Evidence supporting the use of: Gymnema
For the health condition: Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gymnema sylvestre has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes and weight management. More recently, scientific research has investigated its potential to support individuals with sugar or refined carbohydrate addictions. The primary mechanism is attributed to gymnemic acids, which can temporarily block sweet taste receptors on the tongue, reducing the pleasure derived from sweet foods. Several small clinical studies and laboratory experiments have shown that Gymnema extracts can reduce the perceived sweetness of sugars and may decrease subsequent intake of sweet foods in both healthy individuals and those with cravings for sugar.

However, while these findings suggest a role for Gymnema in managing cravings or 'addiction-like' behaviors towards sugar, the evidence is limited in scale and quality. There are few rigorous, large-scale clinical trials directly addressing sugar or refined carbohydrate addiction as a clinical entity. Most available studies focus on acute effects on taste perception or short-term reductions in sugar consumption. There is a lack of long-term data demonstrating sustained reduction in cravings or relapse prevention.

In summary, there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of Gymnema for reducing sugar cravings based on its effects on sweet taste receptors and short-term consumption patterns, but the overall quality and quantity of evidence is modest, resulting in a moderate-low evidence rating.

More about Gymnema
More about Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates)

Products containing Gymnema

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.