Gymnema sylvestre (often shortened to gymnema) is a popular herbal component of Ayurveda. Practitioners advise the use of gymnema for the treatment of diabetes, obesity, inflammation, high cholesterol and binge eating.
Glucose Levels
Gymnema has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for diabetes and reactive hypoglycemia. Clinical studies have supported this use.
Effects on Cholesterol
Although gymnema contains no statins or statin-like compounds, it can effectively reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Anti-Inflammatory
Animal studies have shown that gymnema acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. It may be a safe alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for human use.
Weight Reduction
Gymnema appears to enable weight loss by altering metabolism and suppressing appetite.
Taste Response
Some practitioners advise the use of gymnema for people with binge-eating disorders because it reduces the body's ability to taste sweetness.
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