Gymnema Sylvestre: An Ancient Herbal Remedy for Diabetes Mellitus
“Although using alternative treatments may not reduce the incidence of diabetes, there is significant reason to believe it can slow it down and, in certain cases, reverse the progress of the disease. Gymnema sylvestre is an herb currently prescribed in the Indian Ayurvedic healthcare system to treat patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Originating from the ancient Santal tribes of India, gymnema has been used for centuries as a safe and effective “anti-diabetic remedy” (Leach, 2011). By understanding Gymnema sylvestr’s benefits of safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness, US scientists may be able to offer an exciting new treatment for diabetics and new investigative research that may lead to finding a cure.
Today, millions of people are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and millions more are expected to be afflicted with the disease in the coming years. Furthermore, diabetes remains one of the most expensive diseases to live with in the world. It is important to continue to research and explore innovative ways to combat this disease which significantly reduces the quality of life for so many. By funding research for Gymnema sylvestre and using Ayurvedic healthcare as a model, scientists can broaden the scope of treating diabetes. Studies suggest that further research may lead to drug independence for type 2 diabetics , as well as safe supplementation to reduce the amount of insulin needed for type 1 diabetics . More remarkable, however, is gymnema’s unique ability to regenerate damaged beta cells in type 1 diabetes. If scientists can delve into the secrets of how these beta cells are regenerated, there may be a cure for autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes in the near future.”
— Collin Hayes
