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Effect of Extended Release Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract (Beta Fast GXR) Alone or In Combination With Oral Hypoglycemics or Insulin Regimens for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Joffe, DJ, editor@diabetesincontrol.com; Freed, SH, steverx@comcast.net.
Source: Diabetes In Control Newsletter, Issue 76 (1) : 30 Oct 2001
©2003 Wen-Cin Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved.
Abstract:
Introduction
Gymnema sylvestre is an Indian herb used Ayurveda, the ancient Hindi
medicine system of India. Also referred to as Gurmarbooti, gurmar, periploca
of the woods in English and meshasringi (meaning "ram's horn") in Sanskrit,
it is a woody climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central
and southern India. The leaves are used in herbal medicine preparations,
which, when chewed, interfere with the ability to taste sweetness, which
explains the Hindi name gurmar-"destroyer of sugar." Gymnema sylvestre's
primary application was for adult-onset diabetes (NIDDM), a condition for
which it continues to be recommended today in India. The leaves were also
used for stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, and liver disease.
Ayurvedic treatments employ physician monitored fasting and medication,
internal cleansing, and then personalized treatments based upon a
well-developed body typing system. Therapies typically include diet,
exercise, meditation and herbal supplements.
The gradual hypoglycemic action of Gymnema leaves, first documented in the
1930, differs from the rapid effect of many prescription hypoglycemic
drugs.
1Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in
healthy volunteers
2possible due to regeneration of the b-cells in the
pancreas
3The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and
triglycerides.
4A water-soluble acidic fraction of the leaves provides
hypoglycemic actions, possibly gymnemic acid.
5Its action in the reduction
of intestinal glucose uptake has also been noted.
In the US, Gymnema sylvestre is sold under several brands including Nature's
Way, Natrol, Pro Beta™ and Informulab® Beta Fast GXR® . The products promote
healthy glucose levels and pancreas function. As a supplement, Gymnema is
also used to help diminish sugar intake.
Gymnema sylvestre is generally safe and devoid of side affects although it
should be avoided during pregnancy. Administration is recommended under the
clinical supervision of a healthcare professional. Gymnema cannot be used in
place of insulin to control blood sugar by persons with IDDM or NIDDM.
Trial Design
100 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were started on the Gymnema
product and 65 completed the study. Males or non-pregnant females with a
hemoglobin A1c>7.8% were chosen for the study. An HbA1c was be taken at the
beginning and at the conclusion of the study. Fasting blood glucose and
postprandial blood glucose was measured during the trial. A minimum of 1
fasting blood glucose and 1 postprandial blood glucose was taken daily for
at least 5 of 7 days. At the end of each 30 day period, the readings
wereadded and divided by the number of days and reported back as an average
fasting and postprandial blood glucose. Treatment with Beta Fast GXR®
Gymnema sylvestre was added for a period of three months, 1 x 400mg tablet,
twice daily. At the end of that period, we obtained another HbA1c.
Efficacy Variables
1. Hemoglobin A1c
2. Fasting Blood Glucose
3. Postprandial Blood Glucose
OBJECTIVE:
The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically in recent years1.
Gymnema Sylvestre is an Indian herb used in Ayurveda, the ancient Hindi
medicine system of India. Its primary application was for adult-onset
diabetes (NIDDM), a condition for which it continues to be recommended today
in India. The gradual hypoglycemic action of Gymnema leaves, first
documented in the 1930, differs from the rapid effect of many prescription
hypoglycemic drugs. Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels, according to
research in healthy volunteers2 possibly due to regeneration of the b-cells
in the pancreas. The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol
and triglycerides. A water-soluble acidic fraction of the leaves provides
hypoglycemic actions, possibly gymnemic acid. Its action in the reduction
of intestinal glucose uptake has also been noted. The purpose of this
work was to investigate the acute effects of supplementing the diet with
Gymnema Sylvestre (Beta Fast GXR®) in regards to it's glucose lowering
thereby reducing the HbA1c and therefore the complications from diabetes.
By reducing the HbA1c (Average Blood Glucose) 1%, the DCCT7 study showed
Type 1 diabetics could reduce the complications of Retinopathy by 38%,
Nephropathy by 28% Neuropathy by 35%. The UKPDS showed that reducing the
HbA1c in Type 2 diabetics by 0.9% could reduce any diabetic end point by
12%, reduce any Microvascular end point by 25%, reduce MI by 16%, reduce
Retinopathy by 21% and reduce microalbuminurea at 12 years by 34%.
The UKPDS also showed that Postprandial (blood glucose 1-2 hours after
eating) glucose is a better indicator of glycemic control than fasting
glucose levels. Treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia is critical to
achieving optimal outcomes in type 2 diabetes.
METHODS:
Sixty-five (65) patients (37male/28 female) completed the study. 7.6%(5) of
the patients were insulin dependent. Their pre-study average fasting glucose
(163 mg/dl) and postprandial blood glucose (212 mg/dl), and a base HbA1c
(8.8) were taken. Patients were instructed to take two (2) tablets per day,
one in AM, one in PM for 90 days. They continued to monitor fasting and
postprandial blood glucose through the study period. At the conclusion of
the 90-day period, their levels were measured.
RESULTS:
Sixty five percent of the participants completed the study. After the 90
days of the Gymnema Sylvestre (Beta Fast GXR®) supplementation, mean daily
preprandial plasma glucose concentrations were 11 percent lower (161 vs. 144
mg/dl). The Gymnema Sylvestre (Beta Fast GXR®) supplementation also lowered
the 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose concentrations, by 13 percent (207
vs. 180mg/dl). The Gymnema Sylvestre (Beta Fast GXR®) supplementation
lowered HbA1c from 8.8% to 8.2% (0.6% decrease).
In the sub set of participants whose pre-study HbA1c was 9% or above the
results were more profound. Mean daily preprandial plasma glucose
concentrations were 15 percent lower (191 vs. 161 mg/dl). The Gymnema
Sylvestre (Beta Fast GXR®) supplementation also lowered the 2-hour
postprandial plasma glucose concentrations, by 21 percent (250 vs. 199
mg/dl). The Gymnema Sylvestre (Beta Fast GXR®) supplementation lowered
HbA1c from 10.1% to 9.3% (0.8% decrease).
In the poorest controlled patients, those with a starting HbA1c of 10% or
greater, mean daily preprandial plasma glucose concentrations were 18
percent lower (216 vs. 178 mg/dl). The Gymnema Sylvestre (Beta Fast GXR®)
supplementation also lowered the 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose
concentrations by 28 percent (295 vs. 212 mg/dl). The Gymnema Sylvestre
(Beta Fast GXR®) supplementation lowered HbA1c from 11.1% to 9.9% (1.2%
decrease).
In addition 11 patients (16%) had a decrease in prescription medicine
intake.
CONCLUSIONS:
As can be seen from the data above, the use of Gymnema Sylvestre (Beta Fast
GXR®) supplementation in all patients with diabetes has a positive result.
In addition the use of Gymnema Sylvestre (Beta Fast GXR®) supplementation in
patients with the poorest control is even more critical. It appears that the
largest effect occurs from decrease of postprandial glucose levels, which is
consistent with the mechanisms of action stated. Gymnema Sylvestre (Beta
Fast GXR®) supplementation appears to improve glycemic control in patients
with type 2 diabetes. Reducing postprandial blood glucose significantly
caused a decrease of HbA1c, therefore reducing the complications from
diabetes.
References:
1-Beckles GLA et al. Diabetes Care. 1998;21:1432-1438.American Diabetes
Association. Diabetes Care. 1998;21(Suppl 2).Colwell JA. Ann Intern Med.
1996;124(1pt2):131-135.Abraira C et al. Diabetes Care.
1992;15:1560-1571.Klein R et al. Am J Epidemiol. 1987;126:415-428.Cowie CC
et al. Diabetes in America. 2nd ed.vol. 44, November ol. 44, November.
2- Mhasker KS, Caius JF. A study of Indian medicinal plants. II. Gymnema
sylvestre R.Br. Indian J Med Res Memoirs 1930;16:2-75.
3- Shanmugasundaram KR, Panneerselvam C, Sumudram P, Shanmugasundaram ERB.
Insulinotropic activity of G. sylvestre, R.Br. and Indian medicinal herb
used in controlling diabetes mellitus. Pharmacol Res Commun 1981;13:475-86.
4-Shanmugasundaram ERB, Leela Gopinath K, Radha Shanmugasundaram K,
Rajendran VM. Possible regeneration of the islets of Langerhans in
streptozotocin diabetic rats given Gymnema sylvestre leaf extracts. J
Ethnopharmacol 1990;30:265-79.
5 Bishayee A, Chatterjee M. Hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effects of
oral Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. leaf extract in albino rats fed on a high fat
diet. Phytother Res 1994;8:118-20.
6 Gymnema. Lawrence Review of Natural Products Aug 1993 (monograph).
Fushiki T, Kojima A, Imoto T, et al. An extract of Gymnema sylvestre leaves
and purified gymnemic acid inhibits glucose-stimulated gastric inhibitory
peptide secretion in rats. J Nutr 1992;122:2367-73. 1995.
7- The New England Journal of Medicine -- September 30, 1993 -- Vol. 329,
No. 14-DCCT research group, Diabetes 95;44:969-983;
8- Hawaii Med J 2000 Jul;59(7):295-8, 313; BMJ. 2000 Aug
12;321(7258):405-12.
9. Harris et al. Diabetes Care. 1994.
10- De Veciana et al. N Engl J Med. 1995;333:1239
Note:
A second controlled clinical trial on Beta Fast is nearing completion at
Creighton Diabetes Center, Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
The trial is directed by Dr. Marc Rendell, Director of the Creighton
Diabetes Center and Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Beta Fast GXR® Glucose Balance is a concentrated, extended release, herbal
dietary supplement containing 400mg of Gymnema Sylvestre (GS) leaf extract
(standardized to 25%) per tablet. Recommended dosage is two (2) tablets per
day, one taken with breakfast and one with dinner.
Beta Fast is produced by Informulab of Omaha, NE. Informulab, Beta Fast and
GXR are registered trademarks of Wen-Cin Marketing, Inc., The parent company
also publishes alternativediabetes.com, a comprehensive Internet resource on
complementary therapies for diabetes control.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
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