AYURVEDIC BOTANICALS
Supporting Sugar Metabolism
Gymnema is a woody, climbing shrub which grows in the tropical forests of Central and Southern India. It is also called Periploca of the Woods, in English, and Sarpadarushtrika Meshasringi, in Ayurvedic Medicine; Mesharingi means ram's horn in Sanskrit.
Gymnema sylvestre has a long history of uses. Reaching as far back as the first century AD, it was noted that Gymnema successfully "destroyed" excess sugars in the body, a condition now known as diabetes. This plant's medicinal actions were so widely acknowledged that it was referred to as gumar, which translates "to kill" sugar. In addition, this herb has often been said to alleviate stomach upsets and as a diuretic.
Native people of India, throughout history and today, greatly value Gymnema sylvestre for its healing properties. In particular, the roots have been utilized by many groups for snake bites, both externally in powdered form and internally as a decoction.
Modern Research & Medicinal Properties
In recent laboratory studies, the leaves of Gymnema were found to contain
special plant-sugar compounds, called "triterpine saponins."
The journal, Pharmacographia Indica, voiced the suggestion that
these compounds be called gymnemic acids, a recommendation that was first
made by D. Hopper in 1887, and subsequently adopted by further researchers
in 1959.
In 1970, in a study done by Joseph E. Sinsheimer, gymnemic acid was found to be a "complex mixture" of at least nine acidic plant sugars (types of saponins, called glycosides).
Clinical Approach
In the 1930s, clinical researchers began studying the plant's long observed
traditional use for lowering glucose (blood-sugar) levels. In modern India,
extracts of Gymnema leaves are used successfully, either alone or in combination
with other Ayurvedic compounds as a remedy against diabetes mellitus.
There are two forms of diabetes mellitus. Type I diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a severe chronic form of diabetes brought on by insufficient production of insulin, resulting in an abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Type II diabetes, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes is a less severe form of the disease that typically first appears later in life, often referred to as adult onset diabetes. This form often manifests with no symptoms, and grows worse with obesity and physical inactivity. This type of diabetes is treated with dietary changes and exercise.
No Negative Side-Effects
In the 1970 study discussed above, the authors observed that Gymnema sylvestre
produced no contraindications. "Patients on (Gymnema sylvestre extract)
therapy did not report any undesirable side effects such as nausea, vomiting,
lassitude, insomnia, or any gastrointestinal disturbances. Five patients
reported a sense of greater well being characterized by alertness of mind
and body during their daily chores, catching a bus at a crowded stop,
playing games and writing examinations."
Beta Cell Function
When the research was completed, it showed an increase in the beta cell
count in patients taking the Gymnema sylvestre extract. Beta cells are
important for maintaining balance, especially in regards to diabetes;
they are insulin-producing cells located in the islets of Langerhands
(clusters of endocrine cells within the pancreas). If beta-cell function
is enhanced by Gymnema sylvestre, the body's need for additional insulin
treatments is decreased, an action which could be utilized in clinical
practice.
In another study, by E.R.B. Shanmugasundaram, plublished in the same issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Gymnema was administered to live animals. The research found normal, balanced blood-sugar levels were restored and the number of beta cells were actually doubled. "The data presented gives evidence for increased insulin secretion and beta cell number after the administration of leaf extracts of G. sylvestre, suggesting possible regeneration or repair of the islets of Langerhans." The results of this report are the first to give evidence of reversal to damaged insulin-producing cells by a botanical medicine. The researchers concluded; "When these observations are viewed with the data presented in this paper, it can be concluded that the extract of G.sylvestre may bring down blood glucose levels by regeneration of the pancreatic islets and beta cells."
Although the results of these studies are promising, individuals with diabetes should not decrease or stop their insulin treatments without consulting a licensed health care practitioner. What it does mean is that Gymnema sylvestre can responsibly complement the current approaches to managing diabetes and abnormal glucose metabolism.
REFERENCES
Said, H.M., editor. Pharmacographia Indica 15:276-277. January-March
1972.
Heyn, Birgit. Ayurveda: The Indian Art of Natural Medicine & Life Extension. Rochester, VT.: Healing Arts Press, 1990.
Hooper, D. "An Examination of the Leaves of Gymnema sylvestre," Journal of the Society for Chemical Industries. 6:380, 1887.
Rhyner, Hans H. Ayurveda: The Gentle Health System. New York: Sterling Publishing Co. Inc., 1994.
Gymnema sylvestre has a long history of uses. Reaching as far back as
the first century AD, it was noted that Gymnema successfully "destroyed"
excess sugars in the body, a condition now known as diabetes.