Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema has been used for hundreds of years by Ayurvedic physicians in India to treat diabetes. Indians call this herb gurmar, a Hindu word meaning "sugar destroyer." Modern scientific research has confirmed that the active ingredient of the herb, gymnemic acid, blocks not only the taste of sugar, but also the absorption of sugar by the body. 

It is also thought that gymnema suppresses the taste of saccharin and cyclamate, two common artificial sweeteners.Another promising discovery for individuals suffering from diabetes is that gymnema has been found to increase liver and pancreatic function. This herb can also help with obesity, hypoglycemia, anemia and osteoporosis.

For treatment of diabetes it is needed to supply enough chromium beside taking the crushed leaves of Gymnema Sylvestry. Excess doses of chromium may be serious.  There are many products on the market available as Chromeate, Chromium Poly niotinate, Chromium picolinate.

Chromium is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth, short-term. Up to 1000 mcg/day of chromium has been used safely for up to 6 months. (WEBMD Chromium Side Effects)

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Chromium is LIKELY SAFE to use during pregnancy when taken by mouth in amounts that are equal to or less than "adequate intake" (AI) levels. The AI for pregnant women 14 to 18 years-old is 29 mcg daily. For pregnant women 19 to 50 years-old, it is 30 mcg daily. Chromium is POSSIBLY SAFE to use during pregnancy in amounts higher than the AI levels. However, pregnant women should not take chromium supplements during pregnancy unless advised to do so by their healthcare provider.

Breast-feeding: Chromium is LIKELY SAFE to use while breast-feeding when taken by mouth in amounts that are equal to or less than "adequate intake" (AI) levels. The AI for breast-feeding women 14 to 18 years-old is 44 mcg daily. For breast-feeding women 19 to 50 years-old it is 45 mcg daily. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking higher amounts of chromium if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. 

Diabetes: Chromium might lower blood sugar levels too much if taken along with diabetes medications. If you have diabetes, use chromium products cautiously and monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary. 

Kidney disease: There are at least three reports of kidney damage in patients who took chromium picolinate. Don't take chromium supplements, if you already have kidney disease. 

Liver disease: There are at least three reports of liver damage in patients who took chromium picolinate. Don't take chromium supplements, if you already have liver disease.