Found in the tropical regions of India, Gymnema Sylvestre is a perennial vine extensively used in the ancient many forms of holistic medicine practices, in Ayurveda, and even in almost all other Indian systems of medicine. The majestic herb goes by other names like the Australian cow plant and Periploca of the woods. In Hindi, it is called Gurmar or Madhunashini (both meaning sugar destroyer). The article describes the possible health benefits of Gymnema Sylvestre as well as some health risks which it can bring to the body.

Also, Read; Madhunashini Vati: Benefits, Ingredients, Method, Dosage, And Side Effects

The Gymnema Sylvestre Plant

A tropical plant that is indigenous to many parts of India loves to thrive in tropical and sub-tropical climatic zones. Primarily, found in the forests of central, western, and southern parts of the country, it is also seen in the forests of Karnataka, Tamil Naidu, and Bihar. It can sometimes survive in dry areas as well.
Gymnema Sylvestre can be multiplied by stem cuttings or by seeds. For its cultivation, high to medium rainfall is a must. The climber is categorized based on its leaf size since they are the key component of the herb. The small leaves are oval measuring two to four cm in length while the broad one measures five to six cm in length and are dark green compared to the smaller ones. Post-planting, the crop is ready for harvest in its second year. The soft leaves are dried under shade by allowing sufficient air to circulate for about seven to eight days and kept away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality. The climber bears fruit during November and December.

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What Makes Gymnema Sylvestre A Wonderful Healing Herb?

Imbued with several active compounds, this herb is amongst the best when it comes to bringing health and wellness to the body. It has health-beneficial components like gymnemasides, butyric acid, flavones, hentriacontane, pentatriacontane, tartaric acid, formic acid, lupeol, and alkaloids. Its anti-diabetic properties are attributed to a combination of triterpenes, saponins and gymnemic acids A, B, C, and D which are known to be potential sweetness inhibitors.

Why Gymnema Sylvestre Is Great For The Diabetic?

One of the best health incentives the leaves bring to the table is its ability to manage symptoms of diabetes. The leaves contain gym emic acid that can help to suppress the sugar taste. Sylvestre can block sugar absorption in the intestines while increasing insulin production in the pancreas decreases the need for sugar intake. The plant also alleviates symptoms of diabetes such as fatigue and excessive thirst. The extracts have also been helpful to bring down fasting glucose levels and normal glucose levels after the consumption of food.

Other Health Benefits Of Gymnema Sylvestre

Here are other amazing health benefits of this wonderful climber

• This herb is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, which is extremely beneficial in soothing joint and muscle pain and reducing chances of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Gymnema Sylvestre is also thought to block fat absorption in the body, the effect of which may be useful in treating obesity, aiding weight loss, reducing high cholesterol, and improving lipid levels
• The herb- extracts can cure mild to chronic whooping cough
• The extracts are used to cure the pain and discomfort in the eyes
• The wonder herb is also useful in dyspepsia, constipation, and digestion issues
• The herb roots have been used as a remedy for snakebites since age-old times
• Gymnema Sylvester is a fabulous remedial solution for fatty liver, liver toxicity and to treat jaundice
• Due to its ayurvedic properties, gurmar has proven to be beneficial in managing malaria and its symptoms
• The presence of flavonoids, cinnamic acid, folic acid, and ascorbic acid make them high in antioxidants that help to fight oxidative stress

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Ways To Consume Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Sylvestre extracts are available in powder, tea, capsule, and tablet forms. However, you should always speak with your doctor before starting to use this supplement, especially in case of any underlying disease to ensure that it should not cause any harm or side effects in the long run.

Additional Health Benefits Of This Therapeutic Herb
Improves Cognitive Function
Apart from its diabetic properties, Gymnema Sylvestre may also possess cognitive-enhancing effects. This can be helpful in potentially
improving memory and cognitive function in adults as well as in kids.
Supports Respiratory Health
Since times immemorial, Gymnema Sylvestre has been traditionally used to alleviate respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis due
to its expectorant properties present in the herb. This can help to clear mucus from the airways and ease breathing.
Fights Chronic Diseases
The herb has been found to have potential anti-cancer properties due to the presence of certain compounds in Gymnema Sylvestre. This
promises to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells and help to reduce the chance of such malignant conditions and diseases.

Side effects Of Gymnema Sylvestre

Certain side effects can occur in rare cases because of sugar-lowering effects and due to an overdose of the herb. These include the following:

• Headache
• Tingling in feet
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Hypoglycemia

References
1. Gymnema sylvestre: A Memoir, Parijat Kanetkar, Rekha Singhal,* and Madhusudan KamatAuthor information Article notes Copyright and License information. Food Engineering and Technology Department, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), University of Mumbai, Matunga, Mumbai – 400 019, Maharashtra India