Effective Dosage: There is currently no clinical evidence that Gymnema Sylvestre is effective as a weight loss supplement at any dosage. Most human studies have been conducted in diabetic patients and have used 400mg of gymnema extract per day in conjunction with conventional oral anti-diabetic medications to lower blood glucose and reduce insulin requirements. In non-diabetics, smaller doses may be effective in helping to control blood sugar and insulin fluctuations – and the associated swings in appetite and food cravings. Because it acts gradually, gymnema extract should be consumed regularly with meals for several days/weeks and can be taken for months/years with no significant side effects.
A member of the milkweed family, Gymnema sylvestre is native to the tropical regions of India. Nicknamed the "sugar destroyer" because the leaves effectively block sweet tastes in the mouth when chewed, the Herb is often promoted as an appetite suppressant and weight-loss agent. This claim has no evidence to support it, however. In fact, the capsules sold for this purpose don't even alter the taste in a person's mouth--the leaves need to be chewed directly for this purpose.
Gymnema sylvestre leaves contain gymnemic acids, which are known to suppress transport of glucose from the intestine into the blood stream and a small protein, gurmar, that can interact with receptors on the tongue to decrease the sensation of sweetness in many foods. This dual action has been shown to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetic animals and humans and may provide some benefits in terms of regulating appetite control and food cravings.
These statements about Gymnema Sylvestre have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Gymnema Sylvestre is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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