Gurmar
Synonym(s): Gymnema Sylvestris , gymnemic acid
Nutrient group: plant extracts & active ingredients
Sources and physiological effects
| Dietary sources |
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Gurmar is a climbing vinenative to the tropical forests of India and Sri Lanka. There, it was recognized almost 2 millennia ago that chewing the leaves suppresses the desire for sweets. Since then, the Gurmar has been used in herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes. In India in particular, further effects are constantly being researched, and an increase in insulin secretion is also frequently discussed.
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| Physiological effects |
| Glucose metabolism |
- Gymnemic acid inhibits glucose absorption in the intestine
- Gymnemic acid suppresses the perception of sweet taste
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Detailed information
| Regulation of blood sugar |
| Extracts of Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestris) from the family of aclepiadacea (silk plant) have clear effects in controlling blood glucose levels. Gymnemic acids inhibit the absorption of glucose molecules from the intestinal lumen (1), which lowers the blood sugar level. They also modulate the sense of taste and suppress the perception of sweet tastes (2), which makes it easier for patients to comply with dietary requirements. |
Indications
| Effect |
Indication |
Dosage |
Physiological effects
at a low intake |
For lowering and regulating elevated blood sugar levels in diabetes-mellitus |
200 mg/d |
| To prevent glycosylation processes in diabetic metabolism |
200 mg/d |
Administration
| General mode of administration |
| When |
Gurmar extract should be taken between meals. |
| Side effects |
| No side effects are known to date. |
| Contraindications |
| No contraindications are known to date. |
Interactions
| Drug interactions |
| None |
No relevant interactions are known to date. |
| Nutrient interactions |
| Chromium |
A combination can improve blood lipid levels and weight loss. |
References
| References |
|
1) Kimura, I. 2006. Medical benefits of using natural compounds and their derivates having multiple pharmacological actions. Yakugaku Zasshi. 126(3):133-43.
2) Porchezhian, E., Dobriyal, R. M. 2003. An overview on the advances of Gymnema silvestre: chemistry, pharmacology and patents. Pharmazie. 58(1):5-12.
References Interactions
Stargrove, M. B. et al. Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, 1. Auflage. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008.
Gröber, U. Mikronährstoffe: Metabolic Tuning –Prävention –Therapie, 3. Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2011.
Gröber, U. Arzneimittel und Mikronährstoffe: Medikationsorientierte Supplementierung, 3. aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2014.
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