Health Benefits Of Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar)

Health Benefits Of Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar) Gymnema sylvestre, also known as Meshashringi, madhunashini, gurmar, and merasingi, is a perennial woody vine native to central and western India, tropical Africa, and Australia. Gymnema is derived from two Greek words, gymnos and nēma, meaning 'naked' and 'thread,' respectively, whereas sylvestre means 'of the forest' in Latin. Madhunashini and Gurmar mean 'sugar destroyer,' and, Meshasringi translates as 'ram's horn,' a name given to the plant due to its fruit shape.

Gymnema sylvestre has a long history of use in traditional medicine and a broad range of therapeutic properties. This amazing herb is a key constituent of several Ayurvedic formulations. Gymnema sylvestre is regarded as an herb with potent anti-diabetic properties. Gymnema is also used to control obesity. It is considered that there is a possible molecular perspective linking Gymnema to the most common metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.

Phytochemistry of Gymnema sylvestre

The major bioactive constituent of Gymnema sylvestre is a group of acids termed gymnemic acids. Other chemical components of Gymnema include gurmarin, tartaric acid, glucose, calcium oxalate, betaine, stigmasterol, and choline. Its leaves contain triterpenoid saponins, flavonols, and gurmarin. Gymnemic acids isolated and purified from the leaves of Gymnema have an anti-diabetic effect, and Gymnemic acids also have anti-sweetener and anti-inflammatory activities.

Properties of Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Blocks Sweet Taste Sensations

Gymnemic acids found in Gymnema are a class of triterpenoid saponins that interact with taste receptors on the tongue and temporarily suppress the taste of sweetness. The sweet-blocking effect of Gymnemic acids lasts from 15 to 50 minutes and may even persist for several hours. Gymnemic acids do not influence bitter, salty, or sour taste perception.

Effects of Gymnema on Sugar Absorption and Insulin Secretion

Gymnemic acid compounds in Gymnema sylvestre attach to receptors on the intestinal walls and reduce the absorption of sugar molecules in the gut. This process lowers blood sugar and promotes insulin secretion and release.

Mechanism of Action of Gymnema sylvestre

Some possible mechanisms by which Gymnema sylvestre leaves and especially Gymnemic acids exert hypoglycemic effects include:

1. Promoting regeneration of islet cells of Pancreas.
2. Increasing insulin secretion.
3. Enhancing glucose utilization.
4. Inhibiting glucose absorption from the intestine.

Gymnema sylvestre enhances the activities of enzymes responsible for the utilization of glucose by insulin-dependent pathways, increases phosphorylase activity, and decreases gluconeogenic enzymes and sorbitol dehydrogenase. The leaves also lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Water-soluble acidic fractions of Gymnema reportedly provide hypoglycemic action. Gymnemic acids and another constituent of the leaves known as gurmarin block sweet taste. The primary function of the gymnemic acids is to prevent the absorption of excess glucose. They bind to the receptors found on the intestine's surface and stop the binding of the glucose molecule to the receptor. Gymnema is known to have a good effect on the curbing of diabetes. It blocks sugar-binding sites and does not allow the sugar molecules to accumulate in the body.

A possible linkage Linkage between obesity, diabetes, and Gymnemic acids

Obesity also plays a vital role in diabetes development. It decreases the number of insulin receptors in insulin target cells all over the body and makes the available amount of insulin less effective in promoting its usual metabolic effects. Although many phytoconstituents can combat diabetes and obesity, a single phytoconstituent that could be used to treat both diseases simultaneously would be Gymnema, particularly Gymnemic acid fulfills these criteria. Studies show an enzymatic link between the two most common metabolic disorders. The body's fat cells produce a hormone called resistin (resisting insulin), which weakens insulin action and causes glucose or blood sugar intolerance.

According to recent reports, Gymnemic acids are beneficial against obesity also, due to their ability to delay glucose absorption in the blood. Similar in structure, Gymnemic acid molecules compete with glucose molecules to bind with the receptors located on the taste buds, prevent its activation by food sugar molecules and curb the sugar craving. Similarly, Gymnemic acid molecules also prevent the sugar molecules' absorption by the intestine, resulting in low blood sugar levels.

Traditional Uses of Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre leaves and extracts are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat stomach ailments, constipation, obesity, blood pressure, tachycardia, arrhythmias, eye diseases, allergies, cough, dental caries, and viral infections.

Therapeutic Benefits of Gymnema

This powerful herb possesses several medicinal properties such as an antioxidant, anti-diabetic, diuretic, anti-obesity, laxative, digestive stimulant, anti-microbial, anti-hypercholesterolemic, liver-protective, sweet-suppressing, and aphrodisiac.

Gymnema Curbs Sugar Cravings

Gymnema sylvestre is extensively valued for its incredible potential to reduce the desire for high-sugar foods and overall calorie intake. Research also suggests that Gymnema lowers cravings for sweets and sugars.

Gymnema Manages Diabetes

Gymnema sylvestre leaves have exceptional anti-diabetic characteristics and are an effective supplement to regulate blood sugar spikes and metabolic syndrome. Gymnema promotes insulin response to food and lessens the need for oral hypoglycaemic drugs and insulin therapy. Gymnema controls postprandial blood sugar levels by blocking receptors in the intestine and lowering sugar absorption. Gymnema is also effective in stabilising fasting blood sugar levels and average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months, called glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Gymnema leaves restore insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and repair the damaged beta cells.

Gymnema Promotes Weight loss

Gymnema extract burns fat effectively and reduces excessive weight. Studies have shown that Gymnema leaves prevent weight gain and enhance overall health markers associated with being overweight. When consumed before a meal, it reduces food intake and manages weight by triggering the central nervous system that regulates stress, corrects disturbed sleep, and alters cortisol levels.

Potent Antioxidant Effects of Gymnema

Due to antioxidant properties, Gymnema protects healthy cells from detrimental toxins and prevents oxidative stress in the body. Tannins and saponins in Gymnema lower inflammation and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases. Gymnema also enhances immunity and keeps infections at bay.

Gymnema Augments Heart Health

Gymnema reduces the harmful cholesterol and triglycerides in the intestine and helps in excreting cholesterol. The anti-atherosclerotic property of Gymnema helps avert plaque formation in the arteries and lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Gymnema Boosts Liver Health

Gymnema possesses hepatoprotective properties and works as a powerful tonic for safeguarding liver health. The leaves are extensively used as a traditional remedy for treating jaundice, lessening the symptoms, and aiding in faster recovery.