Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf

The gymnema sylvestre tree, which produces gymnema sylvestre leaf, is a native to the tropical forests of southern India. Wildcrafted herbs such as these have been part of India's traditional Ayurvedic medicine for some two thousand years, in which it has been considered an effective treatment for diabetes.

The true effects of cut gymnema sylvestre leaf are still being studied, and there has been little in the way of hard scientific proof. What studies suggest is that like other organic herbs of this type, when it is taken over an extended period of time, may help in the reduction of blood sugar levels. Those who crave sweets may find that placing dried herbs like gymnema sylvestre leaf in the mouth may help in reducing such unhealthy craving, albeit it for a short period of time; anecdotal evidence suggest that sliced gymnema sylvestre leaf may actually block the tongue's sweet receptors.

A 2005 study conducted at King's College in the U.K. indicated that an extract of gymnema sylvestre leaf in low concentrations could stimulate the production of insulin in human beta cells. In some countries, powdered gymnema sylvestre leaf extract combined with cinnamon and other medicinal herbs is used as a diabetes treatment.

*USDA Certified Organic 4oz.