The use of Gymnema sylvestre in the treatment of diabetes: The available evidence and expert opinion

Health supplements have been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of a diversity of chronic disorders including diabetes. Diabetes has been increasing regarded as an emerging global health problem, and there has been a tendency for therapeutic studies pertaining to diabetes to focus on supplements from natural sources. Research findings have been increasing suggesting the usefulness of several supplements including fenugreek, cinnamon, and lipoic acid in the management of diabetes. During the previous decades, Gymnema sylvestre have been reported to have beneficial effects in diabetes. This paper reviews the available evidence supporting the use of berberine in diabetes with the aim of providing expert opinion. Expert opinion: The available evidence suggests that Gymnema sylvestre has hypoglycemic and lipid lowering effects. However, the available evidence research also suggests the usefulness of several other supplements including fenugreek, cinnamon, and lipoic acid in the management of diabetes. Therefore, the choice of diabetic supplement depends to some extent on the availability and cost. It seems that Gymnema sylvestre is the most available and cost-effective diabetic supplement in India, however, it is not in other counties in the world including Iraq.