Himalaya
Gymnema - 60 Capsules

Himalaya Herbals Gymnema
Gymnema is native to the tropical forests of Central and South India. The herb supports the normal function of the specialized beta cells of the pancreas which secrete insulin and normalize blood sugar levels. Its Sanskrit name Meshashringi means ‘sugar destroyer’ in Hindi. It has been used in India since the sixth century BC to support normal blood sugar levels in the body.

Gymnema (Meshashringi)

The key component of Meshashringi (Gymnema/Gymnema sylvestre) leaves is gymnemic acid, which decreases the effect of sucrose when chewed, thus reducing the craving for sweet foods. Research shows that Meshashringi has a similar effect internally, by supporting the normal function of the specialized beta cells of the pancreas which secrete insulin and normalize blood sugar levels. The name Meshashringi means ‘sugar destroyer’ in Hindi, and it has been used in India since the sixth century BC to support normal blood sugar levels in the body.

In published research from 2004, scholars at the Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, showed the herb to be supportive of normal body weight and normal blood lipid levels. King’s College, London, published study results in 2005 showing that the gymnemic acid in Meshashringi was also supportive of normal insulin levels in the body.

The straggler with branches hanging over from the crowns of the tree, is native to the tropical forests of Central and South India.

Key therapeutic benefits:

• The key component of Gymnema leaves is gymnemic acid, which decreases the effect of sucrose, thus reducing the craving for sweet foods.
• Gymnemic acid prevents the binding of carbohydrates to the intestine receptors so that the glucose absorption by the intestines is inhibited and ‘empty calories’ are not stored. This action promotes weight loss.
• Gymnemic acid has antidiabetic properties, which reduce blood sugar considerably.

Active constituents:

• The major bioactive constituents of Gymnema are a group of oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins known as gymnemic acids. The individual gymnemic acids include gymnemic acids I-VII, gymnemosides A-F and gymnemasaponins. Other plant constituents include flavones, anthraquinones, hentri-acontane, pentatriacontane, α-and β- chlorophylls, phytin, resins, d-quercitol, tartaric acid, formic acid, butyric acid, lupeol, β-amyrin-related glycosides and stigmasterol. The active constituents combine to render the herb its therapeutic properties.

Herb functions:

• Diabetes: The principle constituent of Gymnema is gymnemic acid, which has antidiabetic properties. It reduces excessive blood sugar. It also has a regenerative effect on pancreatic beta cells and is insulinotropic, which means that it stimulates the production and activity of insulin. Gymnema helps decrease sugar cravings. It temporarily abolishes the taste for sugar and helps neutralize the excessive sugar present in the body in diabetes mellitus. Gymnema increases the activity of enzymes responsible for glucose absorption and utilization.
• Weight loss: Obesity is the result of a faulty metabolism, which leads to excess accumulation of fat. Gymnemic acid prevents the binding of carbohydrates to the intestine receptors so that the glucose absorption by the intestines is inhibited and ‘empty calories’ are not stored.

Indications:
As an adjuvant in diabetes mellitus

Contraindications:
None

Recommended dose:
One capsule, twice a day or as directed by your physician

Composition:
Each capsule contains 250mg extract of Gymnema.

Note: Since Himalaya’s Pure Herbs are in capsule form, some children below 14 years may find it difficult to swallow them. For this reason, Pure Herbs are recommended for children ages 14 and above.

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat your problem without consulting your doctor.