Gymnema Sylvestre is used here as a minor supplement to the overall superfood blend. It was added when the founder of Himalayan Long Life Botanicals came across the product. He thought it would be useful in his overall ambition to reduce food cravings that were otherwise encouraging people to put on weight.
Several minor herbs are part of Himalayan Harvest that assist in weight loss. This is one. We do not know why these herbs are able to get this reputation. We do not endorse the claims of the writers but we put the information here so others can find it, and make their own evaluation.
Please read the article in the link in Herbal Resource in full. It has more information than other articles.
Below is an excerpts from the above article and the links in the original have been left in tact.
"It has been used for thousands of years as an herbal treatment for diabetes.
It has the ability to block the absorption of glucose from the intestines and helps to reduce cravings for sugar.
The reduction of sugar cravings also leads to the use of gymnema for herbal weight loss applications.
Chewing the leaves, or even taking capsule form, can alter the taste of sugar when ingested and reduce the sweetness.
Gymnema sylvestre helps reduce the number of carbohydrates stored in fat stores and increases the amount burned for energy. This leads to a reduction in fat stores and increase in energy available
It has also been suggested that this herb may reduce the number of triglycerides and the amount of LDL, “bad cholesterol”, in the bloodstream. This is an important step in combating cardiac problems, especially common in diabetics.
It also has a slight diuretic effect and has been used to help with water retention.
The leaves have been used to treat stomach ailments, constipation, and liver disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis and gout have also been treated effectively using gymnema sylvestre.
The leaves have also demonstrated antibacterial and antiviral properties in liquid applications.
Dosage and Administration
The most common dosage for blood sugar control is 400 to 600 mg of the herb.
Most gymnema sylvestre supplements are standardized to a minimum of 25% gymnemic acid, the active ingredient in the leaves and root. It is recommended that gymnema be taken with food.
The active ingredients will build up in the system and produce a summative and cumulative effect.
For this reason, it is also recommended that the intake of the herb be spread out during the day, with meals.
Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Gymnema Sylvestre
This herb has been deemed very safe for adults when taken in recommended doses.
Individuals with allergies to the milkweed family may have reactions to this herb, as well.
Its safety in children or women who are pregnant or lactating has not been determined and therefore it should not be taken by this population.
Due to gymnema sylvestre’s blood sugar lowering ability, those people taking anti-hyperglycemic drugs, or other medications for diabetes, need to exercise caution when taking this herb.
It may lead to hypoglycemia, low blood sugar levels. Dosages may need to be adjusted.
It is important to consult with a physician before altering or changing any medication and supplementation program."
This is the Bio of the writer: Thordur Sturluson
Thor Sturluson has a BS in Biology, majoring in Botany, from the University of Maine and a masters degree in Zoology from the Open University in London. He's an experienced Biologist with a history of working in the environmental services industry. A trained scuba diver and researcher, Thor's has a keen interest in nature conservation and animal/plant protection. His work and botany passion has made The Herbal Resource what it is.
NOTE 1: Gymnemia Sylvestre is in Super Superfood Greens 2% by volume, in Super Superfood Reds 2 % by volume, and in Super Superfood Gold it is 1.6% by volume.
NOTE 2: While these above are amazing reports, our super superfoods do not include high volumes of gymnemia sysvestre. If you are ill, please go to a physician. If on the other hand, you want good health by a cross selection of good nutrition, with an associated long life, our super superfoods are available for you.
Further references:
Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Rao CV, Dey DK, Satyanarayana S.Diabetes Obes Metab. 2004 May;6(3):171-80.
PMID: 15056124 Similar articles
Preuss HG, Rao CV, Garis R, Bramble JD, Ohia SE, Bagchi M, Bagchi D.J Med. 2004;35(1-6):33-48. Review.
PMID: 18084863 Similar articles
Opala T, Rzymski P, Pischel I, Wilczak M, Wozniak J.Eur J Med Res. 2006 Aug 30;11(8):343-50.
PMID: 17052970 Similar articles
Preuss HG, Wallerstedt D, Talpur N, Tutuncuoglu SO, Echard B, Myers A, Bui M, Bagchi D.J Med. 2000;31(5-6):227-46.
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