Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is thought to impair the ability to discriminate "sweet taste," and increase enzyme activity responsible for glucose uptake and utilization, or possibly stimulate beta cell function. Side effects include hypoglycemia and possible additive hypoglycemic effects with either insulin or other agents. It should not be used without medical supervision. Gymnema has been studied in both type 1 and type 2 patients however, the research is not well done. Research is being done at Creighton University that will involve a standardized formula and will be conducted in type 2 diabetes patients.
