Gymnema Sylvestre: Why This Ancient Herb is Exceptional for Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Digestion Issues and More
by www.SixWise.com

Gymnema Sylvestre has been used in folk, ayurvedic and homeopathic systems of medicine since ancient times because it is regarded as a plant with potent anti-diabetic properties.

This unassuming woody climbing plant, native to the lush tropical regions of India, has bitter leaves, dubbed "sugar destroyers," that can actually eliminate the ability to taste sugar in your mouth, thereby reducing your cravings for sugar. Meanwhile, Gymnema sylvestre has shown promising results in safely controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics, while helping with weight loss, hypoglycemia, high cholesterol, anemia and digestion problems.

"It is also used in the treatment of asthma, eye complaints, inflammations, family planning and snakebite. In addition, it possesses antimicrobial, antihypercholesterolemic, hepatoprotective and sweet suppressing activities," according to a report in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition.

How Does Gymnema Sylvestre Work?

This herbal remedy is thought to work via gymnemic acid, its active ingredient. Gymnemic acid molecules have a unique shape that are similar to glucose, meaning they are able to fill cell receptors in the lining of your intestines, preventing uptake of sugar molecules and resulting in lower blood sugar levels

Meanwhile, because gymnemic acid and Gymnema leaf extract interfere with the ability of your taste buds to taste sweet or bitter. It's thought that by inhibiting this ability, people taking it will limit their intake of sweets, which further helps blood sugar levels.

Gymnemic acids also appear to work, according to the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, because they:

• Increase secretion of insulin

• Promote regeneration of islet cells (islet cells are insulin-producing cells in your pancreas)

• Increase utilization of glucose

• Inhibit glucose absorption from the intestine

Although the report states that further studies are needed, the authors posit that Gymnema may be a useful tool not only for diabetes but also for obesity.

"One of the mechanisms responsible for adult onset diabetes mellitus is a form of insulin resistance, which is attributed to the inability of insulin to enter cells via the insulin receptor. Gymnema may overcome this resistance, but require further studies to confirm its validity and also whether the effect is clinically relevant." They continue:

"It is a well-known fact that type II diabetes is the most common form of disease and when the insulin of the body loses its ability for glucose uptake, the diseased condition of the body gives way to obesity. Also, it was reported that nearly 80% of the diabetes patients are obese ... Obesity is the main consequence from the accumulation of the carbohydrates and fats. Gymnemic acids curb the binding of carbohydrates to the receptors in the intestine and hence, the "empty calories" are taken care of so that the body does not go into obese stage. The acids are also useful in curbing of diabetes by a similar mechanism as mentioned above for carbohydrates."

What Else Does the Research Say About Gymnema Sylvestre?

The most effective form of this ancient herb that Sixwise has found is Beta Fast Glucose Balance.

Beta Fast Glucose Balance is made from the finest quality extract of Indian Gymnema sylvestre leaf, and is the first and only extended-release supplement to have controlled clinical human trials.

One study including type l diabetics using Beta Fast Glucose Balance daily over a period of 6 -- 24 months resulted in their insulin requirements falling dramatically, along with a significant decrease in the glucose markers that test long-term blood sugar.

Beta Fast Glucose Balance taken daily may also regenerate and repair the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Another study, with type 2 diabetics using Beta Fast Glucose Balance over 18-20 months, found blood sugar levels greatly improved, along with an increase in the natural pancreatic release of insulin, resulting in patients needing a lower dosage of their oral medications, with 25% of them able to discontinue and replace their oral medications with Beta Fast Glucose Balance to control their insulin.

Although these studies focus on Beta Fast's benefits with diabetics, it's also been reported to lower cholesterol, help with digestive problems, liver disease and weight management, just to name a few.

If you are considering Gymnema sylvestre for its potential role in blood sugar, cholesterol, weight management or digestive support, one tablet of Beta Fast Glucose Balance, twice daily, may be a useful dietary supplement, but consult a health care professional before use if you currently have diabetes.

To experience some of Beta Fast's sugar-craving characteristics, take the tablet sublingually (under your tongue) for one or two minutes prior to swallowing.

Words of Caution:

• Close observation by your doctor, prescription medications, as well as a healthy diet and exercise regimen are critical in treating diabetes. It is critical to work carefully with your doctor before using any herbs, supplements, or making any dietary changes. Administration of Beta Fast Glucose Balance is recommended under the clinical supervision of your doctor.

• Gymnema cannot be used in place of insulin to control blood sugar by persons with IDDM or NIDDM.

• Any change making the body more receptive to insulin could require critical changes in insulin dosage that must be determined by your doctor.

• No side effects have been reported from using Gymnema Sylvestre, though safety in pregnancy has not been established.

• Important note: Results are NOT immediate; it can take 3-4 weeks before significant results appear. Additionally, it can take 6 months to 2 years to experience all of the benefits Gymnema Sylvestre has to offer. This is a long-term change in your diabetes regimen, not a quick fix.

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Sources

Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition