Gymnema Sylvestre: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage and Supplements

Gymnema Sylvestre is an herb that has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is commonly used in GDAs (Glucose Disposal Agents) as it has been shown to be potentially beneficial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Gymnema Sylvestre has a study which show it to be an antioxidant, as well as being beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels. This study was done in vitro on diabetic rats, which of course isn’t optimal. Another study done in Brazil, was done on non-diabetic rats and showed no effects on blood sugar, body composition, etc. This perhaps means that GS may only be beneficial for diabetics.

GS contains something called Gymnemic Acids. Gymnemic acids have been shown to block sugar receptors. This is why many studies regarding GS mention its “antisweet activity”.

Another potential benefit from Gymnema Sylvestre supplementation, according to a study, is for arthritis. A study on rats showed “significant anti-arthritic activity” when compared to a control group. Again, we would like to see human studies for this purpose, however it is promising.

Gymnema Sylvestre can be found as a standalone, however you’ll commonly find it paired with other glucose disposal agents such as Berberine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Cinnamon, Bitter Melon and Banaba Leaf.

Potential side effects associated with Gymnema Sylvestre include headache, nausea, shakiness, and dizziness. Always talk to your doctor before supplementing with Gymnema Sylvestre.

You’ll typically see Gymnema Sylvestre dosed at 400mg. We recommend taking it 10-15 minutes before a meal. 

The following products contain Gymnema Sylvestre at the recommended dosage, and are recommended supplements for Fitness Informant: