Overview

Gymnema is a climbing vine known as Gymnema sylvestre. Dietary supplements that contain gymnema are made from the leaves of the plant and used for many reasons. However, their benefits for any use are not well defined. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, and an upset stomach. Before taking gymnema, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is gymnema used for?

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using gymnema include the following.

• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Weight loss

Note: The FDA has not reviewed gymnema for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does gymnema work (mechanism of action)?

Gymnema is a climbing vine called Gymnema sylvestre. It has a long history of use in the traditional medicine system in India (Ayurveda), where it is known as gurmar (“sugar destroyer”). Dietary supplements and teas that contain gymnema are usually made from the leaves that grow on the vine.

Gymnema has become relatively well known for its ability to block some of the sugar receptors on the tongue, making foods taste less sweet. This effect may help reduce sugar cravings and also help people cut back on calories and sweet foods. There is also interest in using gymnema to help with taste problems (dysgeusia), but its benefits for this use are not well defined.

Gymnema contains many chemicals that can have other effects in the body. However, these chemicals are not well understood, and the effects of gymnema are not well defined. It is not clear if gymnema can help lower blood sugar or cholesterol levels or is helpful for weight loss.

Herbal products, such as gymnema, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific gymnema product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store gymnema?

You should store gymnema according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of gymnema?

The most common side effects of gymnema are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of gymnema that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of gymnema?

While less common, the most serious side effects of gymnema are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gymnema may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking gymnema and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use gymnema?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take gymnema.

• Gurmar
• Gymnema
• Gymnema sylvestre
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific gymnema products they stock.

What should I know about gymnema before using it?

Gymnema is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep gymnema out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as gymnema, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific gymnema product can change for many reasons, including the area where the vine was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the vine was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Gymnema is available in many forms, including a liquid extract, tea, capsule, and dried and ground powder. Some people may also chew on the raw leaves. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested gymnema products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using gymnema?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if gymnema is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Gymnema may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking gymnema, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how gymnema could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if gymnema passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does gymnema interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between gymnema and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect gymnema.

Does gymnema interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a medicine for diabetes.

The interactions between gymnema and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with gymnema is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking gymnema with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much gymnema?

If you or someone else has used too much gymnema, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Gymnema comes in a wide range of doses and forms. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take gymnema safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.