Gymnema (25% Gymnemic Acid)

History and Uses:
Gymnema is a climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. The woody Gymnema plant also grows in parts of Africa. Leaves of this long, slender plant have been used for more than two thousand years, and the leaves, when chewed, interfere with the ability to taste sweetness, which explains the Hindu name, gurmar, which means "sugar destroyer." In the past, powdered Gymnema root was used to treat snake bites, constipation, stomach complaints, water retention and liver disease. However, the name, gurmar, best describes the primary use of Gymnema: This herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat adult-onset diabetes, a condition once described as "honey urine." The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) action of Gymnema leaves was first documented in the late 1920s. This action is gradual in nature, differing from the rapid effect of many prescription hypoglycemic drugs. Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels, according to research completed on healthy volunteers. Based on animal studies, this may be due to regeneration of the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin. Other animal research shows that Gymnema can also improve uptake of glucose into cells and prevent adrenaline from stimulating the liver to produce glucose, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides. The primary chemical constituents of Gymnema include gymnemic acid, tartaric acid, gurmarin, calcium oxalate, glucose, stigmasterol, betaine and choline. While studies have shown that a water-soluble acidic fraction provides the hypoglycemic actions, it is not yet clear what specific constituent in the leaves is responsible for this action. Some researchers have suggested gymnemic acid as one possible candidate; however, further research is needed. Both gurmarin (another constituent of the leaves) and gymnemic acid have been shown to block sweet taste in humans. When Gymnema is taken before eating, these constituents are said to block the taste of sugar, thereby reducing the desire to eat it. The molecules of gymnemic acid fill the receptor sites for one to two hours, thus preventing the taste buds from being activated by the sugar molecules in food.