Skip to content
Gymnema
🌿 (Gymnema sylvestre) or Gumar
Common names Australian cowplant, and Periploca of the woods, and the Hindi term gurmar, which means "sugar destroyer".
📖 Overview
Gymnema sylvestre, known as Gurmar in Sanskrit, translates to “sugar destroyer.” It’s a woody vine native to tropical India and Sri Lanka, traditionally used in Ayurveda to support healthy blood sugar levels, digestion, and pancreatic function.
📜 Traditional Use in Ayurveda
Gymnema is classified as Madhunashini (destroyer of sweet taste), Deepana (digestive stimulant), and Kapha-Pitta balancing. It is traditionally used to manage sugar cravings, support metabolic balance, and maintain urinary tract health.
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Pushpadi Varga, Verse 94):
“Madhunashini tikta rasa katu vipaka ushna virya deepani kapha pittaghni”
“Madhunashini is bitter, sharp in post-digestive effect, heating, stimulates digestion, and pacifies Kapha and Pitta.”
Used for thousands of years, Gymnema is now gaining recognition in integrative health systems for its unique effects on taste perception and sugar metabolism.
🍵 Suggested Use
Gymnema is commonly used as:
-
Powder (Churna): 1–3 grams daily, typically before meals
-
Capsules or tablets: Standardized extracts with 25–75% gymnemic acids
-
Tea or infusion: Made by steeping leaves, traditionally used to help curb sweet cravings
🔬 Scientific Research & References
Modern research supports Gymnema’s use for blood sugar and metabolic health:
-
Glucose Absorption: Gymnemic acids may reduce sugar absorption in the intestines [1]
-
Pancreatic Support: Studies suggest Gymnema stimulates insulin secretion and regeneration of islet cells [2]
-
Taste Modulation: Temporarily blocks sweet taste receptors, helping reduce sugar cravings [3]
References:
-
Shanmugasundaram, E. R. B., et al. (1990). Possible regeneration of the islets of Langerhans in streptozotocin-diabetic rats by Gymnema sylvestre leaf extracts. J Ethnopharmacol, 30(3), 265–279.
-
Baskaran, K., et al. (1990). Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. J Ethnopharmacol, 30(3), 295–300.
-
Kurihara, Y. (1992). Characteristics of anti-sweet substances, sweetness inhibitors, and sweet proteins. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 32(3), 231–252.
⚠️ Cautions & Contraindications
-
May lower blood sugar—monitor closely if using with diabetic medications
-
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
-
Use cautiously with insulin or hypoglycemic drugs
-
Always consult a physician before use in diabetic management
🛍️ Shop by Interest
-
"Products Featuring Gymnema"
"These products feature Gymnema, traditionally used to support general wellness. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease."
2 products
