Gymnema sylvestre is a herb commonly used in traditional Indian medicine for its numerous health benefits. It is found in the tropical regions of Asia and is also known as Gurmar or sugar destroyer due to its antidiabetic properties. Gymnema sylvestre is a woody climbing shrub that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a natural supplement and is available in the form of extract or powder.
The Gymnema sylvestre extract is a concentrated form of the herb and is obtained by boiling the leaves and stems of the plant. It contains several bioactive compounds such as gymnemic acids, flavones, and saponins that provide the herb its medicinal properties. In this article, we will discuss some of the benefits of Gymnema sylvestre extract.
1. Regulates blood sugar levels
Gymnema sylvestre extract is perhaps most well-known for its antidiabetic properties. It is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Gymnemic acids, a group of compounds found in the herb, are responsible for its ability to lower blood sugar levels by inhibiting the absorption of glucose in the intestines and reducing insulin resistance.
The extract is also known to stimulate the secretion of insulin by the pancreas, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that Gymnema sylvestre extract significantly decreased fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
2. Reduces cholesterol levels
High levels of cholesterol in the body can pose a risk to heart health. Gymnema sylvestre extract has been found to be effective in reducing total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that Gymnema sylvestre extract reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in rats.
Another study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that Gymnema sylvestre extract reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
3. Suppresses appetite
Gymnema sylvestre extract has been found to suppress appetite, which can aid in weight loss. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that participants who took Gymnema sylvestre extract had a significant reduction in food intake and body weight compared to the control group.
The extract has also been found to reduce cravings for sweet foods due to its ability to block the taste of sweetness. Gymnemic acids in the herb bind to the sweet taste receptors on the tongue, which reduces the sensitivity to sweetness and thereby reduces the desire for sugar.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties
Gymnema sylvestre extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can provide relief from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and allergies. The extract contains saponins that have been found to inhibit the activity of inflammatory enzymes in the body.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Gymnema sylvestre extract inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cells. The extract was also found to reduce inflammation in rats with induced arthritis.
5. Antioxidant properties
Gymnema sylvestre extract has antioxidant properties that protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
The extract contains flavones that are potent antioxidants and can scavenge free radicals in the body. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that Gymnema sylvestre extract exhibited high antioxidant activity due to its flavone content.
6. Liver protection
Gymnema sylvestre extract has been found to protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and alcohol. The extract contains compounds that can boost the production of liver enzymes that detoxify the body.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Gymnema sylvestre extract protected liver cells from oxidative damage in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride, a liver-damaging toxin.
7. Anti-cancer properties
Gymnema sylvestre extract has been found to have anti-cancer properties due to its ability to induce apoptosis or programmed cell death in cancer cells. A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that Gymnema sylvestre extract had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of breast cancer cells.
Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Gymnema sylvestre extract inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells by inducing apoptosis.
Conclusion
Gymnema sylvestre extract is a natural supplement that can provide numerous health benefits. It can regulate blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol, suppress appetite, reduce inflammation, and provide protection from oxidative stress and liver damage. The extract has also been found to have anti-cancer properties.
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