Gymnema Sylvestre is a plant used in several forms for its many benefits, like reducing cravings, stopping that sweet tooth and more, but these benefits can sometimes come with adverse effects. Recently, I've been asked if one of them is a rise in blood pressure. Let's look into that below:
key findings
Gymnema and Blood Pressure: What Do Studies Say
Animal Studies
When it comes to natural herbs, like Gymnema, possibly causing an issue with our vitals, science always has the answers. After looking into studies, I found that Gymnema has a long history of traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine, with modern medicine monitoring its effect on blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Research shows that Gymnema can be associated with both a rise and drop in blood pressure levels. One experimental animal study investigating the effect of Gymnema Sylvestre on blood pressure levels showed that daily supplementation caused a drop in blood pressure levels, while another trial showed that it caused a rise in blood pressure.
Experts believe that the conflicting evidence here is based on dosing and the form of supplementation. While this evidence is quite solid and helpful in understanding the herb's capabilities, we must remember the test wasn't carried out on human subjects.
There are many biological differences between humans and animals, so further research and studies on humans are needed to fully understand its effects here.
Human Studies
Human studies involving Gymnema and its effect on blood pressure are limited. Both research and trials are still shaping up, but I did find that research doesn't point us in the direction of blood pressure spikes.
A meta-analysis comparing evidence from 6 studies showed that Gymnema supplementation in humans produces positive results. A general consensus was noted across the board—Gymnema supplementation lowered:
I believe the decrease in diastolic blood pressure levels comes from the herb's effect on bad fats and blood sugar. Research shows that lowering bad fats and blood sugar levels improves cardiovascular health, which may indirectly lower or regulate blood pressure levels.
In essence, the evidence from the meta-analysis tells us that Gymnema does not raise human blood pressure levels. However, caution should still be taken when using the herb as response to supplementation may vary from person to person depending on various factors such as age, underlying conditions, medications being taken, Gymnema dose, quality, and more.
Final Word
After much research, I found the evidence to be mixed on this subject, some studies show drops in blood pressure, and others demonstrate hikes, but those results came from animal subjects and some uncertainty. I found some evidence from a set of human studies that strongly indicated the herb's effect on cardiovascular health, which may help lower or regulate blood pressure levels.
So, no evidence suggests the herb can cause your blood pressure to rise. However, it's important to remember that individual responses to Gymnema can vary, and it's essential to approach supplementation with caution and under expert guidance, especially if you have or are prone to blood pressure issues.