I don't have any personal experience with it (and the research seems only applicable to Type 2 diabetes which doesn't apply to me anyway). However, if I had Type 2, I'd seek out an Ayurveda doctor or one of the Naturapathic colleges (e.g. Bastyr College is research focused and someone there may be able to point you in the direction of other research).

hth

Most of what I have currently read about the use of G. Sylvestre have been abstracts and heresay reported by the companies wishing to sell the product. I would be more inclined to read the actual Lab Studies reported by the documented tests done on these Streptocozin rats as regards blood glucose regulation and beta cell regeneration.
The next step is to use porcine animals and chimpanzees in the study to further validate the claim that G. Sylvestre has Glucose lowering ability whether or not due to beta cell regeneration.

Keep in mind however, that many herbs practiced in Auyvedic Medicine have a high concentration of Mercury which is toxic. Soil samples have confirmed this.
I keep an "Open, yet Critical Mind, especially after being told when I was Five that 'a Cure is just around the corner.'
Since then, I have checked many corners as I am sure many who have preceded me have done as well for thousands of years.
Now we must turn our attention to the Horizon, since the Cure appears to be coming from that direction as last reported.

The information that follows is an excerpt from a monograph that was prepared by the professional staff at “Natural Standard” (www.naturalstandard.com), based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.


Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)

“Several studies suggest that gymnema can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). However, these studies have been small and poor quality, and better research is needed to determine safety and dosing.”

“ Selected Scientific Studies: Gymnema
Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
1. Baskaran K, Ahamath B, Shanmugasundaram K, et al. Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. J Ethnopharm 1990;30(3):295-300.
2. Khare AK, Tondon RN, Tewari JP. Hypoglycaemic activity of an indigenous drug (Gymnema sylvestre, "Gurmar") in normal and diabetic persons. Indian J Physiol Pharm 1983;27:257-258.
3. Kothe A, Uppal R. Antidiabetic effects of Gymnema sylvestre in NIDDM: a short study. Indian J Homeopath Med 1997;32(1-2):61-62, 66.
4. Porchezhian E, Eobriyal RM. An overview on the advances of Gymnema sylvestre: chemistry, pharmacology and patents. Pharmazie 2003;58(1):5-12.
5. Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, et al. Effects of a natural extract of (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA-SX) and a combination of HCA-SX plus niacin-bound chromium and Gymnema sylvestre extract of weight loss. Diabetes Obes Metab 2004;6(3):171-180.
6. Satdive RK, Abhilash P, Fulzele DP. Antimicrobial activity of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract. Fitoterapia 2003;74(7-8):699-701.
7. Shanmugasundaram ERB, Rajeswari G, Baskaran K, et al. Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Ethnopharm 1990;30(3):281-294.
8. Yeh GY, Eisenberg DM, Kaptchuk TJ, Phillips RS. Systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements for glycemic control in diabetes. Diabetes Care 2003;Apr, 26(4):1277-1294. “

Evidence-based Systematic Review of Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com) last accessed 12/17/09. Copyright©2009. Somerville, MA USA.

Since there is potential for this herb to lower blood sugar and also to add to the effect of other blood sugar lowering herbs, drugs, or insulin, it is imperative that you consult with your physician before using this herb.

Lynn M. Blocker MA, RD, CDN