Meta Information

ID:gymnema-sylvestre

Name:Gymnema Sylvestre

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Gurmar
• Meshashringi
• Australian Cowplant
• Periploca of the woods

Active Compound

Gymnemic acids

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:dietary_supplement

Indication

Focus:

• healthspan
• symptom_management

Description:

Primarily used to support healthy blood glucose levels, reduce sugar cravings, and manage symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Typical Protocol

• Take 100-200 mg of a standardized extract (containing at least 25% gymnemic acids) with meals, up to three times per day.
• Alternatively, consume 2-4 grams of the whole powdered leaf daily, often steeped as a tea.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

10

High Cost:

30

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Widely available as an affordable herbal supplement; not covered by insurance.

Summary

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb whose active compounds, gymnemic acids, can temporarily block sugar receptors on the tongue and in the intestines. This dual action reduces the sensation of sweetness, thereby curbing sugar cravings, and lowers sugar absorption from food. By helping to manage post-meal blood glucose spikes, it supports metabolic health, a critical factor in healthspan.

Purpose

An herbal supplement to help manage blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings.

Card Summary

An herbal supplement containing gymnemic acids that helps manage blood sugar levels by reducing sugar absorption and cravings.

Drug Class

null

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

4.2

Justification:

Offers a targeted benefit for glycemic control, a key healthspan pillar.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Human trials and meta-analyses exist, but primarily for diabetes, not healthspan.

Safety

Score:

3.5

Justification:

Generally safe but can cause hypoglycemia, especially with other glucose-lowering medications.

Flags

• May cause hypoglycemia; use with extreme caution if taking diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Discontinue use at least two weeks before scheduled surgery to avoid blood sugar control issues.
• Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Verdict

A useful tool for blood sugar management, not a primary longevity agent.

Created

2026-05-15T15:19:34.394738Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)