Effects of Gymnema lactiferum leaves on glycemic and lipidemic status in type 2 diabetes subjects

The diabetic patients in Sri Lanka use G. lactiferum leaves as a treatment for diabetes. However, scientific data is not available on this plant. A clinical trial was conducted including 26, type 2 diabetic patients with hypercholesterolemia. The treatment group received a suspension of G. lactiferum leaf powder twice daily for four weeks. Blood parameters of both groups ( treated and control) were determined at the beginning and the end of the study period. Study indicates significant effects on FBS (p=0.002), cholesterol (p=0.004), and LDL lowering (p=0.023) and a significant postprandial glucose lowering effect (p=0.026 for 60 min and p=0.022 for 120 min, after four weeks). In spite of the short study period, a significant reduction (p=0.012) in HbA(1C) levels was also observed.