Meshashringi is a single-herb formulation prepared from the leaf extract of Meshashringi (Gymnema sylvestre). Meshashringi has insulinotropic activity and is recommended in the management of impaired glucose tolerance. Meshashringi contains gymnemic acid molecules, which are similar to that of glucose molecules. Gymnemic acid molecules reduce sugar cravings by filling the receptor locations on the taste buds. Meshashringi reduces the glucose level by promoting the regeneration of islet cells and increasing insulin secretion through its insulinotropic activity.
Pharmacological Actions
1. Inhibits sugar craving
The gymnastic acid molecules present in Meshashringi have an atomic arrangement similar to that of glucose molecules. These molecules fill the receptor locations on the taste buds, thereby preventing its activation by sugar molecules present in the food, and thus curbing sugar craving.'
Meshashringi (sugar destroyer) has the property of abolishing the taste of sugar. Studies suggest that extracts from the leaves of Meshashringi help improve sugar assimilation. The active principles include a glycoside mixture, gymnemic acids, and gurmarin (a peptide), which inhibit the sweet taste response in mammals.
2. Antidiabetic activity
Meshashringi has been found to possess hypoglycemic properties and is used in herbal formulations prescribed in the management of type 2 diabetes in adults. When Meshashringi extract is administered to a patient with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is stimulated, which results in increased insulin release. Some possible mechanisms by which the leaf extract of Meshashringi (gymnemic acid) brings about its hypoglycemic effects are by
- promoting regeneration of islet cells,
- increasing secretion of insulin,
- inhibiting glucose absorption from the intestine, and • promoting glucose utilization.
Meshashringi reduces urine glucose in diabetics. Meshashringi is effective in lowering fasting as well as postprandial blood glucose levels.
Gymnemic acids have the ability to delay glucose absorption in the blood by filling the receptor location in the absorptive external layers of the intestine and preventing the absorption of sugar molecules by the intestine, which in turn results in lowering the blood sugar level.'
Meshashringi has a-glucosidase inhibitory activity. a-Glucosidase inhibitors are saccharides that act as competitive inhibitors of enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates, specifically a-glucosidase enzymes present in the brush border of the small intestine. The membrane-bound intestinal a-glucosidases hydrolyze oligosaccharides, trisaccharides, and disaccharides to glucose and other monosaccharides in the small intestine. Inhibition of these enzyme systems reduces the rate of digestion of carbohydrates. Consequently, less glucose is absorbed because the carbohydrates a s are not broken down into glucose molecules.2
Meshashringi increases the utilization of glucose by increasing the activities of the enzymes responsible for the utilization of glucose through insulin-dependent pathways increasing phosphorylase levels and decreasing gluconeogenic enzymes and sorbitol dehydrogenase levels.3
Meshashringi promotes the regeneration of islet cells and helps in controlling blood sugar levels.4 Supplementation of Meshashringi in patients with type 2 diabetes may result in either the regeneration or repair of ẞ cells, which is indicated by the post-supplementation rise in serum insulin level Meshashringi stimulates insulin secretion from ẞ cells and human islets. It stimulates an increase in Ca²* influx in ẞ cells; these elevations in Ca2+ contribute to the enhanced secretory output. This demonstrates that G sylvestre has direct insulin secretagogue or insulinotropic effects on human islets.
Indications
• Prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance)
As a co-prescription in
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes associated with obesity
Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
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