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Gymnema sylvestre - Madhunaashini
Gymnema sylvestre is an herb native to the tropical forests of southern and central India and Sri Lanka. Common names include Gymnema,Cowplant, Australian Cowplant, and Periploca of the woods.
Despite the part used being the leaf, one common name of this species is Miracle Fruit, a name shared by two other species: Synsepalum dulcificum and Thaumatococcus daniellii.
Properties
Gymnema sylvestre has long been thought of as a medicinal plant in Asia. The plants contain a large number of chemicals, including triterpenoids, which may have pharmacological properties. The constituent saponins have the effect of suppressing the taste of sweetness. Extracts from the plant are the subject of research into potential medicinal and industrial applications.
Uses
- Diabetes. Early research suggests when a specific gymnema extract (GS4) is taken orally along with insulin or diabetes medications, blood sugar reduction in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is enhanced.
- Weight loss. Early research suggests that taking a specific combination of gymnema extract, hydroxycitric acid, and niacin-bound chromium by mouth for 8 weeks might reduce body weight in people who are overweight or obese.
- Stimulating digestion.
- As a laxative and diuretic.
Further evidence and research is needed to validate gymnema for these uses.
