbal Adjuncts With Medicines, 4th Edition Eclectic Medical Publications.
