Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

GS 4, a water-soluble extract of the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, was administered (400 mg day ) to 27 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) on insulin therapy. Insulin requirements came down together with fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbAlc) and glycosylated plasma protein levels. While serum lipids returned to near normal levels with GS 4 therapy, glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma protein levels remained higher than controls. IDDM patients on insulin therapy only showed no significant reduction in serum lipids, HbAlc or glycosylated plasma proteins when followed up after 10–12 months. GS 4 therapy appears to enhance endogenous insulin, possibly by regeneration/ revitalisation of the residual beta cells in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.