Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)

Gymnema for Diabetes:

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is a popular herb used in the treatment of diabetes in traditional medicine. Especially in Sri Lanka, gymnema is among the most common traditional formulations for the control of diabetes. Studies have reported hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolmic, as well as triglyceride lowering effects of gymnema. These effects are attributed to the gymnemic acid content in the plant.

Gymnema is consumed as a green leafy vegetable. As a neutraceutical for diabetes, the recommended daily intake is 10 g of dry powder per day. However, the specific plant variety and the mechanics of planting are less well standardized. During the past two years, the amount of gymnema leaf powder consumed as a functional food for diabetes has increased. Reportedly, suppliers of gymnema are unable to meet increasing supply demands.

The authors of this study sought to determine best practices for growing gymnema. The gymnemic acid content in two varieties of gymnema, Colombo and Jaffna, were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the gymnemic acid pH profile was similar in the two varieties. However, the gymnemic acid content at pH 2 and 4.6 was slightly higher in the Colombo variety.
The authors sought to determine which portion of the plant contains highest levels of gymnemic acids. The results of hot water extraction of leaf or stem powder showed that the yield of leaf powder extract was higher than stem powder extract. Furthermore, the gymnemic acid content was higher in the leaf extracts.

Washing the cut stems of plants can decrease the nutrient content and thereby reduce the colonization and decay of the cut ends by microorganisms. However, many plant stems contain latex, which can interfere with propagation of plant cuttings. The results of this study suggest that the latex of cut ends interferes with propagation of gymnema. Therefore, the authors suggest washing the cut ends before planting. Also, the study indicated that green soft stems are better planting material than woody stems.

It is common to use a rooting hormone and an antifungal agent to promote the success of rooting plants. In this study, treatment with the rooting hormone (naphthyl acetic acid 0.3% w/w) promoted the rooting of cuttings of gymnema. In contrast, the use of Trichoderma sp. (a rhizosphere antifungal agent) afforded no protection and all plants in this group died early. The authors suggest that green soft stem cuttings washed with water and coated with a rooting hormone may be the best procedure to promote rooting of gymnema. With respect to the potential of gymnema in the treatment of diabetes, more studies are warranted in the extraction procedures and standardization of gymnema before conclusive clinical trials can
be performed.

American Botanical Council
http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/index.html

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/