Ayurvedic herb used to manage diabetes

Gymnema sylvestre has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, most often to treat “sweet urine,” or diabetes. The climbing vine is native to jungles in Africa and India, where it is known as gurmarbooti. In some regions, the leaves are chewed like gum, a practice that blocks the ability to taste sugar and decreases cravings for sweets.

Uses: In traditional Indian medicine, gymnema has been used for malaria, constipation, water retention, coughs and snakebites. More recently, herbal practitioners have been recommending it to manage Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes and to promote weight loss.

Dose: About 250 to 400 milligrams a day.

Precautions: Very high doses may result in dangerously low blood pressure. Because the herb has not been rigorously studied in humans, little is known about other potential side effects or how safe the supplement is for children. Gymnema shouldn’t be taken with other herbal or prescription diabetes drugs because it could amplify their effects.

Research: Animal studies suggest that gymnema may help treat diabetes in a variety of ways. In rats and mice, it lowered blood sugar levels, boosted insulin production and limited the amount of sugar absorbed from foods. Other animal studies showed that the herb might lower “bad” cholesterol, or LDL, levels. Few controlled studies have examined gymnema’s effectiveness in humans, but some studies suggest that it does decrease a desire for sweet foods.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on selecting a brand.

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-- Elena Conis