Gymnema Sylvestre Extract
Also known as: Gymnema sylvestre, gurmar, gymnemic acids, sugar destroyer, meshashringi
Gymnema sylvestre is a climbing vine from India whose leaves contain gymnemic acids, triterpene saponins that temporarily blunt the perception of sweet taste on the tongue. It has a long Ayurvedic history for sugar cravings and glucose balance. A meta-analysis of 10 studies in type 2 diabetes reported lower fasting and post-meal glucose and HbA1c with supplementation. Extracts standardized to 25% gymnemic acids are used in blood-sugar, craving-control, and weight-management formulas.
Research summary
Gymnemic acids block sweet-taste receptors and are proposed to reduce intestinal glucose uptake and support pancreatic beta-cell function.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 200–400 mg | — | — |
200–400 mg of 25% gymnemic acid extract daily, usually split before meals. Pooled trials used a range of leaf extracts and durations; heterogeneity was high. Sweet-taste suppression is immediate and lasts about an hour, so timing before sweet foods matters for craving formulas.
Standardization: 25% gymnemic acids (some grades 75%)
Source material: leaf extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Blunts sweet taste on contact, which makes gummies and flavored liquids self-defeating; capsules and tablets are standard.
Formulation notes
Additive glucose lowering with diabetes medications and other blood-sugar ingredients; monitor in insulin users.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
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