How Does Gymnema Sylvestre Work?
This herbal remedy is thought to work via gymnemic acid, its active ingredient. Gymnemic acid molecules have a unique shape that are similar to glucose, meaning they are able to fill cell receptors in the lining of your intestines, preventing uptake of sugar molecules and resulting in lower blood sugar levels Meanwhile, because gymnemic acid and Gymnema leaf extract interfere with the ability of your taste buds to taste sweet or bitter. It’s thought that by inhibiting this ability, people taking it will limit their intake of sweets, which further helps blood sugar levels. Gymnemic acids also appear to work, according to the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, because they: • Increase secretion of insulin • Promote regeneration of islet cells (islet cells are insulin-producing cells in your pancreas) • Increase utilization of glucose • Inhibit glucose absorption from the intestine Although the report states that further studies are needed, the authors posit that Gymnema may
