Gluco Harmony By IVL Institute For Vibrant Living Overview & Drug Interactions

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or karela, is a tropical fruit native to Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It is a long, green fruit with a bumpy exterior and flesh that is pale green or white in color. In traditional medicine, bitter melon is purported to have a number of health benefits. It is a rich source of antioxidants and has been historically used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including diabetes, asthma, and immune conditions.

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is a plant species native to India and Africa that has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a range of conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and digestive problems. Gymnema is thought to work by inhibiting the absorption of sugar in the intestines and by increasing the production of insulin in the pancreas. If applied topically to the tongue, it reduces the sweetness and bitter sensation of foods, which may deter excess sugar intake (the plant is sometimes referred to informally as 'the sugar destroyer'). One of the most popular natural medicines utilized for dietary supplements, an extract of the leaf (Gymnema leaf extract) is the most often standardized for use, although the root can be used as well.

Basil is an herb that is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa and is commonly used in cooking to add flavor to a variety of dishes. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is known for its fragrant, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma. Basil also has a history of medicinal use and has been used for headache, stomach spasms, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, peptic ulcers, kidney conditions, the common cold, warts, and parasite infections. Studies of basil show it is a rich source of vitamin C, carotenoids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It is also used as an essential oil, which contains linalool, estragole (methyl chavicol), eugenol, methyl cinnamate, o-cymene, citral, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, cineole, menthol, rosmarinic acid, geraniol, and geranial.

Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) is a plant species in the family Lythraceae. It is native to tropical regions of Asia, including the Philippines, India, and Malaysia. It is commonly used as a natural remedy to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and has also been used to treat high blood pressure, obesity, and kidney problems. Banaba contains a number of active compounds, including corosolic acid, ellagitannins, and lagerstroemin, which are believed to be responsible for its medicinal effects. Dietary supplements are generally made from the leaf of the plant. Patented extracts of banaba, such as Glucosol (i.e., Glucofit), are often utilized in dietary supplements as well.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. The seeds have a nutty, slightly bitter taste and are commonly used in different types of cuisine. The leaves, which are known as "methi," are used in cooking as well. In addition to its use as a spice and herb, fenugreek has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Some studies have suggested that fenugreek may have potential health benefits, including the ability to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation. It may also have potential benefits for women who are breastfeeding, as it is thought to increase milk production and improve the quality of breast milk.