Gymnema (asclepias geminate, gurmar, gurmarbooti, Gymnema sylvestre, merasingi, meshavalli, periploca of the woods, sirukurinja, small Indian ipecac)
Classes: Metabolic & Endocrine, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Asclepias geminate, gurmar (gymnema)
Diabetes
200-400 mg standardized extract PO qDay-BId
Use only with regular blood glucose level monitoring
Suggested uses of Asclepias geminate, gurmar (gymnema)
Diabetes mellitus, type 1 and 2
Constipation, digestive stimulant, diuresis, lipid lowering
Efficacy
Decr blood glucose & HgbA1C in type 1 or 2 Dm
Asclepias geminate, gurmar (gymnema) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
None reported
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: X
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Asclepias geminate, gurmar (gymnema)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Decrease intestinal absorption of glucose; may stimulate pancreatic beta cell growth
Incr serum C-peptide levels