# Gudmar > Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre) is a plant used in Ayurveda. No dedicated WHO monograph. Gymnemic acids increase insulin secretion by stimulating Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated calcium channels and protein kinase activation, raising intracellular calcium. ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Gymnema sylvestre - **Pharmacopoeia status:** No dedicated WHO monograph. Listed in Indian Pharmacopoeia. EFSA has published a risk assessment report for Gymnema sylvestre in food supplements (2020). Recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India for traditional antidiabetic use. ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Gudmar | ## How does it work? - Gymnemic acids increase insulin secretion by stimulating Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated calcium channels and protein kinase activation, raising intracellular calcium. - Alternative mechanism: increases membrane porosity (disruption) and permeability of beta-cells, promoting insulin release independently of classical Ca2+ channel cascade. - Promotes regeneration of islet cells and increases number of pancreatic beta-cells and islets of Langerhans. - Increases utilization of [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) by enhancing activities of [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) responsible for insulin-dependent glucose utilization pathways. - Inhibits glucose absorption from intestine via gymnemic acid binding to intestinal receptors. - Gymnemic acids structurally mimic glucose molecules and compete for sweet taste receptors on the tongue, blocking sweet taste perception. ## Modern Research (Meta-Analysis) **Total PubMed publications found:** 418 ### Key Research Papers #### 1. A systematic review of Gymnema sylvestre in obesity and diabetes management. **Authors:** Pothuraju Ramesh, Sharma Raj Kumar, Chagalamarri Jayasimha et al. **Journal:** Journal of the science of food and agriculture (2014) **PMID:** 24166097 > The prevalence of obesity is associated with many health-related problems. Currently, more than 300 million people are considered to be obese. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, 87 and 439 million people will be affected in India and the world, respectively. Today, herbal medicines are gaining interest in the treatment of obesity and diabetes, because of their minimal side effects. Gymnemic acid - an active component isolated from Gymnema sylvestre - has anti-obesity and antidiabetic properties, decreases body weight and also inhibits glucose absorption. Several components extracted from Gymnema prevent the accumulation of triglycerides in muscle and liver, and also decrease fatty acid accumulation in the circulation. In this paper, an attempt has been made to revie... **Keywords:** Gymnema sylvestre, diabetes, metabolism, obesity #### 2. Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews. **Authors:** Posadzki Paul, Watson Leala K, Ernst Edzard **Journal:** Clinical medicine (London, England) (2013) **PMID:** 23472485 > This overview of systematic reviews (SRs) aims to evaluate critically the evidence regarding the adverse effects of herbal medicines (HMs). Five electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant SRs, with 50 SRs of 50 different HMs meeting our inclusion criteria. Most had only minor weaknesses in methods. Serious adverse effects were noted only for four HMs: Herbae pulvis standardisatus, Larrea tridentate, Piper methysticum and Cassia [senna](/herb/senna/). The most severe adverse effects were liver or kidney damage, colon perforation, carcinoma, coma and death. Moderately severe adverse effects were noted for 15 HMs: Pelargonium sidoides, Perna canaliculus, [Aloe vera](/herb/aloe-vera/), Mentha piperita, Medicago sativa, Cimicifuga racemosa, Caulophyllum thalictroides, Serenoa repens, Taraxacum officinale, Camelli... #### 3. The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. **Authors:** Devangan Suneel, Varghese Bincy, Johny Ebin et al. **Journal:** Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021) **PMID:** 34467577 > This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to find the effect of Gymnema sylvestre (GS) supplementation on glycemic control in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PubMed, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were searched from inception to June 2020 to identify the studies that reported GS supplementation on glycemic parameters. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated by comparing the post-intervention data with baseline data. SMDs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Our meta-analysis consisting of 10 studies with a total of 419 participants showed that GS supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG) (SMD 1.57 mg/dl, 95% CI 2.22 to -0.93, p < .0001, I... **Keywords:** Gymnema sylvestre, glycemic control, lipid profile, meta-analysis, systematic review, type-2 DM #### 4. Genome-wide Association Study of Bladder Cancer Reveals New Biological and Translational Insights. **Authors:** Koutros Stella, Kiemeney Lambertus A, Pal Choudhury Parichoy et al. **Journal:** European urology (2023) **PMID:** 37210288 > Genomic regions identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for bladder cancer risk provide new insights into etiology.... **Keywords:** Bladder cancer, Gene-environment interaction, Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), Germline genetics #### 5. Comparative Effects of **Authors:** Bandala Cindy, Carro-Rodríguez Jazmín, Cárdenas-Rodríguez Noemí et al. **Journal:** Nutrients (2024) **PMID:** 39064727 > UNLABELLED: METHODOLOGY: We performed a comparative study in 50 adult Mexican patients with obesity treated with GS or BBR for 3 months. The baseline and final biochemical parameters, body composition, blood pressure, gene expression of Res, Ome, Vis, and Ap, and safety parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: BBR significantly decreased ( CONCLUSION: In patients with obesity, BBR has a better effect on body composition, blood pressure, and the gene expression of adipokines related to metabolic risk, while GS has a better effect on fasting glucose and adipokines related to insulin resistance, with minimal side effects.... **Keywords:** Gymnema sylvestre, adipokine, apelin, [berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine), body composition, fasting glucose, gene expression, obesity, omentin, resistin #### 6. Gymnema sylvestre for Diabetes: From Traditional Herb to Future's Therapeutic. **Authors:** Tiwari Pragya, Ahmad Khurshid, Baig Mohammad Hassan **Journal:** Current pharmaceutical design (2017) **PMID:** 27834124 > Diabetes has increased at an unprecedented rate and is fast emerging as a global threat worldwide. The focus on pharmacological studies pertaining to diabetes has seen a remarkable shift from conventional medicines to therapeutics employing bioactive phytomolecules from natural sources. The prospective effectiveness of natural products together with their low cost and minimal side effects has revolutionized the entire concept of drug discovery and management programs. One such beneficial herb is Gymnema sylvestre, possessing remarkable hypoglycemic properties and forms the platform of diabetes therapeutics in the traditional system of medication. The present article discusses the significance of G. sylvestre in diabetes management, the herbal-formulations from the herb together with its st... **Keywords:** Computational biology, Gymnema sylvestre, PPARγ, diabetes, drug-discovery, herbal formulations, toxicity determination #### 7. Discovery of rare variants associated with blood pressure regulation through meta-analysis of 1.3 million individuals. **Authors:** Surendran Praveen, Feofanova Elena V, Lahrouchi Najim et al. **Journal:** Nature genetics (2020) **PMID:** 33230300 > Genetic studies of blood pressure (BP) to date have mainly analyzed common variants (minor allele frequency > 0.05). In a meta-analysis of up to ~1.3 million participants, we discovered 106 new BP-associated genomic regions and 87 rare (minor allele frequency ≤ 0.01) variant BP associations (P < 5 × 10... ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Devangan S, Varghese B, Johny E and others 2021. [The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34467577/). *Phytotherapy research : PTR*. PMID [34467577](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34467577/) · [doi:10.1002/ptr.7265](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7265) Meta-analysis of 10 studies (419 participants) showed Gymnema sylvestre supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to baseline. - Buccato DG, Ullah H, De Lellis LF and others 2024. [Efficacy and Tolerability of a Food Supplement Based on Zea mays L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.br.ex Sm, Zinc and Chromium for the Maintenance of Normal Carbohydrate Metabolism: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39125340/). *Nutrients*. PMID [39125340](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39125340/) · [doi:10.3390/nu16152459](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152459) Monocentric RCT on 81 individuals with impaired fasting glucose (98-125 mg/dL) showed daily supplementation over 3 months led to highly significant reduction (p < 0.001) in FBG and HbA1c levels compared to placebo. - Turner S, Diako C, Kruger R and others 2022. [The Effect of a 14-Day gymnema sylvestre Intervention to Reduce Sugar Cravings in Adults](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36558446/). *Nutrients*. PMID [36558446](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36558446/) · [doi:10.3390/nu14245287](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245287) Intervention with 4 mg Gymnema sylvestre containing 75% gymnemic acids plus fiber/vitamin supplement reduced sweet food intake and discretionary sugar consumption in free-living adults. - Miranda DG, Tomé FM, Miguel MMV and others 2025. [Gymnema sylvestre as a Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Biofilm Agent Against Anaerobic Infections: An In Vitro Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40006756/). *Plants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [40006756](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40006756/) · [doi:10.3390/plants14040497](https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040497) First study to evaluate [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity of Gymnema sylvestre extract against planktonic culture and biofilms of anaerobic bacteria, expanding applications beyond traditional diabetes use. - Al-Romaiyan A, Liu B, Persaud S and others 2020. [A novel Gymnema sylvestre extract protects pancreatic beta-cells from cytokine-induced apoptosis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31515869/). *Phytotherapy research : PTR*. PMID [31515869](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31515869/) · [doi:10.1002/ptr.6512](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6512) Novel extract demonstrated protective effects on pancreatic beta-cells against cytokine-induced programmed cell death, supporting regenerative potential for diabetes management. ## Recent safety updates - May enhance glucose-lowering effects of antidiabetic drugs, risking hypoglycemia if not monitored. - Inhibits CYP1A2 and induces CYP2C9 metabolic activity: potential interactions with medications metabolized through these pathways. - Possibly safe when taken appropriately for up to 20 months at standard doses. - Doses of 100 mg/kg body weight or below recommended; higher doses (300-600 mg/kg) associated with significant alterations in biochemical and hematological parameters and potential liver/kidney effects. - European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) risk assessment warns that Gymnema-based food supplements combined with antidiabetic drugs may pose risks due to herb-drug interactions. - Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. ## What is it made of? ### Key Active Markers - Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles) - Standardized on primary bioactive markers **Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification) ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Churna (leaf powder), Kashayam (decoction), Ghana Vati (solid extract tablet), Capsule (standardized extract), Tablet, Kwath Ghana, Tincture **Standard Dosage:** 3-6g leaf powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg standardized extract (25% gymnemic acids) twice daily; 400mg extract capsule 20 minutes before meals **Bioavailability:** Gymnema sylvestre leaves contain gymnemic acids (triterpenoid [saponins](/reference/saponins/)) as primary actives. Gymnemic acids have low to moderate oral bioavailability (10-20%) due to large molecular size and hydrophilicity. They act partially in the oral cavity (blocking sweet taste receptors) and in the GI tract (reducing glucose absorption through SGLT1 inhibition) - for these actions, local availability rather than systemic absorption is key. For systemic effects (pancreatic beta-cell regeneration), the absorbed fraction is relevant. Enhancement: deacylated gymnemic acid preparations; phospholipid complexation (Phytosome technology - GS Phytosome shows 5x improved absorption); nano-encapsulation; [piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration. **Optimal Timing:** 20-30 minutes before meals (allows gymnemic acids to reach intestinal absorption sites before food glucose arrives); 1-2 tablets/capsules before each main meal; leaf chewing before meals in traditional practice **Standardized Extract:** Standardized extract NLT 25% gymnemic acids by gravimetric/UV method (commercial standard); NLT 75% gymnemic acids available as highly concentrated extract. GS Phytosome (gymnemic acids complexed with phosphatidylcholine) for enhanced bioavailability. Extract ratio 10:1 to 20:1. **Shelf Life:** 2 years (leaf powder); 3 years (standardized extract capsule/tablet); 3 years (Ghana Vati); 3 years (tincture) **Storage:** Dried leaf and powder: airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture. Standardized extracts: moisture-proof packaging with desiccant. Gymnemic acids are relatively stable under normal storage conditions. **Marker Compounds:** Gymnemic acid I-XVIII (triterpenoid saponins), Gymnemasaponin I-V, Gymnemagenin (aglycone), Gurmarin (peptide, sweet-taste suppressor), Conduritol A, [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/) ### Extraction Methods - Aqueous decoction (traditional) - Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water) - Methanol extraction for gymnemic acid enrichment - Spray-dried aqueous extract - Standardized extract production with acid hydrolysis step for deacylation ### Synergistic Combinations - With Meshashringi (same plant, Unani name) for anti-diabetic protocols - With [Karela](/herb/karela/) (Momordica) for synergistic hypoglycemic action - With [Daruharidra](/herb/daruharidra/) ([berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine)) for multi-target anti-diabetic formulation - With [Vijaysar](/herb/vijaysar/) (Pterocarpus) for comprehensive diabetes management - With [Methi](/herb/methi/) (fenugreek) for glycemic control through complementary mechanisms - With [Shilajit](/herb/shilajit/) for metabolic syndrome support --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/gudmar/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - PubMed / NCBI (418 publications) - AgeAyurveda Product Catalog - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice. Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.