Traditional Indications

Gymnema is anti-diabetic, anti-sweetener and anti-inflammatory. The herb has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when used for an extended period of time. Additionally, Gymnema reduces the taste of sugar when it is placed in the mouth, thus some use it to fight sugar cravings. Extracts of Gymnema is not only claimed to curb a sweet tooth but also for treatment of as varied problems as hyperglycemia, obesity, high cholesterol levels, anaemia and digestion. In Ayurvedic medicine Gymnema is known as Gurmari for its distinct property as sugar destroyer. According to the Sushruta of the Ayurveda it helps to treat Madhumeha ie glycosuria. (1)

Pharmacognosy

Gymnema contains gymnemic acid which exhibit anti-sweet activity. (2)

In 2005, a study made by King’s College, London, United Kingdom, showed that a water-soluble extract of Gymnema sylvestre, caused reversible increases in intracellular calcium and insulin secretion in mouse and human β-cells amnd concluded that Gymnema is a potential alternative therapy for the hyperglycemia associated with Type 2 diabetes miletus. (3)

A hypolipidaemic effect of Gymnema sylvestre on high fat diet induced dyslipidaemia in rats has also been observed. (4)

1. PFAF. Gmynema sylvestra. 2019.

2. Tiwari P, Mishra BN, Sangwan NS. Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Gymnema sylvestre: an important medicinal plant. BioMed research international. 2014;2014:830285-.
3. Al-Romaiyan A, Liu B, asare-anane H, R Maity C, K Chatterjee S, Koley N, et al. A Novel Gymnema sylvestre Extract Stimulates Insulin Secretion from Human Islets In Vivo and In Vitro2010. 1370-6 p.
4. Singh DK, Kumar N, Sachan A, Lakhani P, Tutu S, Nath R, et al. Hypolipidaemic Effects of Gymnema sylvestre on High Fat Diet Induced Dyslipidaemia in Wistar Rats. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR. 2017;11(5):FF01-FF5.