​Gymnema Inodorum

Gymnema Inodorum

Product Name: Гимнема безвкусная, Gymnema inodorum, Geschmacklose Gymnema, Gimnema insípida, Gymnema insipide, جمنما عديم النكهة, ย่านางแดง.

Synonyms: Гимнема безвкусная, безвкусная гимнема, гимнема инодорум; Gymnema inodorum, odorless gymnema, climbing gymnema; Geschmacklose Gymnema, geruchlose Gymnema; Gimnema insípida; Gymnema insipide; جمنما عديم النكهة، جمنما إنودوروم; ย่านางแดง, ขี้เหล็กป่า, ขมเถา.

Parts used: leaves, stems, roots.

Main indications for the use of Gymnema inodorum: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alimentary obesity, hepatic steatosis, chronic pancreatitis in remission.

Use of Gymnema inodorum in mixtures and complexes: Type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroiditis, atherosclerosis of large arteries, mixed-type dyslipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibrocystic mastopathy, neurocirculatory dystonia of the hypertensive type.

Pharmacological properties of Gymnema inodorum: hypoglycemic, insulinotropic, antiglycative, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, gastroprotective, normalizing intestinal microbiota.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Gymnema inodorum

Powder — Gymnema inodorum

Indications (Powder): Type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertriglyceridemia, alimentary obesity, chronic pancreatitis in remission.

Standard Dosage (Powder): Taken orally at a dosage of 2.0–3.0 grams of powder 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 4.0 grams of powder 2 times a day for pronounced hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome with a body mass index above 30, and combination with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): No more than 5.0 grams 2 times a day under the control of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation and in combination with severe obesity or steatohepatosis.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1.0–1.5 grams of powder once a day on an empty stomach. Recommended for prediabetic conditions, fasting hyperglycemia, physical inactivity, chronic fatigue, men and women over 40 years of age with a hereditary predisposition to diabetes. Course — 30 days, repeated every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): For children over 12 years of age with a body weight of more than 40 kg — no more than 1.0 gram per day, divided into 2 doses. Not recommended for children under 12 years due to the lack of reliable clinical data.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance, hypoglycemia, severe type 1 diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, lactation. Reliable data on safety during pregnancy, lactation, and in childhood are absent.

Side Effects (Powder): In case of overdose, a decrease in blood sugar below the physiological threshold, dizziness, general weakness, and sweating are possible. Episodes of orthostatic hypotension have been recorded in persons with body weight deficiency.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For patients with body weight less than 60 kg, a reduction in dosage by 25% of the standard is recommended. For body weight above 90 kg, an increase in dosage by 20% is permissible in the absence of side effects.

Preparation method (Powder): To obtain 100 grams of powder, mature dried leaves of Gymnema inodorum in the amount of 110 grams are used. The raw material is ground manually or mechanically to a particle size of 0.2–0.5 mm, sieved, then additionally ground to a powder state. Drying is carried out at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the shade or in a drying chamber with ventilation. After complete drying, the powder is packaged in airtight containers made of light-proof material.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry, cool place at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, in a tightly closed container, without access to light and moisture. Avoid storage near electromagnetic sources. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening the package, use within 30 days.

Extract — Gymnema inodorum

Indications (Extract): Type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia, alimentary obesity, steatohepatosis, mixed-type dyslipidemia.

Standard Dosage (Extract): Taken orally at 150–200 milligrams of dry extract (standardized to a gymnemic acid content of 25–30%) 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Extract): Up to 300 milligrams of extract 2 times a day for persistent hyperglycemia, combination with insulin resistance and grade 2–3 obesity.

Maximum Dosage (Extract): No more than 400 milligrams 2 times a day for controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus in the acute phase and for metabolic decompensation syndrome. Prescribed under laboratory monitoring of glycemia.

Preventive Dosage (Extract): 100 milligrams once a day in the morning. Recommended in the presence of a family history of diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, and prediabetic disorders. Course — 30 days, repeated after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Extract): For adolescents over 14 years of age with a body weight of more than 50 kg — up to 100 milligrams once a day. Use in children under 14 years is not recommended due to the lack of data on safety and efficacy.

Contraindications (Extract): Individual sensitivity to components, pregnancy, lactation, severe hypoglycemia. There are no scientifically confirmed data on the safety of use in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 14 years.

Side Effects (Extract): Hypoglycemia, headache, nausea, a feeling of cold, confusion when the dosage is exceeded or combined with insulin secretagogues.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Extract): For patients with body weight less than 60 kg, it is recommended to reduce the dose to 75% of the standard. For body weight over 90 kg, an increase in dosage to 125% is possible with laboratory monitoring.

Preparation method (Extract): To prepare 100 grams of dry aqueous-alcoholic extract, 500 grams of ground Gymnema inodorum leaf are used. The raw material is poured with a mixture of 50% ethanol and water in a ratio of 1:5, kept for 72 hours at a temperature of 25–30 degrees Celsius, with periodic stirring. Then the extract is filtered, evaporated at a temperature of up to 50 degrees Celsius in vacuum to a thick state, and dried in a drying chamber to a powder mass. The resulting extract is standardized by the content of gymnemic acid.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Extract): Store in airtight packaging at a temperature of 5 to 25 degrees Celsius, in a dry, dark place, away from heat sources and electromagnetic fields. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Gymnema inodorum

Indications (Tincture): Type 2 diabetes mellitus, fasting hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, alimentary obesity.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops (approximately 1 ml) of tincture in 70% ethanol 2 times a day, 20 minutes before meals, with a small amount of water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 2 times a day for pronounced hyperglycemia and grade 2–3 obesity. Course use under glucose level monitoring is recommended.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): No more than 40 drops 2 times a day for type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with severe lipid metabolism disorders. Intake only under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops once a day in the morning. Used for borderline disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, during periods of increased dietary or psycho-emotional stress. Course — 21 days, repeated once a quarter.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Use is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years due to ethanol content.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, hepatic insufficiency, pregnancy, lactation, childhood. Reliable data on use in childhood and during pregnancy are absent. Contraindicated in hypoglycemia.

Side Effects (Tincture): In case of overdose, signs of alcohol intoxication, dizziness, decreased blood sugar levels, coordination disorders, and dyspeptic disorders are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For patients with body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dosage to 70–80% of the standard. For body weight above 90 kg, dose adjustment of +20% is possible with good tolerability.

Preparation method (Tincture): To prepare 100 ml of alcohol tincture, 20 grams of ground Gymnema inodorum leaf and 100 ml of 70% ethyl alcohol are used. The raw material is poured with alcohol, placed in a glass container with a tight lid, and infused for 14 days in a dark place at a temperature of 20–25 degrees Celsius. The mixture is shaken daily. At the end of the period, the tincture is strained through gauze and filtered. The finished tincture is poured into dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature of 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, away from direct light and sources of EMI. Shelf life — up to 2 years. After opening, use within 45 days.

Oil Infusion — Gymnema inodorum

Indications (Oil Infusion): Alimentary obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, neurocirculatory dystonia, chronic stress, localized deposits of subcutaneous fat, skin flaccidity.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): External use in the form of rubs or applications: 5–10 ml of oil 1–2 times a day, in a course of 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 15 ml per application area 2 times a day for pronounced local fat deposits, cellulite, and metabolic disorders in the skin. Combination with thermotherapy is possible.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 20 ml per procedure, no more than 2 times a day. Used under the control of skin condition in obesity and concomitant microcirculation disorders.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): 5 ml once a day, 2–3 times a week. Used in patients with a sedentary lifestyle, with a tendency to fluid retention and decreased skin turgor. Recommended in courses of 10 days with a 1-month break.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Not recommended for children under 14 years due to the lack of clinical data. Local use is permissible in adolescents over 14 years with a body weight from 50 kg in a volume of no more than 3 ml once a day.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Intolerance to components of the oil base, allergic dermatitis, acute pustular skin diseases, active dermatoses. Scientifically confirmed data on safety during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 14 years are absent.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Cases of local irritation, redness, itching, and allergic reactions have been registered in case of individual sensitivity or exceeding the dosage.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): For patients with body weight below 60 kg — reduce the volume of application to 70% of the standard. For body weight over 90 kg, an increase in volume by 20% is possible in the absence of skin reaction.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 ml of infusion, 20 grams of ground dry Gymnema inodorum leaf and 100 ml of oil (sesame or cold-pressed coconut) are used. The raw material is placed in a glass jar and filled with oil, then infused in a water bath at a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius for 3 hours. Then the mixture is kept for 7 days in a dark place at room temperature. After infusion, the oil is filtered through gauze and poured into dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a dark glass bottle at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, away from direct light and heat sources. Shield from exposure to electromagnetic fields. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Cosmetic Cream/Ointment — Gymnema inodorum

Indications (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): Localized obesity, skin flaccidity, cellulite, microcirculation disorders, local inflammations, decreased skin tone and elasticity, oily seborrhea.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): External use 2 times a day, applying 1–2 grams of cream to cleansed skin until completely absorbed. Course of application — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): Up to 3 grams of cream per application area 2–3 times a day for pronounced cellulite, congestive edema, and dermostasis. Apply with gentle massage.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): No more than 5 grams per procedure, no more than 3 times a day. Permissible for severe microcirculation disorders and skin insulin resistance.

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): 1 gram of cream once a day before bedtime. Recommended for the prevention of age-related skin changes, in premenopausal women, and in lipid metabolism disorders. Course of 10–15 days, repeated once every 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): For children over 12 years — spot application of up to 0.5 grams once a day on limited areas of the skin is permissible. Not recommended for children under 12 years due to the lack of dermatological tests.

Contraindications (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): Allergy to ointment base components, open wounds, active dermatoses, eczema in the acute stage. Safety during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years has not been confirmed by studies.

Side Effects (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): Contact dermatitis, redness, itching, and burning sensation are possible in case of individual intolerance or excessive application to sensitive skin.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): Adjustment is not required for external use, however, for body weight less than 45 kg, it is recommended to use minimal doses, especially on large areas of the skin.

Preparation method (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): To obtain 100 grams of cream, 10 grams of dry gymnema extract, 60 grams of non-comedogenic oil base (for example, jojoba oil, sesame oil), 25 grams of emulsifier (cetearyl alcohol, lecithin), and 5 grams of purified water are used. The extract is dissolved in water, the oil is heated to 50 degrees Celsius, the emulsifier is introduced into the oil phase. Both phases are combined at a temperature of 40–45 degrees with continuous stirring until a homogeneous emulsion is formed. Cool to 25 degrees and package in airtight tubes.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetic Cream/Ointment): Store at a temperature of 5 to 25 degrees Celsius in a dry, light-protected place. Do not allow freezing. After opening, use within 30 days. Shelf life of sealed packaging — up to 6 months.

Massage Oil — Gymnema inodorum

Indications (Massage Oil): Local obesity, decreased microcirculation, skin insulin resistance, muscle fatigue, lymphedema, chronic fatigue syndrome, skin flaccidity in carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

Standard Dosage (Massage Oil): 10 ml of massage oil per procedure, once a day, in a course of 10–14 days. Apply to dry clean skin and rub in until completely absorbed for 10–15 minutes.

Enhanced Dosage (Massage Oil): 15 ml of oil 2 times a day for pronounced fat deposits, edema, and cellulite deformation of the skin flap. Combination with lymphatic drainage or vacuum massage techniques is permissible.

Maximum Dosage (Massage Oil): Up to 20 ml of oil per procedure, no more than 2 times a day for pronounced microcirculation disorders and metabolic skin diseases; intake should be carried out under the control of the skin reaction.

Preventive Dosage (Massage Oil): 5 ml 1–2 times a week. Prophylactically used for low physical activity, predisposition to local fat deposits, and perimenopausal women. Course — 8 procedures with an interval of 2–3 days.

Pediatric Dosage (Massage Oil): For adolescents over 14 years — up to 5 ml once a day on limited areas of the skin. Use in children under 14 years is not recommended due to the lack of data on safety and efficacy.

Contraindications (Massage Oil): Pustular skin diseases, acute inflammations, individual intolerance to oil components. Scientifically based data on safety during pregnancy and in children under 14 years have not been registered.

Side Effects (Massage Oil): Allergic skin reaction, hyperemia, burning sensation. In rare cases, with prolonged use — skin peeling and irritation in sensitive skin types.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Massage Oil): For body weight less than 60 kg, the oil dosage is reduced to 75% of the standard. For body weight more than 90 kg, an increase to 125% is permissible with monitoring of the skin reaction.

Preparation method (Massage Oil): To prepare 100 ml of massage oil, 10 grams of dry Gymnema inodorum leaf powder and 100 ml of carrier oil (for example, sesame, grapeseed, or coconut) are taken. The mixture is infused in a warm place (temperature 45–50 degrees Celsius) for 6 hours in a water bath, then kept for 5 days at room temperature with periodic shaking. Then it is strained through gauze and packaged in dark bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Massage Oil): Store at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, in a dry, dark place, protected from sunlight and electromagnetic sources. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Oral Solution/Lotion — Gymnema inodorum

Indications (Oral Solution/Lotion): Reduction of sweet taste perception, normalization of glycemic behavior, support in type 2 diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, control of food impulses, prevention of caries in hyperglycemia.

Standard Dosage (Oral Solution/Lotion): Rinse the mouth with 5 ml of undiluted solution 2 times a day, holding the liquid for 30–45 seconds before meals or when there is a pronounced craving for sweets.

Enhanced Dosage (Oral Solution/Lotion): Up to 7 ml per rinse 3 times a day for pronounced compulsive craving for sweets and eating disorders in patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Maximum Dosage (Oral Solution/Lotion): No more than 10 ml per rinse up to 3 times a day. Recommended as a short-term course (up to 5 days) for severe sugar dependence or during dietary detoxification.

Preventive Dosage (Oral Solution/Lotion): 3–4 ml once a day after morning oral hygiene. Recommended for high risk of diabetes, reduced control of eating behavior, children over 12 years, and persons with hypersensitivity to sweet taste. Course — 10 days per month.

Pediatric Dosage (Oral Solution/Lotion): For children from 12 years — up to 2 ml 1–2 times a day. The solution must be spit out, not swallowed. Use in children under 12 years is not recommended.

Contraindications (Oral Solution/Lotion): Ulcerative-necrotic lesions of the mucosa, allergy to solution components, acute stomatitis. Reliable data on safety during pregnancy and in children under 12 years are absent.

Side Effects (Oral Solution/Lotion): Short-term numbness of the tongue, decreased taste sensitivity, a feeling of dryness or burning of the mucosa with frequent use.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oral Solution/Lotion): Dose adjustment by body weight is not required, however, for body weight less than 45 kg, it is recommended to use the minimum volume of solution — 2–3 ml.

Preparation method (Oral Solution/Lotion): To obtain 100 ml of solution, 5 grams of dry gymnema extract (standardized) are taken, dissolved in 95 ml of purified water with the addition of 0.5 ml of menthol solution and 0.5 ml of glycerin to soften the effect. If necessary, a natural preservative (for example, rosemary extract 0.5 ml) is added. The mixture is thoroughly mixed until homogeneous and packaged in dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oral Solution/Lotion): Store at a temperature of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius in a tightly closed container, away from direct light. After opening, use within 20 days. Do not freeze. Shelf life of unopened bottle — up to 6 months.

Suppositories/Rectal Suppositories — Gymnema inodorum

Indications (Rectal Suppositories): Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, alimentary obesity, chronic constipation against the background of intestinal hypotonia, carbohydrate metabolism disorders when oral administration is impossible.

Standard Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository (containing 200 mg of dry gymnema extract) once a day at night. Course — 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository 2 times a day for a combination of obesity with pronounced insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, as well as for swallowing disorders or acute gastritis.

Maximum Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): No more than 3 suppositories per day. Used for severe metabolic disorders and as a temporary alternative to oral therapy in a hospital setting.

Preventive Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): 1 suppository every other day (containing no more than 100 mg of extract) in a course of 7–10 applications. Recommended for patients with prediabetes, physical inactivity, tendency to constipation, and elderly persons with appetite disorders.

Pediatric Dosage (Rectal Suppositories): Not recommended for children under 16 years due to the lack of safety data. In special cases (under medical supervision), a half dose of the adult suppository is permissible for children over 16 years with a body weight of more than 50 kg.

Contraindications (Rectal Suppositories): Acute inflammatory diseases of the rectum, anal fissures, proctitis, hypersensitivity to base components. There are no clinical data on safety during pregnancy and in pediatrics.

Side Effects (Rectal Suppositories): Local irritation, itching, false urges to defecate, isolated cases of hypoglycemia when combined with other hypoglycemic agents.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Rectal Suppositories): For patients with body weight less than 60 kg — use suppositories with a reduced extract content (100–150 mg). For patients with body weight more than 90 kg — use of the enhanced form (up to 300 mg of extract) is possible.

Preparation method (Rectal Suppositories): To prepare 10 suppositories, 2 grams of dry gymnema extract, 18 grams of solid fat (cocoa butter, wax), and 0.2 grams of emulsifier (cetyl alcohol) are used. The extract is sieved and mixed with the pre-melted fat carrier at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The mixture is thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained, poured into molds, and cooled until completely solidified. The suppositories are removed and packaged individually.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Rectal Suppositories): Store at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, in a place protected from light and moisture. Avoid heating and storage near heat sources. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening the package, use within 10 days.

Mixture/Suspension — Gymnema inodorum

Indications (Mixture/Suspension): Type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, hyperglycemia, decreased glucose tolerance, alimentary obesity, decreased appetite with hypoglycemic fluctuations.

Standard Dosage (Mixture/Suspension): 15 ml 2 times a day, 20–30 minutes before meals. Shake before use. Course of application — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Mixture/Suspension): 20 ml 2 times a day for pronounced carbohydrate tolerance disorders, unstable glycemia, or metabolic decompensation. Under the control of laboratory parameters.

Maximum Dosage (Mixture/Suspension): Up to 25 ml 2–3 times a day for acute weight gain against the background of hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, as well as for metabolic syndrome with an adiposogenital component.

Preventive Dosage (Mixture/Suspension): 10 ml once a day on an empty stomach. Recommended for patients with physical inactivity, genetic predisposition to diabetes mellitus, and perimenopausal women. Course — 14 days, repeated after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Mixture/Suspension): For children from 12 years and body weight more than 40 kg — no more than 10 ml once a day. Not recommended for children under 12 years due to the lack of safety data.

Contraindications (Mixture/Suspension): Acute diarrhea, chronic enteritis in the acute stage, allergy to mixture components, pregnancy, lactation. There are no data on safety when used in children under 12 years.

Side Effects (Mixture/Suspension): Dyspepsia, rumbling in the intestines, short-term decrease in glucose below normal when taken on an empty stomach. In rare cases — nausea with prolonged use.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Mixture/Suspension): For body weight below 60 kg — dose reduction by 25%. For body weight more than 90 kg — an increase in the volume of the mixture to 125% of the standard dosage is possible with good tolerability.

Preparation method (Mixture/Suspension): To prepare 100 ml of suspension, the following are taken: 10 grams of dry gymnema powder, 70 ml of purified water, 15 ml of glycerin, 5 ml of natural flavoring (for example, orange), and 1 gram of xanthan gum for stabilization. The powder is pre-treated in a water bath for 10 minutes at a temperature of 60 degrees, then introduced into the aqueous-glycerin base, and the mixture is thoroughly mixed until uniform distribution. If necessary, the mixture is pasteurized at a temperature of 70 degrees for 10 minutes. Packaged in dark bottles, shaken before use.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Mixture/Suspension): Store at a temperature of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius in a tightly closed container, in a light-protected place. After opening, use within 10 days. Total shelf life — up to 3 months.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Gymnema inodorum

In preclinical studies on laboratory animals, it has been established that extracts of Gymnema inodorum have low acute toxicity. With oral administration of the aqueous extract to mice at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight, no deaths were observed, which allows the substance to be classified as hazard class 5 (practically non-toxic substances) according to the WHO classification.

Subchronic toxicity studies also confirmed the safety of the extract with prolonged use: no disorders in hematology parameters, serum biochemistry, and histology of the liver and kidneys were detected in animals.

No signs of hepato-, nephro-, or immunotoxic effects have been established. Side effects at therapeutic doses are absent, which allows G. inodorum to be considered a biosafe phytopreparation with a high tolerability profile even with prolonged use.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacodynamics — Gymnema inodorum

The pharmacodynamic properties of Gymnema inodorum are due to the presence in its composition of glycosides (including gymnemic acids), flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenolic compounds. These substances affect primarily the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism through effects on glucose transport, the activity of insulin-sensitive receptors, and the enzymatic cascades of glycolysis and lipogenesis. Extracts of G. inodorum demonstrate antagonism with respect to taste receptors that perceive sweetness, due to reversible binding to taste receptors at the level of the oral mucosa, which explains the systemic modulating effect on the behavioral mechanisms of food craving.

In addition, bioactive components exhibit antioxidant activity, reducing the level of lipid peroxidation and stabilizing cell membranes. Anti-inflammatory and membrane-stabilizing effects, realized through suppression of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibition of the activation of cellular inflammatory mediators, have been experimentally confirmed. At the systemic level, the plant affects the functions of the endocrine, digestive, immune, and vascular systems, participating in the normalization of metabolic processes and the reduction of oxidative stress.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Pharmacokinetics — Gymnema inodorum

Data on the pharmacokinetics of Gymnema inodorum are limited, however, by analogy with Gymnema sylvestre and based on the physicochemical properties of the constituent compounds, the following parameters can be assumed. With oral use of aqueous and alcoholic extracts, the main absorption occurs in the small intestine, where flavonoids, polyphenols, and triterpene acids penetrate through enterocytes, partially metabolizing with the participation of microbiota. Lipophilic components (in particular, gymnemic acids) pass through lipid membranes and are able to interact with receptor proteins.

Distribution occurs mainly in the liver, adipose tissue, and muscles, where active substances exhibit metabolic activity. Metabolism occurs in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, with the formation of polar metabolites excreted with bile and urine. With transdermal or sublingual use, partial avoidance of the first-pass effect through the liver is possible. It has been established that water-soluble fractions are rapidly excreted by the kidneys, while lipophilic components can persist in adipose tissue for up to several days.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Gymnema inodorum

The main mechanism of action of Gymnema inodorum is due to the presence of gymnemic acids, which bind to T1R2/T1R3 taste receptors, blocking the perception of sweetness. This binding is manifested not only at the level of sensory regulation but also at the metabolic level — through inhibition of glucose transport (GLUT2 and SGLT1) in enterocytes. The complex of flavonoids and polyphenols inhibits the activity of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase and contributes to the slowing down of carbohydrate breakdown in the intestine. In addition, active compounds suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (for example, TNF-α, IL-6) through suppression of the NF-κB signaling cascade.

It has been noted that modulation of MAPK and JNK pathways has a positive effect on the regulation of cellular apoptosis and oxidative stress. The effect on PPAR-γ receptors in adipose and muscle tissue explains the participation of G. inodorum in lipid metabolism. These actions affect cellular targets, including macrophages, adipocytes, and hepatocytes, which has been confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Synergy — Gymnema inodorum

Extract of Gymnema inodorum demonstrates potentiating and additive interaction with biologically active substances of other plants, such as Momordica charantia, Cinnamomum verum, and Curcuma longa. Combined use with these taxa leads to enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as to a synergistic effect on the inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes. In particular, flavonoids and gymnemic acids of G. inodorum complement the action of saponins and polyphenols of other plants, affecting the same cascade — suppression of the production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators. A modulating effect on PPAR-regulatory elements and the overall metabolic profile with combined use has been noted.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Gymnema inodorum

Gymnema inodorum is traditionally used in the folk medicine and ethnobotanical practices of Southeast Asia, primarily in Thailand, Laos, and northern Vietnam. In northern Thailand, the plant is known under the names "yanang daeng" and "khi lek pa," and is part of the established practice of preparing decoctions, macerates, and infusions from fresh or dried leaves. In the Thai tradition, it is used mainly as part of home herbal mixtures to support general metabolic balance. It is especially popular in the folk schools of the northern provinces of Thailand — Nan, Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Chiang Mai, where its leaves are collected in the wild and included in tonic infusions used in the morning hours.

Among the peoples of northern Laos, gymnema is used in the context of cleansing practices, including wraps and poultices, as well as in steam baths. It is believed that the vapors of crushed leaves placed in hot water help restore vitality and balance heat in the body. In the culture of the Tai-Lue and Hmong, the plant is described as a "herbal filter" and is used mainly in the summer seasons, when the need for a cooling effect increases.

Historical mentions of the use of G. inodorum are recorded in ethnobotanical summaries of the late 19th — early 20th centuries, compiled during French and British colonial studies of Indochina. In archival annotations to plant collections, the use of leaves in decoctions and pastes, which were used by village-level healers in healing practices and dietary restrictions, is indicated. Mentions are also found in the oral tradition of the Karen and Shan, who used gymnema as a cleansing and protective plant. In the ritual practices of northern Thai spiritual ceremonies, leaves could be added to protective sachets and smoking bundles intended to expel the "sweet spirit" — an entity that causes excessive desire and weakness of will.

Non-medical use includes brewing leaves in water, which is used for rubdowns in purification rituals on days of seasonal change. In the culture of the Tai-Yai and Muang, it is believed that the plant contributes to the acquisition of moderation and control, and therefore it is used in transition rituals for adolescents and young men. In certain regions, gymnema leaves were placed under the pillow of newborns as a talisman against the evil eye and excessive dependence on mother's milk, which is symbolically associated with its ability to block sweet taste.

At present, data on the use of Gymnema inodorum outside Southeast Asia are limited, however, there is a growing interest in the plant in the context of health and ethnomedical programs in South India, where it has begun to be distinguished from Gymnema sylvestre and used in more localized approaches related to nutrition and energy balance.