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Gurmar English Name: Gymnema Family: Asclepiadaceae Indication "destroyer of sugar"
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Gymnema has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes for over 2,000 years. The primary application was for adult-onset diabetes, a condition for which it continues to be recommended today in India. The leaves were also used for stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, and liver disease. Extracts of G. sylvestre given to patients with type I diabetes on insulin therapy reduces insulin requirements and fasting blood sugar levels, and improves blood sugar control. In a study of type II diabetics, gyrmnema extract given along with oral hypoglycemic drugs was shown to improve blood sugar control and to either lead to discontinuation of the medicine or a significantly reduced dosage. It is interesting to note that gymnema extract given to healthy volunteers does not produce any blood sugar-lowering, or hypoglycemic, effects. |
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