Gymnema sylvestre dosage and efficacy
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Gymnema sylvestre Dosage in Clinical and Preclinical Studies
Human Studies: Dosage and Efficacy in Diabetes and Glucose Tolerance
Clinical trials in humans have used Gymnema sylvestre at doses of 300 mg twice daily (total 600 mg/day) for patients with impaired glucose tolerance, resulting in significant reductions in 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) values, HbA1c, body weight, BMI, and LDL cholesterol, along with improved insulin sensitivity and a higher percentage of patients achieving normal HbA1c values . Another study in type 2 diabetes patients used a 400 mg daily dose of a Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract (GS4) for 18–20 months, showing significant reductions in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and glycosylated plasma proteins. Some patients were able to reduce or discontinue conventional antidiabetic drugs, suggesting possible regeneration or repair of pancreatic beta cells . Additionally, a food supplement containing Gymnema sylvestre (dose not specified, but administered as one or two tablets per day) over three months significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in individuals with mildly impaired fasting glucose, with no evidence of kidney or liver toxicity .
Animal Studies: Dose-Dependent Antidiabetic Effects
In rat models of diabetes, Gymnema sylvestre has been tested at various dosages. Doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight daily for 45 days showed dose-dependent improvements in body weight, hemoglobin, serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes, with 100 mg/kg being more effective . Other studies used higher doses: 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extract for 22 days, with the higher dose more effectively restoring normal blood glucose, body weight, and pancreatic GLUT-2 expression, indicating regeneration of pancreatic beta cells . Supplementation at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats also showed dose-dependent reductions in blood glucose, improved insulin levels, and correction of dyslipidemia . Aqueous leaf extract doses of 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg in alloxan-induced diabetic rats demonstrated antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity .
Isolated Compounds and Potency
A specific compound isolated from Gymnema sylvestre, dihydroxy gymnemic triacetate, was effective at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 45 days in diabetic rats, significantly improving plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, tissue glycogen, lipid profile, and liver enzyme activities .
Other Health Effects and Safety
Beyond diabetes, Gymnema sylvestre saponin-rich fractions have shown dose-dependent anti-tumor activity in animal models, with doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight found to be safe in acute toxicity studies . In human studies, Gymnema sylvestre supplementation did not show evidence of kidney or liver toxicity .
Conclusion
Gymnema sylvestre demonstrates significant antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects in both human and animal studies, with efficacy generally increasing at higher doses. In humans, daily doses of 400–600 mg have shown clinical benefits in glucose control and insulin sensitivity. In animal studies, effective doses range from 50 mg/kg to 800 mg/kg, with higher doses yielding greater improvements in diabetic parameters. Isolated compounds from the plant may be effective at even lower doses. Gymnema sylvestre is generally well-tolerated, with no major toxicity reported at studied doses.
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