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Gymnema
Introduction
Gymnema is a small green plant that grows in South Asia and throughout Africa. It has been used to lower blood glucose and blood pressure. It can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract.
Dosages
300 milligrams 1 to 2 times daily
What Research Shows
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at
EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at
EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It may be safe to take gymnema for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:
- People with diabetes should talk to their doctor before taking gymnema to ensure it will not interact with their medicines. D1
References
A
Diabetes
Diabetes
A1
Nahas R, Moher M, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Can Fam Physician. 2009;55(6):591-596.
Nahas R, Moher M, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Can Fam Physician. 2009;55(6):591-596.
B
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome
B1
Zuñiga LY, González-Ortiz M, et al. Effect of gymnema sylvestre administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. J Med Food. 2017 Aug;20(8):750-754.
Zuñiga LY, González-Ortiz M, et al. Effect of gymnema sylvestre administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. J Med Food. 2017 Aug;20(8):750-754.
C
Obesity
Obesity
C1
Astell KJ, Mathai ML, et al. Plant extracts with appetite suppressing properties for body weight control: a systematic review of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2013 Aug;21(4):407-416.
Astell KJ, Mathai ML, et al. Plant extracts with appetite suppressing properties for body weight control: a systematic review of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2013 Aug;21(4):407-416.
D
Safety
Safety
D1
Shiyovich A, Sztarkier I, et al. Toxic hepatitis induced by Gymnema sylvestre, a natural remedy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Am J Med Sci. 2010 Dec;340(6):514-517.
Shiyovich A, Sztarkier I, et al. Toxic hepatitis induced by Gymnema sylvestre, a natural remedy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Am J Med Sci. 2010 Dec;340(6):514-517.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
- Review Date: 03/2020
- Update Date: 06/22/2020