Uses
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. The effectiveness ratings for GYMNEMA are as follows:
Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for…
- Diabetes. Early research shows that taking gymnema by mouth along with insulin or diabetes medications can improve blood sugar control in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Metabolic syndrome. Early research shows that taking gymnema for 12 weeks can reduce body weight and body mass index in overweight people with metabolic syndrome. But it does not appear to help with blood sugar control or improve cholesterol levels in these people.
- Weight loss. Early research shows that taking gymnema for 12 weeks can reduce body weight and body mass index in some people who are overweight. Early research also shows that taking a combination of gymnema, hydroxycitric acid, and niacin-bound chromium by mouth can reduce body weight in people who are overweight or obese.
- Cough.
- Increasing urine excretion (diuretic).
- Malaria.
- Metabolic syndrome.
- Snake bites.
- Softening the stool (laxative).
- Stimulating digestion.
More evidence is needed to rate gymnema for these uses.
Side Effects Of Gymnema
Gymnema is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately for up to 20 months.
Warnings & Precautions
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking it if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
- Diabetes: Gymnema can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use gymnema.
- Surgery: Gymnema might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Dosage Of Gymnema
The appropriate dose depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for gymnema. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Other
Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
