Gymnema (asclepias geminate, gurmar, gurmarbooti, Gymnema sylvestre, merasingi, meshavalli, periploca of the woods, sirukurinja, small Indian ipecac): Dosing and Uses

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