Fact Check: Can Gymnemag-D effectively control blood sugar levels? It’s complicated

Hyderabad: An advertisement with claims regarding diabetes is making rounds on social media. The caption of the ad reads, “Naturally control sugar with the goodness of Gymnemag-D. Enriched with essential vitamins and nutrients to lower sugar and effectively manage it daily.” The advertisement claims that you can keep your blood sugar under control by just taking two tablets of NatXtra Gymnemag-D.

In another version of the advertisement, it is mentioned that it can be safely taken along with other medications for diabetes.

As per the World Health Organisation, diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.

Fact check

NewsMeter found the claim to be misleading.

According to a Healthline article, “Gymnema is a woody climbing shrub that comes from the forests of India and Africa. It’s been used medicinally in Ayurveda (an ancient Indian medicinal practice) for over 2,000 years. Chewing its leaves can temporarily interfere with the ability to taste sweetness. It’s generally considered safe for adults."

It also adds that “There is not enough evidence to definitively prove Gymnema’s effectiveness in balancing blood sugar and managing diabetes. However, multiple studies have shown potential.”

It also warns that “Gymnema is not a substitute for diabetes medication. While lowering high blood sugar is generally a positive thing in people with diabetes, lowering it too much can be extremely dangerous. If you’re going to take Gymnema to treat diabetes, do so under your doctor’s supervision.”

Although there is a record of Gymnema being effective for diabetes, much research is needed to come to a conclusion. The advertisement also claims that Gymnemag can be safely taken along with other medication.

WebMD has list out five drugs that interact with Gymnema.

1. Medications for diabetes (Anti-diabetes drugs) interact with Gymnema

2. Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interact with Gymnema

3. Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interact with Gymnema

4. Phenacetin interacts with Gymnema

5. Tolbutamide (Orinase) interacts with Gymnema

It should be noted that Gymnema is not safe for pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, and prior surgery.

Hence, it is evident that there is not enough research to conclude Gymnema as a potential drug to control blood sugar levels. But that doesn’t mean that it can be a substitute for prescribed diabetes medication and insulin. Before opting for Gymnema-D consult your doctor.