Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsSide EffectsDosage and PreparationWhat to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Side Effects
Dosage and Preparation
What to Look For
Gymnemic acid and other beneficial plant-based chemicals are extracted from the plant’s leaves and offered as supplements in capsule, tablet, and powder forms. The dried leaves ofGymnema sylvestrecan also be used for tea. However, more research is needed to verify its benefits.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Hugo Lin
Gymnema Benefits
The American Diabetes Association says there is no clear evidence of benefit from any herbal or nonherbal supplementation for people with diabetes who have no underlying deficiencies.
Research shows promise regarding the effectiveness ofGymnema sylvestrein reducing blood sugar and cholesterol. Much of the research done so far, however, has been in animals or has relied on very small study groups. More research is needed to definitively prove the safety and effectiveness ofGymnema sylvestre.
Is Gymnema anti-inflammatory?Gymnema is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, but the research into how it might help treat inflammatory conditions is limited.
Is Gymnema anti-inflammatory?
Gymnema is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, but the research into how it might help treat inflammatory conditions is limited.
Lowers Sugar Cravings
Gymnema sylvestreis said to lower sugar cravings while reducing the rate at which sugar and fat are absorbed into the body. This two-fold action may help treat obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
The active compound inG. sylvestreis gymnemic acid. This compound selectively suppresses sweet tastes without affecting the perception of other tastes. Studies have shown that this can reduce cravings for high-sugar foods. Although these effects occur rapidly, usually within 30 seconds, they only last for around one hour.
A 2017 study from Oregon concluded that 34 adults given a lozenge containing gymnemic acid ate 44% fewer sweets than 33 adults who took a placebo, or sham treatment. By contrast, those who were given the placebo were 430% more likely to eat candy afterward.
Increases Insulin Production
Lowers Sugar Absorption
Gymnema sylvestreis also thought to lower the amount of sugar that gets absorbedin the intestines. This may further help improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Research so far suggests that Gymnema might help improve glycemic control in people with diabetes. A 2014 review of studies, for example, concluded that taking 200 to 400 milligrams (mg) of gymnemic acid per day could help reduce the absorption of glucose in the intestines.
A 2021 meta-analysis of 10 qualifying studies had similar results. It found thatGymnema sylvestresupplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, helping improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Blocks Lipid Absorption
A 2021 meta-analysis concluded thatGymnema sylvestresupplementation could also significantly reduce triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.A meta-analysis published in 2023 found similar results, concluding thatGymnema sylvestresupplementation could significantly decrease triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Gymnema sylvestresupplementation may also have an impact on high blood pressure, though the mechanisms behind this effect are unclear.
In animal studies, supplementation withG. sylvestreextract was associated with improvements in lipid and glycemic profile and in reduced heart rate and blood pressure. This may be because control over cholesterol and blood sugar also helps improve blood pressure.
The effect on blood pressure could also be because compounds inG. sylvestreincrease the production of nitric oxide, a vasodilator. Nitric oxide helps relax the muscles inside blood vessels, causing them to dilate.This improves blood flow and can reduce blood pressure.
Does Gymnema Help With Weight Loss?Animal studies and small studies in humans have found thatG. sylvestre, when combined with a healthy diet and other supplements, may have a benefit for weight loss.So far, however, there isn’t enough evidence to draw any conclusions about this benefit.
Does Gymnema Help With Weight Loss?
Animal studies and small studies in humans have found thatG. sylvestre, when combined with a healthy diet and other supplements, may have a benefit for weight loss.So far, however, there isn’t enough evidence to draw any conclusions about this benefit.
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What Are the Side Effects of Gymnema?
WhileGymnema sylvestreis generally considered safe for use, there are risks associated with this popular herbal supplement.
Common Side Effects
Certain side effects can occur as a direct result ofG. sylvestre’ssugar-lowering effects. These include symptoms ofhypoglycemia(low blood sugar) such as:
Contraindications
AlthoughG. sylvestreis generally considered safe, there are situations in which the supplement should be avoided due to the lack of safety research.
This includes the use ofG. sylvestre:
People with milkweed allergies should also avoidG. sylvestre, as the plant’s components may similarly trigger a reaction.
Higher doses of the herb have been known to cause liver toxicity. Because there is no clear line between “safe” and “unsafe” doses, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoidG. sylvestreif you have liver problems.
Drug Interactions
Gymnema sylvestreshould not be taken withdiabetes medicationslike insulin, Amaryl (glimepiride), Glucotrol XL (glipizide), Glynase (glyburide), and others. Doing so may lead to a potentially severe hypoglycemic event.
As with other herbal supplements, the proper dose ofGymnema sylvestredepends on different factors. These include age, general health, medical conditions, and more.
A safe and effective dose ofGymnema sylvestrehas not been established. Always follow the directions of the prescribing doctor or the instructions on the product label.
Preparation
G. sylvestretea is commonly used to control appetite, specifically for the treatment of obesity.
Tablets and capsules are best able to ensure an accurate dose and avoid overdosing.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Dosage
Gymnema sylvestreis possibly safe when taken as directed. Some recommendations include:
High doses ofG. sylvestrecan cause liver toxicity, and there has been one report of drug-induced hepatitis in an adult with diabetes.
Summary
Gymnema sylvestreis an herb that some people claim can help treat obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. It contains a compound called gymnemic acid that suppresses the taste of sugar and may help reduce sugar cravings.
G. sylvestreis also believed to block the absorption of sugar and fats in the intestines while increasing insulin production in the pancreas. However, the research supporting these claims is limited.
G. sylvestreis generally considered safe for use but may cause symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in some people. There is no recommended dose ofG. sylvestre.Speak to your healthcare provider before using this supplement in any of its forms.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Turner S, Diako C, Kruger R, et al.ConsumingGymnema sylvestrereduces the desire for high-sugar sweet foods.Nutrients.2020;12(4):1046. doi:10.3390/nu12041046Tiwari P, Mishra BN, Sangwan NS.Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Gymnema sylvestre: An important medicinal plant.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:830285. doi:10.1155/2014/830285Zamani M, Ashtary-Larky D, Nosratabadi S, et al.The effects of Gymnema Sylvestre supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytother Res. 2023;37(3):949-964. doi:10.1002/ptr.7585American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.5. Facilitating behavior change and well-being to improve health outcomes:Standards of medical care in diabetes—2022.Diabetes Care. 2022;45(Supplement_1):S60-S82. doi:10.2337/dc22-S005Stice E, Yokum S, Gau JM.Gymnemic acids lozenge reduces short-term consumption of high-sugar food: A placebo controlled experiment.J Psychopharmacol. 2017;31(11):1496-1502. doi:10.1177/0269881117728541Laha S, Paul S.Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar): A potent herb with anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential.Pharmacogn J. 2019;11(2). doi:10.5530/pj.2019.11.33Devangan S, Varghese B, Johny E, Gurram S, Adela R.The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytother Res. 2021;35(12):6802-6812. doi:10.1002/ptr.7265Basciani S, Nordio M, Dinicola S, Unfer V, Gnessi L.Diet plus inositols, α-lactalbumin andGymnema sylvestre: The successful combo to restore body weight and metabolic profile in obese and dysmetabolic patients.Nutrients. 2023;15(14):3142. doi:10.3390/nu15143142
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Turner S, Diako C, Kruger R, et al.ConsumingGymnema sylvestrereduces the desire for high-sugar sweet foods.Nutrients.2020;12(4):1046. doi:10.3390/nu12041046Tiwari P, Mishra BN, Sangwan NS.Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Gymnema sylvestre: An important medicinal plant.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:830285. doi:10.1155/2014/830285Zamani M, Ashtary-Larky D, Nosratabadi S, et al.The effects of Gymnema Sylvestre supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytother Res. 2023;37(3):949-964. doi:10.1002/ptr.7585American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.5. Facilitating behavior change and well-being to improve health outcomes:Standards of medical care in diabetes—2022.Diabetes Care. 2022;45(Supplement_1):S60-S82. doi:10.2337/dc22-S005Stice E, Yokum S, Gau JM.Gymnemic acids lozenge reduces short-term consumption of high-sugar food: A placebo controlled experiment.J Psychopharmacol. 2017;31(11):1496-1502. doi:10.1177/0269881117728541Laha S, Paul S.Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar): A potent herb with anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential.Pharmacogn J. 2019;11(2). doi:10.5530/pj.2019.11.33Devangan S, Varghese B, Johny E, Gurram S, Adela R.The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytother Res. 2021;35(12):6802-6812. doi:10.1002/ptr.7265Basciani S, Nordio M, Dinicola S, Unfer V, Gnessi L.Diet plus inositols, α-lactalbumin andGymnema sylvestre: The successful combo to restore body weight and metabolic profile in obese and dysmetabolic patients.Nutrients. 2023;15(14):3142. doi:10.3390/nu15143142
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Turner S, Diako C, Kruger R, et al.ConsumingGymnema sylvestrereduces the desire for high-sugar sweet foods.Nutrients.2020;12(4):1046. doi:10.3390/nu12041046Tiwari P, Mishra BN, Sangwan NS.Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Gymnema sylvestre: An important medicinal plant.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:830285. doi:10.1155/2014/830285Zamani M, Ashtary-Larky D, Nosratabadi S, et al.The effects of Gymnema Sylvestre supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytother Res. 2023;37(3):949-964. doi:10.1002/ptr.7585American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.5. Facilitating behavior change and well-being to improve health outcomes:Standards of medical care in diabetes—2022.Diabetes Care. 2022;45(Supplement_1):S60-S82. doi:10.2337/dc22-S005Stice E, Yokum S, Gau JM.Gymnemic acids lozenge reduces short-term consumption of high-sugar food: A placebo controlled experiment.J Psychopharmacol. 2017;31(11):1496-1502. doi:10.1177/0269881117728541Laha S, Paul S.Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar): A potent herb with anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential.Pharmacogn J. 2019;11(2). doi:10.5530/pj.2019.11.33Devangan S, Varghese B, Johny E, Gurram S, Adela R.The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytother Res. 2021;35(12):6802-6812. doi:10.1002/ptr.7265Basciani S, Nordio M, Dinicola S, Unfer V, Gnessi L.Diet plus inositols, α-lactalbumin andGymnema sylvestre: The successful combo to restore body weight and metabolic profile in obese and dysmetabolic patients.Nutrients. 2023;15(14):3142. doi:10.3390/nu15143142
Turner S, Diako C, Kruger R, et al.ConsumingGymnema sylvestrereduces the desire for high-sugar sweet foods.Nutrients.2020;12(4):1046. doi:10.3390/nu12041046
Tiwari P, Mishra BN, Sangwan NS.Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Gymnema sylvestre: An important medicinal plant.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:830285. doi:10.1155/2014/830285
Zamani M, Ashtary-Larky D, Nosratabadi S, et al.The effects of Gymnema Sylvestre supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytother Res. 2023;37(3):949-964. doi:10.1002/ptr.7585
American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee.5. Facilitating behavior change and well-being to improve health outcomes:Standards of medical care in diabetes—2022.Diabetes Care. 2022;45(Supplement_1):S60-S82. doi:10.2337/dc22-S005
Stice E, Yokum S, Gau JM.Gymnemic acids lozenge reduces short-term consumption of high-sugar food: A placebo controlled experiment.J Psychopharmacol. 2017;31(11):1496-1502. doi:10.1177/0269881117728541
Laha S, Paul S.Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar): A potent herb with anti-diabetic and antioxidant potential.Pharmacogn J. 2019;11(2). doi:10.5530/pj.2019.11.33
Devangan S, Varghese B, Johny E, Gurram S, Adela R.The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Phytother Res. 2021;35(12):6802-6812. doi:10.1002/ptr.7265
Basciani S, Nordio M, Dinicola S, Unfer V, Gnessi L.Diet plus inositols, α-lactalbumin andGymnema sylvestre: The successful combo to restore body weight and metabolic profile in obese and dysmetabolic patients.Nutrients. 2023;15(14):3142. doi:10.3390/nu15143142
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