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Gymnena Sylvestre
  Gymnena Sylvestre
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The tropical plant Gymnema sylvestre is native to India where it has been used for many years in the Ayurvedic tradition. By far, its major use is for regulating blood sugar disorders such as diabetes. Source


A specific leaf extract called "GS4" has been used for a majority of the human clinincal trials with excellent results and few side effects. Gymnema is most often formulated with other ingredients that allow for the proper control of glucose levels.

Function; Reasons For Use
In studies, extracts of the plant have decreased fasting blood sugar levels, normalized blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides,) lowered insulin requirements and enhanced insulin production. It accomplishes this by repairing and regenerating the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.

Studies also show that craving for and consumption of sweets diminishes for hours after a dose.

Several animal studies have shown that gymnema leaf extracts are capable of regulating blood sugar in diabetic models. Studies in humans have confirmed these studies.

Gymnena sylvestre has been used for centuries in India to treat diabetes. It is also useful in weight loss regimens.

Counter-Indicators and Warnings
Gymnena sylvestre is nontoxic, however, diabetics should work with their health practitioner to integrate the herb into their regimen to avoid insulin overdose.

Gymnema does not substitute for insulin for individuals who need insulin to control their insulin (type I diabetes), see a healthcare professional if you suspect a blood sugar imbalance.





Gymnena Sylvestre can help with the following:
Organ Health  Diabetes Type II
 Gymnena sylvestre has been used for centuries in India to treat diabetes. It is also useful in weight loss regimens.


KEY
Likely to help


GLOSSARY

Ayurvedic (Ayurveda)
Type of alternative medicine in which diet and therapies, such as herbal inhalation and massage, are dictated by individual's body type; 4,000 year-old traditional Indian system believed to be helpful to those suffering insomnia, hypertension and digestive problems.

Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

Crave (Craving, Cravings)
To have a strong desire for; to feel the need for.

Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
Blood is drawn before breakfast (i.e. after fasting), then the glucose (sugar) in the blood is measured.

Glucose
A sugar that is the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar. The body breaks down carbohydrates in foods into glucose, which serves as the primary fuel for the muscles and the brain.

Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.

Insulin
A hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin stimulates the liver, muscles, and fat cells to remove glucose from the blood for use or storage.

Lipid (Lipids)
Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.

Pancreas (Pancreatic)
Opposite the liver and behind the stomach, the pancreas has two main functions - to manufacture various enzymes for digestion, and to release hormones to help control the body's use of carbohydrates. It releases insulin to help each cell absorb glucose to burn as energy. In this way, insulin controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Proper pancreatic function is very important: too much, too little, or no insulin production can be life-threatening. Some of the chemicals released by the pancreas are not hormones, but stimulate other glands to make hormones. Once again, balance is necessary. Nutritional requirements for the pancreas are many. Research indicates that chromium vitamins C, E, B-complex, calcium, magnesium and potassium are especially important.

Triglyceride (Triglycerides)
The main form of fat found in foods and the human body. Containing three fatty acids and one unit of glycerol, triglycerides are stored in adipose cells in the body, which, when broken down, release fatty acids into the blood. Triglycerides are fat storage molecules and are the major lipid component of the diet.

Tropics (Tropical)
The region of the earth's surface lying between 23°27 North of the equator and 23°27 South of the equator.




Last updated: Jul 19, 2008


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