Q: I am a man in my early 70s with minor health issues. I had an elevated blood sugar level (180) and a cyst on my pancreas. I did some on line research and came across an herbal called gymnema sylvestre. I have been taking it for about six months and my blood sugar is now 130 and the cyst is shrinking. I have not seen this herbal mentioned in your column and thought this may be of interest.
A: Your question caused me to research gymnema, also known by a number of other names, since it is a product I am not familiar with. However, the herbal extract referred to in Ayurvedic texts as the “sugar destroyer” is purported to support healthy glucose metabolism and to enhance healthy pancreatic functioning as well. The key components are Gymnemic acids, Quercitol, Lupeol, beta-amyrin and stigmasterol, all of which are believed to work together to help the body maintain healthy glucose levels. One product (and there are many) sold commercially and known as Gymnema Gold is believed to be free of solvents, pesticides, preservatives, peanuts, wheat, milk, shellfish and artificial ingredients, making it suitable even for vegans and vegetarians. This particular product must be taken for at least six to eight weeks before any benefits will be noticeable.
When I attempted to research gymnea through the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, no information was found. Drugs.Com lists its ingredients as a proprietary blend of sage leaves, horsetail, mullein, coriander seed, black seed, corn silk neem leaves, gymnema sylvestre, bitter melon, fenugreek, guava leaves, bilberry, mulberry and olive leaves.
The indicated uses for the product are as a lipid lowering agent and weight loss but there is little-to-no clinical information available to support it for any indication. There do not appear to be any contraindications; however a case report of hepatotoxicity does exist. There are no unwanted side effects noted but potential users are encouraged to speak with their physicians before beginning the regimen. And there you have it. I must admit I know very little about this elusive product even after researching it.
A pancreatic cyst is a sac-like pocket of fluid either on or within the pancreas. Many of these cysts don’t cause symptoms and are generally benign (non-cancerous); however, some can be. I can assume you are seeing a physician for this condition who may choose to monitor it over time for changes in its size and shape.
If symptoms exist, they may include a mass easily palpable in the upper abdomen and rather constant abdominal pain that may radiate to your back. You may experience nausea and vomiting. Because fluid can be released by a pancreatic cyst, a true medical emergency could result. Signs and symptoms include internal bleed, hematamesis (vomiting of blood), abdominal pain and more. Diagnosis of a pancreatic cyst may require a CT, MRI or ultrasound.
Treatment will depend on your symptoms. With none, a wait and watch approach may be appropriate, but only following various tests to review the wall and the consistency and location to assure the fact that it is benign. A small cyst can be monitored via a CT after the first year and less frequently following that unless it changes in size and shape. Those larger commonly require endoscopic ultrasound and there is increasing utilization of ultrasound in performing endoscopic ultrasonography with needle aspiration. .
You appear to have your conditions under control. I can only recommend you take one step beyond by advising your physician(s) of the gymnea you are on so they can remain fully informed. Good luck.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Diabetes” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
