- Supports weight loss
- Equalizes blood sugar levels
- Raw material of plant origin
- Regulates glucose metabolism
- Stimulates insulin secretion
- Reduces craving for sweets
- Improves lipid parameters
- Regenerates pancreatic cells
- Has hypoglycemic effect
- Improves metabolism
- Prevention of diabetes
Swanson Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf is a dietary supplement that includes an extract from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, a tropical plant that promotes proper pancreatic function, improves glucose metabolism and reduces cravings for sweet foods.
The product is recommended for people prone to hypoglycemia, seeking to regulate blood sugar levels and strengthen insulin response. As an auxiliary, it can also be used for weight loss. By blocking the sensation of sweet taste, it makes it easier to give up sweets and supports in the fight against the pernicious habit of frequently reaching for sweet snacks. Supplementation also contributes to improving lipid parameters.
Gymnema sylvestre (gurmar) is a plant native to Asia, readily used by local people for its diuretic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has gained its greatest popularity for its phenomenal ability to suppress sweet taste sensations and restore glucose homeostasis.
Therapeutic purposes mainly use gurmar leaves, abundant in triterpene glycosides, alkaloids and saponins. The most important pharmacologically active component is gymnemic acid. Other acids contained in the leaves - formic, tartaric and hydroxycitric - also play a major role, as do chromium and inositol.
Hypoglycemic effects
Gurmar extracts have proven hypoglycemic effects. They slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream and improve the use of glucose as an energy source in the body. Their mechanism of action is based on activation of glycolytic enzymes and stimulation of the activity of enzymes from the phosphorylase group. In addition, gymnemic acid is an inhibitor of the enzymes gluconeogenesis and sorbitol hydrogenase.
The most important advantage of gurmar is that it lowers blood glucose levels only when they are too high. In healthy people with normal sugar levels, no adverse changes occur after consuming gurmar extracts. In addition, gurmar protects against sudden sugar spikes after consuming large amounts of carbohydrates.
Clinical studies conducted with healthy people and people with type 2 diabetes have shown that regular supplementation with Gymnema sylvestre extracts helped reduce the amount of medication taken, and in some cases it was even possible to stop taking them altogether. With the use of gurmar, the sugar levels of all subjects (both sick and healthy) were stable, and their values did not require any adjustment.
Normalization of insulin secretion
Modulation of glucose-insulin metabolism is also made possible by improving pancreatic function. Gurmar supports the regeneration of pancreatic islets. It stimulates the function of b cells, prompting them to increase insulin production. Studies conducted on rodents have shown that under the action of gymnemic acid, the number of pancreatic islets and b cells doubled. Similar studies have been conducted on patients with type I diabetes. They, too, were successful - all patients experienced b-cell regeneration and increased insulin secretion.
It is also important that gurmar contains large amounts of chromium. This mineral is part of the GFT (glucose tolerance factor) - a substance that regulates the activity of the hunger and satiety center and controls insulin action. Chromium inhibits intestinal absorption of sugar, so that it can be most fully utilized in the production of energy in the body.
Inhibiting cravings for sweet foods
Gurmar reduces cravings for sweet foods. For this reason, Indians refer to this plant as a "sugar destroyer." After consuming extracts from its leaves, the sensation of sweet taste is blocked for several hours. This makes it much easier to deal with the tendency to consume excessive amounts of sweets.
According to specialists, the structural structure of its molecules is responsible for such properties of gymnemic acid. They resemble glucose molecules, which is why, once filled with taste bud receptors, they prevent their activation by sugar molecules. Another concept, confirmed by rodent tests, involves the alleged presence in gurmar leaves of a unique peptide called gurmarin. It is reportedly able to selectively inhibit responses to sweet compounds.
Improved lipid parameters
In in vivo studies, gurmar has been proven to have a hypolipemic effect, and its efficacy is comparable to synthetic drugs (such as clofibrate). Gymnema sylvestre extracts lower triglycerides and cholesterol - both total cholesterol and the unfavorable low-density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction.
In summary, Gymnema sylvestre is an excellent choice for people who struggle with hypoglycemic tendencies and unstable blood sugar levels. It can also be used by those seeking weight loss, consuming excessive amounts of carbohydrates, or simply wishing to reduce the amount of sweets in their diets. The vegetable origin of the supplement guarantees its effectiveness and safety for the body.
