Education

Gymnema sylvestre is a well-known plant in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also called “gurmar,” which in Hindi means “destroyer of sugar.” Among its components, it contains gymnemic acids, known for their anti-diabetic properties.

Gymnema significantly reduces the sensation of sweetness in foods containing sugar, blocks sweetness receptors in taste buds, and decreases the craving for sugar. It suppresses appetite (1). It supports weight control by maintaining a healthy level of appetite and reducing the caloric value of consumed food. It also helps maintain a normal blood glucose level. By inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, it hinders the breakdown of complex sugars into simple sugars in the digestive tract, thereby limiting their absorption (2).

In a study published in the journal “Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism: A Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics,” individuals who took Gymnema sylvestre extract (GSE) showed a 5% reduction in body weight (3).

The European ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) is found in most regions of Europe, from the Mediterranean Sea in the south to Norway in the north, and from the Caucasus to western Russia in the east. Ash is a large tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. It is a long-lived tree with a typical lifespan of about 200 years, although some specimens can live to be over 500 years old. There is a rich historical tradition of using European ash as a medicinal remedy. Its use as a medicinal herb was already known to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (460-377 BC). St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a German writer, composer, and philosopher, wrote about using parts of the tree to treat gout and rheumatism.

Extract from the seeds of European ash has an impact on reducing post-meal glucose levels and significantly reduces the amount of body fat. It significantly increases adiponectin levels, a protein synthesized by adipose tissue. This compound may influence appetite reduction and regulate metabolic processes. Therefore, adiponectin is associated with excessive body weight and can have a positive impact on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity (8).

Chinese lychee (Litchi chinensis), also known as litchi or lichee, is a species of tropical trees belonging to the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). It is the only representative of the Litchi genus. It originates from the region of Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines but is cultivated in many warm-climate countries.

Extract from lychee seeds acts as a pancreatic lipase inhibitor, inhibiting the breakdown of triglycerides into simple fatty acids, which reduces fat absorption and leads to weight reduction. It operates using the same mechanism as a popular medication used in obesity treatment called orlistat (11,12). It also lowers blood glucose levels and exhibits anti-diabetic effects (13).

Common barberry (Berberis aristata), also known as European barberry, is a shrub often found in gardens as an ornamental plant. However, in addition to its attractive appearance, it possesses various health benefits.

Extract from the bark of barberry contributes to reducing insulin resistance and lowering blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It has a positive impact on metabolism and helps maintain a normal cholesterol level, which contributes to weight reduction. Berberine works by accelerating the rate of fat tissue burning and increasing the feeling of fullness, as well as aiding the utilization of fats for energy needs. Berberine activates the enzyme AMPK, which plays a role in regulating the metabolic process. This substance also affects the secretion of hormones – leptin, insulin, and adiponectin – responsible for fat tissue formation and appetite regulation. Furthermore, berberine supports the use of energy substrates during physical activity and regulates hormones that influence fat storage. All these properties make berberine often referred to as an excellent “fat burner” (14,15). In a meta-analysis of multiple studies, berberine has been shown to be as effective as some oral anti-diabetic drugs like metformin and glipizide (16).

Chromium (chromium picolinate), by regulating blood sugar levels, curbs ravenous hunger, reduces appetite, and diminishes appetide for sweets. It also accelerates the burning of fat tissue (19). Chromium supports weight loss efforts (20).