The Extract of Gymnema is prepared from its leaves. Gymnema extract is used in many traditional medicine which is useful to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetic animals and humans.

In experimental and clinical trials, Gymnema sylvestre has been successful in controlling the blood sugar level without reducing it to below the normal blood sugar levels, an effect sometimes seen with the use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic sulphonylurea compounds.

Due to it's non-toxic nature and sweetness-suppression activity, Gymnema sylvestre can play a role in treating conditions caused by excessive sugar intakes. Conditions like obesity, hyperglycemia, anemia and osteoporosis can also be helped by using Gymnema sylvestre.

Antidiabetic effect of a leaves extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients.

J Ethnopharmacol 1990.

The effectiveness of GS12, an extract from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, in controlling hyperglycaemia was investigated in 22 Type 2 diabetic patients on conventional oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents. Gymnema (400 mg/day) was administered for 18-20 months as a supplement to the conventional oral drugs.

During supplementation, the patients showed a significant reduction Gymnema Sylvestre extract may help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels when used as part of a healthy diet.

It has been used traditionally in India for centuries and has been shown in research to support healthy glucose metabolism by mediation of insulin release and activity and enhancement of healthy pancreatic function. Perhaps some diabetics may be able to reduce their required dosage of blood sugar lowering medications, but a few more studies would be helpful to confirm these early promises.

There are a number of natural supplements potentially useful for diabetes including cinnamon , nopal (prickly pear), American ginseng, chromium, banaba, psyllium, alpha lipoic acid, fenugreek herb, and bitter melon. The best way to use these supplements or how to combine them and in what dosages remains to be investigated. In the meantime, some patients, in consultation with their doctors, are trying these options one a time to see how each supplement influences their blood sugar levels.

In blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins, and conventional drug dosage could be decreased. Five of the 22 diabetic patients were able to discontinue their conventional drug and maintain their blood glucose homeostasis with Gymnema alone. These data suggest that the beta cells may be regenerated/repaired in Type 2 diabetic patients with supplementation. This is supported by the appearance of raised insulin levels in the serum of patients after supplementation.

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