Gymnema sylvestre, which is popularly known as ‘gurmur’ is a woody climber that belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae. Gymnema has pronounced effects on blood sugar, which is the reason it is called ‘gurmur’ which means ‘sugar destroyer’ in Hindi. Gymnema is native to the tropical forests of central and western India. Gymnema which is also called Meshashringi, Kavali, Madhunashini has opposite, usually elliptical or ovate leaves. Gymnema leaves contain phytoconstituents that include triterpene saponins known as gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, and a polypeptide, gurmarin. The plant is a good source of bioactive compounds, the broad range of therapeutic effects of Gymnema has been explored extensively since ancient times and is gaining momentum in the present scenario. The research studies describe the primary benefits of Gymnema for its sugar-blocking properties, it was considered one of the major botanicals to treat diabetes in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Gymnema sylvestre is reported to be beneficial for constipation, water retention, microbial infection, indigestion, and liver disease.

MODE OF ACTION OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE

Gymnema’s chief mechanism of action is through stimulation in insulin secretion from the pancreas. The atomic arrangements of gymnemic acids to the taste buds are similar to sugar molecules which fill the receptors in the taste buds.

Gymnema has a similar effect in the intestine, it attaches to the receptor present in the external layer of the intestine, thereby prevents the absorption of sugar molecules by the intestine, this effect leads to a reduction in blood sugar levels.

Gymnemic acid has been found to interact with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, a key enzyme in the glycolysis pathway. Gymnemic acid increases the regeneration of pancreatic islet cells to enhance enzyme-mediated uptake of glucose. This mechanism of Gymnema interferes with the ability of receptors in the mouth and intestine to the sensation of sweetness. This process decreases glucose and fatty acid assimilation in the small intestine.

ZENITH NUTRITION GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE

Zenith Nutrition Gymnema Sylvestre is a 100% vegetarian dietary supplement standardized to contain 75% Gymnema leaf extract with included piperine for enhanced bioavailability of the herb. The supplement is manufactured in a GMP-certified unit and has gone through strict quality control to validate purity and effectiveness. The supplement offers clear health benefits and is suitable for both men and women.

GYMNEMA HAS A HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT

Gymnemic acid from Gymnema extract produces a hypoglycemic effect through the following mechanism:

• The peptide, ‘gurmarin’ interferes with the ability of receptors in the mouth and intestine to the sensation of sweetness. Inhibiting the sweet sensation will limit your intake of sweet food and this activity may be responsible for its hypoglycemic effect.
• It enhances the enzyme-mediated uptake of glucose.
• The acyl moieties present in gymnemic acids play a role in the antihyperglycemic effect.
• Gymnema increases secretion of insulin, as well as β-cell which causes inhibition of glucose absorption of the intestine, decreases gluconeogenic enzyme and sorbitol dehydrogenase, causes inhibition of glucose absorption in the intestine.
• Gymnema significantly reduces elevated levels of blood glucose levels induced by sucrose, reduces total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides.

GYMNEMA INHIBITS SUGAR CRAVINGS

Gymnemic acid molecules which have a chemical structure similar to that of glucose molecules are known to reversibly inhibit the sensation of sweetness presumably by blocking sucrose receptors. Through its mechanism of binding to taste receptors on the taste buds, Gymnema prevents activation of sugar molecules present in the food, and curb sugar cravings and makes them less appealing. Gymnemic acid plays a similar role in the small intestine. It fills the receptor location in the external layers of the intestine, prevents sugar molecule absorption, which results in low serum sugar levels. The mechanism of binding of Gymnema to the sugar receptors can help limit the perception of sweetness and your desire for the consequent intake of sweet foods.

GYMNEMEA SYLVESTRE PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS

Obesity which is characterized by increased storage of triglycerides has an important role in the development of diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre makes it easier for you to meet your weight loss goals and improves the healthy markers associated with being overweight. Gymnema won’t make your sugar foods taste bad, it blocks the sugar receptors and curbs the desire for sweet. Gymnemic acids lock into intestinal receptors, which causes a decrease in blood sugar and produces a hypoglycemic effect. The sugar-blocking property and the hypoglycemic effect of gymnema promote weight loss and limit the amount of sugar and consequent intake of high calories that get stored as fat and contribute to weight gain. Gymnema pairs well with the ketogenic diet and makes the transition to low-carb intake easier.

Gymnema has the ability to regenerate beta cells in the pancreas, which are the cells responsible for insulin production, whose function is usually impaired in type 2 diabetes.

GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE HAS ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Gymnema sylevestre includes bioactive constituents known as tannins, saponins, gymnemic acids, flavonoids which are responsible for herb’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Oxidative stress is related to long-term health complications, which have been linked to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, DNA damage, and aging. Antioxidants protect cells against damaging effects of reactive oxygen species called hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radicals, superoxide, singlet oxygen, peroxynitrite. Overweight people usually show lower levels of antioxidants and higher levels of oxidative stress. Gymnema shows significant antioxidant activity against DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ferric, super oxide, hydrogen peroxide and is found to reduce the LDL oxidation. Gymnema is known to have anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, hepatoprotective and lipid lowering activity that play a key role in health maintenance and prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6830388/

                    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2170951/