Blue Sparrow Medical

As we have already seen, GS4, an extract of Gymnema Sylvestre, has been shown to lower blood glucose levels.  The truth is, however, that it does a lot more than that.   

Effects of GS4 on glucose stability was studied in rats. In the first set of experiments, the acute effect of GS4 was examined in both non-diabetic and streptozocin induced mildly diabetic rats. Administration of 1 g of GS4 to 18-hr fasted non-diabetic rats significantly deteriorated the serum glucose response to oral administration of 1 g/kg glucose. The IRI response in GS4-administered rats was lower, but not significantly, than that in non-administered rats. In mildly diabetic rats, a 60 min increment in serum glucose concentrations was significantly reduced by GS4 administration.

In the second set of experiments, the chronic effect of GS4 was examined in mildly diabetic rats. Two weeks after the induction of diabetes, the rats were divided into two groups that had similar impairment of glucose tolerance. The rats were fed for 32-35 days with either a controlled diet or a diet supplemented with GS4. After 4 weeks, GS4 showed a tendency to reduce the serum glucose concentrations in the fed state and to improve the glucose tolerance. Gain in body weight, food intake, pancreas weight and the pancreatic contents of IRI, protein, amylase and trypsinogen were unaffected in the GS4-treated group compared with the controlled. 

The effectiveness of GS4 in controlling hyperglycemia was also investigated in 22 Type 2 diabetic patients on conventional oral anti-hyperglycemic agents.  400 mg of GS4 per day was administered for 18-20 months as an addition to the conventional oral drugs. During GS4 supplementation, the patients showed a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins, and conventional drug dosage could thus be decreased. Five of the 22 diabetic patients were able to discontinue their conventional drug and to stabilize their blood glucose with GS4 alone. 

Evidence thus far has shown the effectiveness of GS4 in controlling blood glucose and hyperglycemia.  With the growing availability of Gymnema Sylvestre, diabetics and others consumers will soon be able to take advantage of this effective supplement.

Fenugreek is one of the world’s oldest medicinal herbs.  It is indigenous to the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea but it grows in India, Morocco, Egypt and England.  The herb can grow to be two to three feet tall. 

Among its various uses, Fenugreek, an herb and a spice, has been known to help lower blood sugar levels.  It has high soluble fiber content which means it helps to lower blood sugar levels by slowing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.  

Fenugreek contains a substance that helps to control blood sugar levels and increased insulin production. Clinical trials showed that while fenugreek can help to reduce blood sugar levels, it instantly produces insulin in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Fenugreek is a digestive aid.  As an emollient it is used to treat boils, cysts and other complaints.  Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights infection.  This herb contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion and loosens and removes excess mucus and phlegm.  Acting as an expectorant, Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies and bronchitis. 

Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium an anti-radiant, which helps the body utilize oxygen.  Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine.  It contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and relaxing inflamed tissues.  Fenugreek stimulates the production of mucosal fluids helping remove allergens and toxins from the respiratory tract.   

Apart from it medicinal properties, fenugreek has numerous culinary uses.  It is typically used in curry powders especially vindaloo and the hot curries of Sri Lanka.  It is an ingredient in Panch phoron, the Indian five-spice mixture.  Fenugreek is incorporated in many chutneys and pickles and it gives a tangy aroma to vegetables.  The leaves, both fresh and dried, are used in meat curries.   

Flour mixed with ground fenugreek makes spicy bread.  In India, the roasted ground seeds are combined for a coffee substitute or adulterant.  A tea can be made by infusing a teaspoon of seed with two cups of water for five minutes.     

Fenugreek has really proven itself to be the wonder spice.  With its endless uses, it has already worked itself into the everyday lives of those on the eastern shore.  Undoubtedly, its adaptability will also attract those in the western hemisphere.