Gymnema sylvestre is a scientific name of Gurmar The Hindi and Urdu name gurmar, Sanskrit मधुनाशिनी (madhunashini), Malayalam chakkarakolli, ,and Telugu podapatri, all literally mean "sugar destroyer". Name in Sanskrit meshashringi translates as "ram's horn", a name given to the plant due to the shape of its fruits.
Common names include Gymnema.Australian cowplant, and Periploca of the woods, and the Hindi term gurmar, which means "sugar destroyer"
Gymnema sylvestre belongs to family Asclepiadaceae, popularly known as “gurmar” for its distinct property as sugar destroyer, is a reputed herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine.
Gymnema Leaves are also known as "Gudmar", which literally means Glucose Balancer. It is know to help maintain normal glucose levels. Gymnema sylvestre reduces the absorption of Carbohydrates from the digestive tract..It is a perennial woody vine native to Asia, Africa and Australia. It is widely found growing in the tropics of Africa, Asia and Malaysia. In India, this plant is found growing in abundance in the forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.Mature seeds are collected between October-December and sown in polyboxes/bags or small plots as nursery. The seedlings raised are transplanted in field during February-March. The plant grows well with the on-set of rainy season. The climber is given proper support for its better growth and development.
It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine. .
The plant is a climber with leaves having soft hairs on the upper surface. The leaves are elongated-oval in shape. The leaves are simple, opposite, elliptic, or ovate and hairy; the flowers are small, yellow, and in umbellate cymes. The follicles are terete, lanceolate, and upto 7.5 cm in lengthIt has a small, yellow, umbelliferous inflorescence that is produced throughout the year.
The leaves and extracts contain gymnemic acids, the major bioactive constituents that interact with taste receptors on the tongue to temporarily suppress the taste of sweetnessGymnemic acids in Gymnema sylvestre can block the sugar receptors on your tongue, decreasing your ability to taste sweetness. This can lead to reduced sugar cravings.
MeshashringI in control of blood sugar in diabetics:-
Gymnema sylvestre has anti-diabetic properties and may lower your blood sugar levels after a meal.
Meshashringi helps regulate sugar levels by promoting the secretion of insulin, regenerating pancreatic cells and increasing the activities of enzymes responsible for healthy glucose utilization.
Gymnema sylvestre appears to contribute to favorable insulin levels by increasing insulin production and regenerating insulin-secreting islet cells. Both can help lower blood sugar levels.
Meshashring has chemicals in it that make it harder for the body to absorb sugar. Meshashring may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is where insulin is made.
Gudmar is a wood climbing shrub whose leaves are used for medicinal purposes.. Gudmar or Gurmar is considered to be a magical remedy for diabetic patients as it is highly effective in both Type I and Type II diabetes mellitus. It reduces blood sugar levels by enhancing the level of insulin in the bod
As per Ayurveda, this herb is known as Madhunashini due to which it regulates the sugar level in the body. The Latin name of this herb is Gymnema sylvestre.
Reduction of sugar intake: G. sylvestre extracts taken in the form of lozenges, mouthwash, or tea diminishes the consumption of sweet foods and overall caloric intake. Extracts (formulated as a mint lozenge) reduced the desire for high-sugar foods and the pleasant taste of candy. Research also suggests that Gymnema sylvestre extracts reduce cravings for sugar. In a double-blind study, The participants who received a gymnemic acid lozenge declined candy (before tasting it) more often than the placebo group.
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Other uses:-
Anti-inflammatory effect:
The tannins and saponins in Gymnema have anti-inflammatory properties that help fight inflammation.
Weight loss:Gymnema sylvestre may play a role in weight loss and prevent weight gain. It may promote reduced calorie intake.
In Japan, 50 tons of G. sylvestre leaves are consumed annually for the purpose of weight loss.Early research suggests that taking a specific combination of Gymnema sylvestre extract, hydroxycitric acid, and niacin-bound chromium by mouth for 8 weeks might reduce body weight in people who are overweight or obese.
Research supports that Gymnema can play a role in lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can decrease your risk of heart disease.
Traditional uses: In Eastern and Ayurvedic medicine, G. sylvestre leaves and extracts have been used to treat eye diseases, allergies, constipation, cough, dental caries, obesity, stomach ailments, and viral infections. G. sylvestre has also been used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, andaphrodisiac.Provides support in achieving healthy body weight and helps prevent triglyceride accumulation in the muscles and liver.
Dose:-
Himalaya MeshashringI tablets are available in market .Each tablet contains 250 mg and helps in metabolic wellness and carbohydrates metabolism.
Gymnema can be taken in several forms such as capsules, tincture, powder or tea. It is important to always look for a product standardised to contain at least 25% gymnemic acid
Capsule form:
If taken in capsule form, possibly the most convenient way, the recommended dosage is 100 mg taken three to four times a day. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach and have it with food instead as Gymnema may cause digestive discomfort..
Leaves powder:
The powder of the dried leaf (4 to 6 g) or fresh juice (25-30 ml) of leaf is given to reduce the sugar level in the blood.
It is said that having one teaspoon of powdered gurmar leaves with water half an hour after lunch and dinner may help regulate the absorption of carbohydrates in the body. Also, the gymnemic acids in the herb blocks the sugar receptors on your tongue, decreasing your ability to taste sweetness.
The sweet taste suppression effect of gymnemic acids is transient, generally lasting 30 to 60 min
Tablets:
One tablet twice daily or as directed by your physician.- Tablets are free from sugar, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives
For adults, the typical dosage of Madhunashini vati for diabetics is 1 or 2 tablets, twice a day, taken 1 hour before breakfast and dinner, along with water or lukewarm milk, or as suggested by the healthcare provider.
Seed powder:
The powder of the seed of Meshashringi is given with honey to treat dyspnea and cough.
The fresh juice of the root of the plant is given in a dose of 25-30 ml to treat snake poisoning.
•Side effects of MeshashringI:
It might cause side effects if taken at higher doses. The side effects include weakness, hypoglycaemia (lower than normal level of blood sugar), excessive sweating, shakiness, and muscular dystrophy , a disorder that causes progressive weakness and muscle loss.
Studies indicate that while low doses can be beneficial, particularly for those managing diabetes, high doses may lead to unwanted effects. Vital organs, like the liver and kidneys, could be at risk from long-term or excessive consumption, with biochemical markers such as AST and ALT serving as red flags.
•Gymnema adversely affects liver:
... In addition, Gymnema sylvestre, a kind of herb native to India, has been reported to cause liver damage. The case became weak, such as fatigue, jaundice, anorexia, and weight loss, appeared 7 th day onward taking gymnema tea, after which, was diagnosed with drug-induced liver damage.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if gymnema is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Surgery: Gymnema might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.
Gymnema is considered safe for most, but children or women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant should not take it. People on blood sugar- owering medications should consult with a doctor first.
Avoid combination of Metformin and meshashringi ; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with GYMNEMA. Gymnema might lower blood sugar levels. Taking gymnema along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Information compiled by Dr. Bhairavsinh Raol
