Gymnema sylvestre, a climbing plant native to the tropical forests of central and southern India, as well as parts of Africa and Australia, has a rich history as a medicinal herb. Its name, "Gurmar," is derived from Hindi, meaning "sugar destroyer," a moniker it earned due to its unique ability to temporarily suppress the taste of sweetness when its leaves are chewed. This remarkable property, attributed to the presence of gymnemic acid, has made it a subject of extensive research, particularly in the management of diabetes. The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Siddha for a wide range of ailments, from metabolic disorders to inflammatory conditions. Its botanical name, Gymnema sylvestre R. Br., places it within the Asclepiadaceae family. The various parts of the plant, including the leaves, roots, and flowers, are all utilized for their therapeutic benefits.
Name in Different Countries Gymnema sylvestre is known by a variety of names across different cultures and languages, reflecting its widespread use and recognition. This diversity in nomenclature highlights its long history as a valued medicinal plant.
English: Gurmar, Periploca of the Woods, Cowplant, Australian Cowplant, Sugar Destroyer Vine.
Chinese: 匙羹藤 (Chí gēng téng), which translates to "spoon vine," likely referring to the shape of its leaves.
Gujarati: Kaavalee, Medhasinge.
Hebrew: ג'ימנמה (Gymnema).
Hindi: Gurmar (गुढ़मार), Gurhmar, Medhashingi (मॆढ़शिंगी), Chhota-dudhilata (छॊटा दूधीलता). Gurmar is the most common name, directly translating to "sugar destroyer."
Kannada: Madhunasini (ಮಧುನಾಶಿನಿ), Kadhasige, Sannagera. Madhunasini means "destroyer of sweetness."
Malayalam: Chakkara Kolli (ചക്കരക്കൊല്ലി), Shiru kuranja. Chakkara Kolli literally means "sugar destroyer."
Marathi: Kavali, Bedaki, Bedakuli, Kalikardori, Kaoli.
Oriya: Meshasringi.
Sanskrit: Meshashringi (मॆषशृंगी), Ajaghandini (अजगंधिनी), Karnika (कर्णिका), Madhunashini (मधुनसिनी). Meshashringi translates to "ram's horn," a reference to the horn-like shape of its follicles.
Tamil: Sirukurinchaan (சிறுகுரிஞ்சான்), Amudhapushpam, Chakkarakkolli. Sirukurinchaan means "small climbing plant."
Telugu: Podaparti (పొడపత్రి).
Urdu: Gurmar (گرمار), Gurmar booti, Gurmar patta.
Terminology and Chemical Constituents The pharmacological actions of Gymnema sylvestre are primarily due to its rich array of chemical compounds. The most notable of these are the triterpenoid saponins known as gymnemic acids.
Gymnemic Acids: These are the key active constituents responsible for the plant's anti-diabetic and anti-sweet properties. They are a complex mixture of at least 17 different saponins, including gymnemic acid A, B, C, and D. These acids have a unique molecular structure that allows them to bind to taste receptors on the tongue, temporarily blocking the sensation of sweetness. Furthermore, they are believed to interfere with glucose absorption in the intestines and stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas.
Other Constituents: The leaves also contain a variety of other beneficial compounds, including:
Gymnemagenin: A hexahydroterpene that is a precursor to gymnemic acids.
Betaine, Choline, and Inositol: Compounds involved in various metabolic processes.
Gymnamine Alkaloids: These may contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic effects.
d-Quercitol: A sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties.
Acids: Including tartaric acid, formic acid, and butyric acid.
Amino Acids: Such as leucine, isoleucine, valine, and alanine.
Hydrocarbons: Nonacosane, hentriacontane, tritriacontane, and pentatriacontane.
The synergy of these compounds contributes to the plant's multifaceted healing properties.
Availability
Gymnema sylvestre is widely available in various forms, catering to different uses and preferences.
Herbal and Ayurvedic Stores: The dried leaves, powder, and capsules are commonly found in specialty stores that sell Ayurvedic and herbal products.
Health Food Stores and Online Retailers: Due to its popularity as a natural supplement for blood sugar management and weight loss, Gymnema sylvestre products, including extracts and standardized capsules, are readily available online and in health food stores.
Raw Form: In regions where the plant is native, the fresh leaves can be directly sourced from local markets or cultivated.
Formulations: It is also an ingredient in various herbal formulations, teas, and tinctures, often combined with other herbs to enhance its effects.
External Look
Gymnema sylvestre is a woody, perennial, climbing plant.
Stem: It has a slender, twining stem that can grow to a significant length, often climbing on trees and shrubs. The bark is typically light brown or grayish.
Leaves: The leaves are one of the most distinctive features. They are simple, opposite, ovate or elliptical in shape, and measure about 3-6 cm long and 1.5-3 cm wide. The texture is soft and pubescent (covered with fine hairs) on the lower surface. The leaves are the primary part of the plant used for medicinal purposes.
Flowers: The flowers are small, yellow, and bell-shaped, arranged in cymes (clusters). They have a velvety texture.
Fruits: The fruits are follicles, which are long, paired, and horn-shaped (hence the name Meshashringi), tapering at the tip. They are typically about 6-8 cm long.
Seeds: The follicles contain flat, oval, winged seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind.
Healing Properties Gymnema sylvestre possesses a wide range of healing properties, as documented in traditional medicine systems and modern scientific research.
Antidiabetic/Hypoglycemic: This is its most well-known property. Gymnemic acids help reduce blood sugar levels by:
Blocking Sweet Taste Receptors: This can help curb sugar cravings.
Inhibiting Glucose Absorption: It can reduce the amount of glucose absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream after a meal.
Stimulating Insulin Secretion: It may help regenerate and stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin.
Cholesterol-Lowering: Studies suggest that Gymnema sylvestre can help reduce levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides.
Anti-inflammatory: It has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis and is reported to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Hepatoprotective: The plant is used in traditional medicine for hepatosplenomegaly and jaundice, suggesting a protective effect on the liver.
Diuretic: It has a diuretic effect, which can help in conditions like strangury and urinary complaints.
Anthelmintic: It is used to expel intestinal worms.
Digestive and Stomachic: The plant is used to improve digestion, treat constipation, and stimulate appetite.
Cardiac Tonic: It is considered beneficial for heart health and has been used to strengthen the function of the heart.
Advantages
The advantages of using Gymnema sylvestre as a medicinal herb are numerous, making it a popular natural remedy.
Natural Blood Sugar Management: It offers a natural way to help manage blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, often with fewer side effects than conventional medications.
Curbing Sugar Cravings: The unique ability of gymnemic acid to block the taste of sweetness can be a significant advantage for those trying to reduce their sugar intake or manage their weight.
Dual Action: It not only helps in blood sugar regulation but also addresses other metabolic issues like high cholesterol and obesity, which are often co-morbidities of diabetes.
Rich in Bioactive Compounds: The presence of a wide array of chemical constituents contributes to its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects.
Historical Use and Safety Profile: Its long history of use in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda provides a strong foundation for its perceived safety and efficacy.
Uses
Gymnema sylvestre is used for a variety of health conditions, both internally and externally.
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and 2): It is primarily used as an adjunct therapy to help lower blood glucose levels.
Obesity and Weight Management: By curbing sugar cravings and potentially inhibiting glucose absorption, it is used as a natural supplement for weight loss.
High Cholesterol: It is used to help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Digestive Disorders: It is used to treat indigestion, constipation, and stomach pain.
Respiratory Conditions: It is traditionally used for cough, asthma, and bronchitis.
Inflammatory Conditions: Used to treat inflammation, particularly in cases of swollen glands and internal organ enlargement.
External Applications: The leaves, triturated and mixed with castor oil, are applied to swollen glands, enlarged liver, and spleen. The drug is also applied to wounds and skin ailments.
Eye Diseases: Traditionally used in eye troubles like cornea opacities and conjunctivitis.
Using Way
The way to use Gymnema sylvestre depends on the form and the intended use. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes.
Raw Leaves: Chewing 1-2 fresh leaves for a few minutes can temporarily block the taste of sweetness. This is a traditional method for controlling sugar cravings.
Powder: The dried leaf powder can be consumed with water, mixed with food, or used to make a decoction. The typical dose is a small amount, usually 1-3 grams per day, divided into two or three doses.
Capsules/Tablets: This is the most common and convenient way to consume Gymnema sylvestre as a supplement. Dosage can vary, but standardized extracts are often recommended, following the manufacturer's instructions, typically before or with meals.
Tea: A tea can be prepared by steeping dried Gymnema sylvestre leaves in hot water.
Tinctures: A liquid extract of the herb can be taken in drops.
Conclusion
Gymnema sylvestre, the "sugar destroyer," is a powerful and versatile medicinal herb with a long and well-documented history of use. Its unique ability to manage blood sugar levels, curb sugar cravings, and address related metabolic issues like high cholesterol and obesity makes it a significant player in natural medicine. Supported by both traditional knowledge and modern research, its healing properties extend to various ailments, including inflammatory and digestive disorders. While its primary claim to fame is its anti-diabetic effect, the plant's rich chemical profile contributes to a broader range of benefits. As with any herbal remedy, responsible use and professional consultation are essential, but the evidence suggests that Gymnema sylvestre is a valuable and promising herb for promoting metabolic and overall health.
