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Supplement ReviewsGymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema Sylvestre is a woody, vine-like plant that has been used for
centuries. The medicinally active parts of the plant are the leaves
and the roots. Clinical tests show that regular use of gymnema over
a period of three to four months helped to reduce glycosuria, or the
appearance of carbohydrates in urine. Recent clinical trials
conducted in India have shown that an extract of gymnema sylvestre
is useful for controlling blood sugar. Gymnema sylvestre has an
active compound called "gymnemic acid." The gymnemic acid is made up
of molecules that are similar to that of glucose molecules. Those
molecules fill the receptor locations on the taste buds for a period
of one to two hours, thereby preventing the taste buds from being
activated by any sugar molecules present in the food. Similarly, the
glucose-like molecules in the gymnemic acid fill the receptor
locations in the absorptive external layers of the intestine,
thereby preventing the intestine from absorbing the sugar molecules.
Gymnema sylvestre significantly reduces the metabolic effects of
sugar by preventing the intestines from absorbing those sugar
molecules during the digestion process. Due to the change in the
absorption of sugar, there is a consequent change in the blood sugar
level. The recommended dose is 150 mg (standardized to 75 % gymnemic
acids) taken 3-4 times daily with carbohydrate containing meals
(especially sugar).
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© 2002-2005 Supplement Research Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. The content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a qualified physician. Please consult a doctor before starting any nutrition, training, and supplementation program.
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