Frequently Asked Questions about Gymnema

What is Gymnema Sylvestre?
Gymnema or Gymnema Sylvestre, also known as Gurmar, is often referred to as "sugar destroyer" and has been used in Ayurveda since the 6th century BC. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for several centuries to help regulate sugar metabolism. The key component of Gymnema - Gymnemic Acids - mimics glucose molecules, numbing receptor sites on the tongue. Gymnema contains Gymnemic acid, Quercitol, Lupeol, Beta-Amyrin and Stigmasterol, all of which are thought to help the body maintain healthy blood glucose levels.

Is Gymnema addictive?
No, Gymnema does not contain any addictive components and can be taken without fear of addiction for extended periods of time.

Are there any side effects to taking Gymnema Sylvestre?
There are no known side effects of Gymnema. However, it is always recommended that you consult a healthcare provider before taking Gymnema if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently taking any medications (OTC or prescription) for a medical condition.

How can I test if Gymnema really blocks one’s ability to taste sugary treats?
A taste test can show how Gymnema works. First taste something sweet. Then, take one dosage of Gymnema. Now, taste something sweet again. You will not be able to taste the sugar because Gymnema has blocked the taste of the sugar in your mouth in the same way it blocks sugar in digestion.

How long do I have to take Gymnema Sylvestre before I see any benefits?
Unlike OTC and prescription drugs that provide instant, temporary symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying problem responsible for poor health, herbal supplements provide progressive, long-term benefits by helping the body correct the underlying problem. Gymnema belongs to the class of herbs that can work relatively well in acute conditions to provide quick relief. Gymnema works best when taken as part of a health maintenance program that includes a sensible diet and moderate exercise program.

Is Gymnema Gold™ a standardized herbal extract?
Yes. Nutrigold^® Gymnema Gold™ is a standardized, clinically validated extract of Gymnema featuring Gs4 Plus^®. The Gymnema extract used in Nutrigold^® Gymnema Gold™ is standardized to contain 175 mg of the active ingredient, Gymnemic Acids, which is 4 to 6 times more potent than other Gymnema supplements.

What is the difference between a whole herb and standardized extract? Is one necessarily better or more effective than the other?
Unfortunately, this question does not have a simple answer. Both whole plants/herbs and standardized extracts have advantages and disadvantages and choosing one over another is as much a matter of philosophy as it is of simple preference.

• Standardized extracts are based on the assumption that certain components of a plant are more active and helpful than others and it is important that there are no differences in the quantity and quality of this active ingredient from batch to batch. When you buy a standardized herbal product from a GMP-certified manufacturer, you can be assured that you are getting a product that has a certified percentage of the active ingredient in every capsule/tablet and across batches, processed using state-of-the-art machinery, and free of contaminants.
• Whole plant/herbs are based on the premise that all the different components work together synergistically to deliver health benefits rather than individual ingredients extracted in a lab. The trade-off in this case is that there are likely to be considerable differences in the actual quality of the herb from batch to batch. Quality of whole herbs/plants vary depending on where they are grown, soil composition, weather conditions, when they are harvested, type and frequency of chemical pesticides used during cultivation, and the processing techniques employed during manufacturing.

What are some things to watch for when making a decision about nutritional supplements?
Because the FDA does not regulate the dietary supplements industry, there are a number of products in the market that are unsafe, ineffective, and a generally drain on your resources. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping around for nutritional supplements:

• Do your homework – Do not be taken in by free offers and outlandish claims. Make sure you shop around not just for the best “deal”, but also for the best "quality" product.
• “Natural” does not automatically mean “safe” – Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe. Learn to read the label and watch out for potentially unsafe ingredients.
• “Popular” is not the same as “effective” – Just because a product is well-known, has high customer ratings, or listed in a top-seller list does not mean it will always work for everyone. Every person is different and every product works differently for different people, so make sure you buy the product that is right for you.
• You don't always get what you pay for - When it comes to nutritional supplements, most companies price their products not based on what its actual value is, but based on what they think consumers will be willing to pay for it. So, something that is expensive does not automatically mean it is of superior quality nor does something that is priced competitively mean it is of poor quality.

Always, take into account the following factors when determining if you are getting the best quality product at the best value:

• Whole herb vs. Standardized extract - whole herbs are generally lower priced than standardized extracts
• Potency - Higher potency means you get more of what you need in each capsule
• Amount of active ingredient - higher the % of active ingredient, greater the amount of what is presumed to be responsible for the observed benefits
• Total number of capsules per bottle - just because a product has more capsules per bottle does not make it a better value. You need to consider potency, amount of active ingredient, serving size and recommended dosage when determining whether something is a good value for your money or not

How does Nutrigold^® Gymnema Gold™ compare to other brands of Gymnema?
Gymnema Gold™ is superior to other brands of Gymnema in the following ways

• Gymnema Gold™ is made from certified allergen-free ingredients
• Gymnema Gold™ features the clinically validated GS4 Plus^® Gymnema Standardized Extract
• Gymnema Gold™ contains the highest amount of Gymnemic Acids of all Gymnema products currently available
• Gymnema Gold™ is manufactured in a FDA-registered cGMP-compliant manufacturing facility in the US
• The finished product is certified allergen-free by an international, third-party lab
• Gymnema Gold™ is is premium quality without the premium price tag

*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical opinion. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any kind of supplementation. The statements and product information have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.