BioMedResearchInternational

Volume2014(2014),ArticleID830285,18pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/830285

Review Article

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of

Gymnema sylvestre: An Important Medicinal Plant
Pragya Tiwari,1 B. N. Mishra,2 and Neelam S. Sangwan1
MetabolicandStructuralBiologyDepartment,CentralInstituteofMedicinaland
AromaticPlants(CSIRCIMAP),P.O.CIMAP,Lucknow226015,India
2
DepartmentofBiotechnology,GautamBuddhTechnicalUniversity,Lucknow,Uttar
Pradesh226021,India
1

Received12April2013;Accepted17September2013;Published6January2014
AcademicEditor:JohnB.Vincent
Copyright2014PragyaTiwarietal.Thisisanopenaccessarticledistributedunderthe
CreativeCommonsAttributionLicense,whichpermitsunrestricteduse,distribution,and
reproductioninanymedium,providedtheoriginalworkisproperlycited.

Abstract
Gymnema sylvestre(Asclepiadaceae),popularlyknownasgurmarforitsdistinct
propertyassugardestroyer,isareputedherbintheAyurvedicsystemofmedicine.The
phytoconstituentsresponsibleforsweetsuppressionactivityincludestriterpenesaponins
knownasgymnemicacids,gymnemasaponins,andapolypeptide,gurmarin.Theherb
exhibitsabroadrangeoftherapeuticeffectsasaneffectivenaturalremedyfordiabetes,
besides being used for arthritis, diuretic, anemia, osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia,
cardiopathy, asthma, constipation, microbial infections, indigestion, and anti
inflammatory.G. sylvestrehasgoodprospectsinthetreatmentofdiabetesasitshows
positive effects on blood sugar homeostasis, controls sugar cravings, and promotes
regeneration of pancreas. The herbal extract is used in dietary supplements since it
reducesbodyweight,bloodcholesterol,andtriglyceridelevelsandholdsgreatprospects
indietaryaswellaspharmacologicalapplications.Thisreviewexploresthetransitionof
a traditional therapeutic to a modern contemporary medication with an overview of
phytochemistryandpharmacologicalactivitiesoftheherbanditsphytoconstituents.

1. Introduction

Thenaturopathictreatmentfordiseaseshasbeenexploredextensivelysinceancienttimes
andgainingmomentuminthepresentscenario.Indianfloraaccountsforabout45,000
plant species out of which several thousands have pharmacological significance [1].
Diabetesmellitusisamajorendocrinedisorderaffectingnearly10%ofthepopulation
worldwide[2]andakeyissueofconcern.Thediseaseinitsseverestateaffectsmajor
systemsofthebody,leadingtomultiorgancomplications.Oralhypoglycemicagentslike
sulphonylureasandbiguanidesaretheconventionaldrugsusedforthetreatment,butthe
adverse side effect associated with these drugs is a major limitation. The herbal
medicines are becoming popular due to better results and safe use as compared to
marketeddrugsandmoreeffectivetreatmentofhealthproblems[3].Plantspossessing
antidiabeticactivitiesareofsignificantinterestforethnobotanicalcommunityastheyare
recognizedtocontainvaluablemedicinalpropertiesindifferentpartsandanumberof
themhaveshownvaryingdegreeofhypoglycemicandantihyperglycemicactivity[1].
The bioactive constituents found in many plant species are isolated fordirectuse as
drugs,leadcompounds,orpharmacologicalagents.Thesetraditionalapproachesmight
offeranaturalkeytounlockdiabeticcomplications[4].Thechemicalstructuresofa
phytomoleculeplayacriticalroleinitsantidiabeticactivity.Severalplantspeciesbeinga
major source of terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, coumarins, and other bioactive
constituentshaveshownreductioninbloodglucoselevels[5, 6].Variousantidiabetic
plant extracts like aloe (Aloe vera L), bitter Melon (Momordica charantia),
fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng
C.A.Meyer) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L), gymnema
(Gymnema sylvestre), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), nopal (Opuntia
streptacantha), salacia (Salacia oblonga; Salacia Reticulate), and
formulations like those of chromium have been used and clinically tested for their
activityaswellaspotentialsideeffect[7].
Thepresentreviewisaresearchupdateon Gymnema sylvestre,arareherbwith
significant medicinal attributes with an overview of its ethnobotanical uses,
phytochemistry dealing with an indepth study of its phytochemicals, and their
bioactivities.Italsoexploresthefactsandprospectsofitsdevelopmentintoamodern
andefficienttherapeutic,contemporarywiththepresenttrendsofpharmacologyanddrug
development.Furthermore,itholdssignificantprospectsinmajorhealthproblemslike
cardiovascular disorders, obesity, osteoporosis, and asthma besides being a popular
medicationfornumberofotherhealthailments.Theherbfindssignificantapplicationin
various food preparations for control of obesity and blood cholesterol levels besides
regulationofsugarhomeostasis.TheherbalpreparationsofG. sylvestrearepresently
usedinteabags,healthtabletsandsupplements,beverages,andconfectioneries.

2. Traditional Perspective

G. sylvestreisanindigenousherb,belongingtotheclassdicotyledonousofthefamily
Asclepiadaceae.Theplantisagoodsourceofalargenumberofbioactivesubstances[8].
Ithasdeeprootsinhistory,beingoneofthemajorbotanicalsusedinAyurvedicsystem
ofmedicinetotreatconditionsrangingfromdiabetes,malaria,tosnakebites[9].Theherb
is cultivated worldwide and also known as Chigengteng or Australian Cowplant,
WaldschlingeinGerman,periplocaofthewoodsinEnglishandgurmarinHindi[10].

3. Taxonomy
G. sylvestre R.Br. isaperennial,woodyclimberbelongingtofamilyAsclepiadaceae
orthemilkweedfamily[11].Thegenusisclassifiedinto40species,someofwhich
like G. sylvestre, G. montanum, G. yunnanense, and G. inodorum have
medicinalproperties[1214].Theplantisfoundintropicalandsubtropicalregions,well
distributed in parts of central and southern India and in the southern part of China,
tropicalAfrica,Malaysia,andSriLanka[9].G. sylvestreisslowgrowingherb,found
ideally in tropical and subtropical humid climate and common in hills of evergreen
forests.Itisaclimberandgenerallyrequiressupportforgrowth.Theseedsaresownin
the months of NovemberDecember and harvested from September to February. The
propagation through seed germination is difficult due to low viability of the seeds;
therefore,thealternativehasbeenrootcuttingswhicharegenerallyplantedinthemonths
ofJuneandJuly[15].Terminalcuttingswiththreeoffournodeshavealsobeenusedas
forvegetativepropagationandusuallyplantedinthemonthofFebruaryMarch[16].The
leaves are opposite, usually elliptic or ovate (1.252.0 inch 0.51.25 inch),
inflorescenceislateralumbelincymes;folliclesaretereteandlanceolate,upto3inches
inheight.Corollaispaleyellowincolour,valvate,campanulatewithsinglecoronawith
5 fleshy scales. The calyxlobes are long, ovate, obtuse, and pubescent. Carpels2,
unilocular, ovules locules may be present, anther connective produced into a
membranoustip[17,18].

4. Phytochemical Profiling
The leaves of G. sylvestre contain triterpene saponins belonging to oleanane and
dammaraneclasses.Themajorconstituentslikegymnemicacidsandgymnemasaponins
aremembersofoleananetypeofsaponinswhilegymnemasidesaredammaranesaponins
[19, 20]. Other phytoconstituents include anthraquinones, flavones, hentriacontane,
pentatriacontane,phytin,resins,tartaricacid,formicacid,butyricacid,lupeol,amyrin
relatedglycosides,stigmasterol,andcalciumoxalate[21].Thepresenceofalkaloidshad
been detectedinplantextracts. Leaves of G. sylvestre have acidic glycosides and
anthraquinones and their derivatives [22]. The major secondary metabolites in
Gymnema includesagroupofninecloselyrelatedacidicglycosides,themainare
gymnemicacidADandfoundinallpartsoftheplant(seeSupplementaryTable1in

supplementarymaterialsavailableonlineathttp://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/830285).The
maximumcontentofgymnemicacidisfoundinshoottips(54.29mgg 1DW)andleast
in seeds (1.31mgg1DW). Antisaccharin property of gymnemic acid A1 was greatly
reducedonconversionintoA2,whilenoactivitywasobservedincaseofA 3suggesting
thattheestergroupinthegeninportionofgymnemicacidimpartstheantisweetproperty
tothetriterpenesaponins,thegymnemicacids.GymnemicacidsA 2 andA3 possessed
bothglucuronicacidandgalactoseintheirmolecularstructureswhileglucuronicacid
wasfoundtobetheonlymoietyingymnemicacidA1[23].Further,aseriesofgymnemic
acids(gymnemicacidI,II,III,IV,V,VI,andVII)wereisolatedandcharacterizedfrom
thehotwaterextractofdryleavesof G. sylvestre [24, 25].TheGymnemicacids
compriseofseveralmembersdesignatedasgymnemicacidsIVII,gymnemosidesAF,
andgymnemasaponinsTable1.Thederivativesofgymnemicacidsareseveralacylated
tigloyl,methylbutyrylgroupsubstitutedmembers,derivedfromdeacylgymnemicacid
(DAGA)whichisa3Oglucuronideofgymnemagenin(3,16,21,22,23,28
hexahydroxyolean12ene).GymnemicacidAcomprisesofgymnemicacidsA 1,A2,A3,
andA4andnamedgymnemagenin.ThisconstituentisaDglucuronideofhexahydroxy
triterpenethatesterifieswithacids[26].Otherfivegymnemicacids,namely,VIII,IX,X,
XI,andXII,wereisolatedandcharacterizedlater[27].GymnemasaponinsIII,another
antisweet compound, isolated from G. sylvestre was found to consist of 23
hydroxylongispinogenin as the aglycone moiety glycosylated with either one or two
glucosemoleculesatboththe23or28hydroxylgroups[28].Thesecompoundsexhibited
lesserantisweeteffectthanthoseofgymnemicacids[29].

Table 1: Phytoconstituents in Gymnema sylvestre.

Gurmarin,animportant35aminoacidpeptidehavingamolecularweightof4209,was
isolatedfromG. sylvestre [32].Thesugarsuppressionactivityofthiscompoundwas
determinedelectrophysiologicallyonthetasteresponsesofrat[36].Theantisweeteffect
ofthispolypeptideisveryspecifictosweettasteontongue,affectedbythepHchange.It
hasbeenreportedthatthepolypeptideexhibitedmaximumantisweetnerpropertynearits
isoelectric point [37]. The hydrophobic, rather than the ionic, interaction plays a
significantroleinproperbindingofgurmarintothetargetmolecules[32,38].Theother
important constituents isolated from leaves are gymnemasins A, B, C, and D and
alkaloids[39].Anumberofsaponinssuchasgymnemicacid,deacylgymnemicacid,
gymnemagenin [40], 23hydroxylnogispinogenin, and gymnestrogenin have been
purified[33,41,42]fromG. sylvestre.Thephytochemicalsinleafextractwerealso
analyzedthroughgaschromatographycoupledtomassspectrometryandidentifiedfor
the presence of terpenoids, glycosides, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and
alkaloids in three different leaves extract, namely, petroleum ether, chloroform, and

methanolassolventsusedforextraction[43].Thebioactiveconstituentspresentinthe
plant were found to be mixture of diverse phytomolecules such as gymnemic acids,
gymnemosides,gymnemasaponins,gurmarin,gymnemanol,stigmasterol,dquercitol,
amyrin related glycosides, anthraquinones, lupeol, hydroxycinnamic acids, and
coumarolsgroup.

5. Biosynthesis and Genomics

Saponins,naturalproductswidespreadinplantkingdom,areglycosidescomposedof
triterpenoids or steroidal aglycones moieties [44] and the aglycones are known as
sapogenins. Many plantderived saponins, namely, ginsenosides, soyasaponins, and
saikosaponinshavebeenfoundtoexhibitsignificantanticanceractivity.Besides,some
saponins display pharmacological properties, namely, anticholesterolemic, adjuvant
hemolytic, and anticancer[4547]. Itwas alsofoundthatthe foods originating from
plantshavinganincreasedleveloftriterpenesarethoughttohaveacholesterollowering
effect. Transgenics with altered levels of triterpenes may be resistant to pests and
increasedsaponincontentwillconferenhancednutritionalvaluetotheplant.
Triterpenoid saponins are a class of plant secondary metabolites originated via the
isoprenoidpathwaybycyclizationof2,3oxidosqualeneprecursorinwhichoneormore
sugarresiduesareadded[48]andleadingtotheformationofthetriterpenoidskeletonof
bamyrinandrelatedglycosides.Thepresenceofpolarnucleus,linkedtooneormore
sugarresidues,isresponsibleforthecharacteristicactivitiesofthesecompounds[44].
Majorityofthesignificantstepsatmolecularlevelintriterpene saponinbiosynthesis
remainuncharacterized.Thestepsinvolvingthebiosynthesisofbamyrinbybamyrin
synthase,anoxidocyclase,havebeenwellcharacterizedinseveralplantspeciesincluding
Arabidopsis thaliana [49], oat [50], but steps involving the modification of the
triterpenoidbackbonebythecytochromeP450dependentmonooxygenasesanduridine
diphosphateglycosyltransferasesremainlessunderstood.
Extensiveresearchhasgoneintothemetabolicprofilingof G. sylvestre,butthereare
veryfewreportspertainingtometabolomicsandgenomics.Thestructuralelucidationof
gymnemicacidrevealedthepresenceoftriterpeneaglyconemoietyknownassapogenin
attached to a sugar chain. The occurrence of significant percentage of triterpene
glycosides in plant indicates that glycosylation is a critical process in the
modification/generationoftriterpenesaponins.Studiesincludingthemetabolomicsand
functional genomics with emphasis on the gene identification, cloning, and their
functionalcharacterizationwillbeanimportanttoolindecipheringthefunctionalroleof
these genes in the biochemical pathway leading to medicinal properties of the
phytoconstituentsintheplant.

Further,inanattempttounderstandthemolecularmechanismofgenesresponsiblefor
medicinal properties of G. sylvestre, two partial cds (accession nos. GU191124;
GU181368) were submitted to NCBI database [51, 52]. Further studies into the
identification and characterization of genes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpene
glycosides, gymnemic acids will provide valuable information in deciphering the
biosyntheticpathwayofgymnemicacidsandthemechanismoftheirpharmacological
activities in the plant. Since, the transcriptome data of Gymnema sylvestre is
unavailable and various proteins and enzymes at the biochemical level remain
uncharacterized,sotheexactmechanismofGymnemicacidbiosynthesisisnotreported
in the literature. However, extensive research is ongoing in our lab to decode the
functionalroleofglycosyltransferasesinbiosynthesisofGymnemicacidsowingtoits
significantpharmacologicalimportance(unpublisheddata).Thebiosynthesispathwayof
gymnemicacidremainsunknown;however,putativelypathwayfortriterpeneglycosides
isderivedfromtheisoprenoidpathwaywithglycosylationofthetriterpeneaglyconeat
theterminaltransformationofgymnemagenin.Ageneraldiagrammaticsketchhasbeen
drawn to represent a putative pathway with a focus on terminal pathway steps in
biosynthesisofsaponinsfromGymnema sylvestre(Figure1).

Figure 1: Hypothetical pathway of Gymnemic acid biosynthesis. The

general sketch represents the formation of triterpenoids through
Mevalonate pathway. Further, it was assumed that gymnemagenin
(sapogenin) gave rise to gymnemic acids and derivatives through
glycosylation mechanism by glycosyltransferases.

6. Mechanism of Action of Gymnemic Acids

Themodeofactionofthedrugisthroughstimulationininsulinsecretionfrompancreas
[53].Italsoexertsasimilareffectbydelayingtheglucoseabsorptionintheblood.The
atomicarrangementsofgymnemicacidstothetastebudsaresimilartosugarmolecules
whichfillthereceptorsinthetastebudspreventingitsactivationbythesugarmoleculein
thefood.Similarly,intheintestineitattachestothereceptorpresentinexternallayerof
intestine,therebypreventingtheabsorptionofsugarmoleculesbyintestine,leadingto
reductioninbloodsugarlevels[33].Gurmarinactsinasimilarmannerbyinterfering
withtheabilityoftastebudsonthetonguetodifferentiatebetweensweetandbitter.
Hypoglycemic effect of gymnemic acids includes a cascade of events starting from
modulation of incretin activity which triggers insulin secretion and release. It also

increasesregenerationofpancreaticisletcellstoenhancedenzymemediateduptakeof
glucose.Thisprocessdecreasedglucoseandfattyacidassimilationinthesmallintestine
andinterferesintheabilityofreceptorsinmouthandintestinetosensationofsweetness.
It has been previously reported in the literature that the action of gymnemic acid is
similartothatofincretinmimeticmechanismofaction[54].Gymnemicacidhasbeen
found to interact with glyceraldehyde3phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a key
enzymeinglycolysispathway[55].Thefindingsalsoindicatedthattheacylmoieties
presentingymnemicacidsplayimportantrolefortheGAinducedsmearingofGAPDH
andG3PDHandplayanintegralroleintheantihyperglycemicactivityofGAderivatives
[56].

7. Pharmacological Activities of Extracts and Pure Compounds

Isolated from Gymnema sylvestre
Althoughtheherbiswidelyusedasanaturopathictreatmentfordiabetes[57,58],italso
demonstrates promising effects in the treatment of obesity, arthritis, hyperlipidemia,
Parkinsonism,andhypercholesterolemia[5961].Furthermore,thebioactivecompounds
ofplanthaveantimicrobial,antiinflammatory,andanticancerproperties.Theleavesof
the plant are used for the treatment of obesity [62], dental caries [63], antibiotic, in
stomachache, blood purifier, and in rheumatism [64]. Some of the significant
pharmacologicalpropertiesoftheherbhadbeendiscussedindetail.Variousplantparts,
namely,leaves,rootspossessmedicinalpropertiesandusedforthetreatmentofvarious
diseasesinAyurvedicsystemofmedicine(supplementaryTable2).Numerousbioactive
compoundsisolatedfromtheplanteitheraspurecompoundsorascrudeextractspossess
medicinal properties and clinically tested in animal model systems for scientific
validation(supplementaryTable3).
7.1. Antidiabetic Property
The herb accounts for its sweet inactivation property to the presence of triterpene
saponins known as gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, and gurmarin. Experimental
trials confirmed the hypoglycemic effect of G. sylvestre on beryllium nitrate and
streptozotocintreatedrats.Therewasaslightincreaseinbodyweightandproteinanda
significantdecreaseinfastingbloodglucoseindiabeticratstreatedwithG. sylvestre,
C. auriculata, E. jambolanum, and S. reticulata and the effects were quite
similartoinsulinandglibenclamidetreatedmice.
AninvestigationtodeterminetheantioxidantactivityofGymnema leafextractandthe
roleofantioxidantsindiabeticratswasperformedbyKangetal.[65]usingethanolic
extracts.Severalantioxidantassays,namely,thiobarbituricacid(TBA)assaywithslight
modifications, using egg yolk lecithin or 2deoxyribose (associated with lipid
peroxidation),superoxidedismutase(SOD)likeactivityassay,and2,2 Azinobis(3

ethylbenzothiazoline6sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay (involved in electron or radical

scavenging), depicted significant antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract. Further
LC/MS analysis revealed the presence of antihyperglycemic compounds like
gymnemagenin and gymnemic acids in G. sylvestre extract and the level of lipid
peroxidationreducedby31.7%inserum,9.9%inliver,and9.1%inkidneyindiabetic
ratsfedwiththeethanolicextract.Theactivityoftransaminasesingluconeogenesisand
ketogenesis in diabetes like glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in serum and
glutathioneperoxidaseincytosolicliverreturnedtonormallevelsaftertheadministration
ofethanolicleafextractindiabeticrats[66].Antihyperglycemiceffectofcrudesaponin
fractionandfivetriterpeneglycosides(gymnemicacidsIIVandgymnemasaponinV),
isolatedfromthemethanolicextractoftheleaves,wasreported[56].Itwasfoundthat
gymnemic acid IV (3.4/13.4mg/kg) decreased blood glucose levels by 14.060.0%
within6hoursofadministrationascomparedtoglibenclamide.Ithasbeenreportedthat
gymnemic acid IV increased plasma insulin levels in STZdiabetic mice at a
concentrationof13.4mg/kgwhile itdidnotcauseinhibitoryeffecton glucosidase
activityinthebrushbordermembranevesiclesofsmallintestineinnormalrat.
Similarly,inanexperimentalstudy,theantidiabeticandhypolipidemicpotentialofdried
powderedleavesof G. sylvestre wasinvestigated.Theeffectof G. sylvestre leaf
extractwasadministeredtonondiabeticandalloxandiabeticrats.Itwasfoundthatthe
Gymnema leafextracthadnoeffectonthealleviatedglycemiacausedbybalanced
mealorduetotheadministrationofglucoseoramylosebutincreasedserumlipidlevel
afterSOCtreatment.However,innondiabeticandalloxandiabeticratsthesubacuteand
chronictreatmentwith Gymnema extracthadnoeffectontheingestionoffoodand
water,gainofbodyweight,andthelevelofglucoseandlipidinblood.Buttheherbal
formulationrequiresclinicalapprovalandscientificvalidationbeforebeingusedforthe
treatmentofdiabetesandhyperlipidemia[67].Finally,itwasconcludedfromthestudies
thattheherbpossessesantidiabeticeffectandsugarinactivationproperties.
7.2. Antiarthritic Activity
TheleafextractofG. sylvestrewasexaminedforantiarthriticactivityonalbinorats.
Thewatersolubleandpetroleumether(4060C)extractwasfoundtobesignificantly
effectiveincontrollingarthritis.Itwasalsoassumedthatthemostpotentantiarthritic
activityoftheleavesmaybeduetothenatureoftriterpenoids,steroids,andsaponin
glycosides [59]. Different extracts were suspended with 1%Tween 80, andthe drug
Diclofenacsodiumwasadministeredoncedailythroughoralrouteandtheeffectwas
monitoredfor21days.Itwasobservedthattheratsdevelopedswellinginmultiplejoints
oninductionwithanadjuvantandexhibitedinflammationincells,bonedestruction,and
reshaping.Thepetroleumetherextracttreatedgroupshowedsignificantreductioninpaw
swellingpossiblyduetoinhibitingtheresponseofinflammatorycellsorblockingthe
releaseofmediatorslikecytokines(ILIbandTNFa),GMCSF,interferons,andPGDF

whichareresponsibleforpainanddisabilitiesarisingduetodestructionofboneand
cartilage[68].Theotherpossiblemechanismofactionsuggestedprotectionoftherelease
of joint cartilage and bone destruction in chronic arthritic model [59]. The multiple
studies employing use of polar solvents in extract preparations by investigators
demonstratedtheantiarthriticpotentialoftheleafextract.
7.3. Treatment of Dental Caries
Dentalcariescanbedefinedasinfectionoftooth,occurringduetovariouskindsofgram
positive cariogenic bacteria [69] like S. aureus, S. mitis, and S. mutans, and
funguslikeCandida albicans whichattachestothetoothsurfacethroughreleaseof
extracellularpolysaccharidesfromsucroseandmetabolizesugartoorganicacidmainly
lactic acid resulting in demineralization of the tooth enamel [70]. The chloroform,
petroleumether,andmethanolicleafextractsofG. sylvestreatvariousconcentrations
of25,50,and100mg/mLweretestedagainstmicrobialdentalinfectionsandfoundtobe
significantlyeffectiveagainstthesecariogenicbacteriaparticularlythemethanolicextract
which showed highest activity at minimum concentration. The good potential of the
hydroalcoholicextractoftheplantleadstothedevelopmentandmanufactureofgurmar
toothpowderedmarketedasGurmarHerbaltoothpasteandGurmarHerbalTooth
powder.Theseherbalformulationsoffernewprospectsinthetreatmentofdentalcaries
onceclinicallyapprovedbythescientificcommunity[63].
7.4. Antibiotic and Antimicrobial Activity
The antibiotic and antimicrobial activity of different extracts of G. sylvestre was
determined[71]againstanumberofpathogens,namely,S. aureus,E. coli, and B.
subtilis whilenoactivitywasobservedagainstgramnegativebacteria.G. sylvestre
leaf extracts showed good prospects as an antibiotic herbal remedy was effective as
herbal formulation for the treatment of microbes related infections [71]. The
antibacterialactivityof G. sylvestre andgymnemicacidwasalsostudiedagainst E.
coli and B. cereus andtheantimicrobialeffectwassignificantagainstthemicrobes
[72]. Bhuvaneswari et al. [73] demonstrated that the methanolic extracts of G.
sylvestre wereassessedforantimicrobialactivityofaerialandrootpartsseparately.
Theresultexhibitedthatthemethanolextractsinacidicrangehavegoodactivitytowards
allthepathogensshowingitsbroadspectrumnature.Inasimilarstudy,theantimicrobial
effectofethanolicextractof G. sylvestre againstBacillus pumilus,B. subtilis,P.
aeruginosa,and S. aureus showedpromisingantimicrobialeffect[74].Itcanbe
inferredfromthestudiesthatthemethanolicandethanolicleafextractof Gymnema
sylvestrepossessesconsiderableantibioticandantimicrobialactivity.
7.5. Anti-Inflammatory Activity

IntheAyurvedicsystemofmedicine,theleafof G. sylvestre hasbeenwidelyused

andisconsideredasbitter,acrid,thermogenic,digestive,livertonic,anodyne,andanti
inflammatory[75].Thebioactiveconstituentsin G. sylvestre knownastanninsand
saponinsareresponsiblefortheantiinflammatoryactivityoftheplant[76].Inthestudy,
carrageenininducedpawoedemaandcottonpelletinducedgranulomaratsweretaken,
andtheaqueousextractofG. sylvestreleafwasinvestigatedforitsantiinflammatory
activityatthedosesof200,300,and500mg/kgwithdrug,phenylbutazoneasstandard.It
was found that the gymnema aqueous extract at a concentration of 300 mg/kg
significantly decreased the paw oedema volume by 48.5% within 4 hours of
administration while the drug phenylbutazone decreased the paw oedema volume by
57.6%. Also, the aqueous extract ata concentration of 200and300 mg/kg exhibited
reductioningranulomawhencomparedwiththecontrolgroup[77].
7.6. Anticancer and Cytotoxic Activity
Many plantderived saponins, namely, ginsenosides, soyasaponins, and saikosaponins
have been found to exhibit significant anticancer activity. Anticancer potential of
gymnemagenolonHeLa cancercelllinesinin vitroconditions,wasdetermined[78].
The cytotoxic activity of the saponins was tested by MTT cell proliferation assay.
Differentconcentrationsofgymnemagenol(5,15,25,and50g/mL)weretakenand
plates were incubated for 48 hours. The IC50 value was found to be 37g/mL for
gymnemagenolandafter96hours,theextractataconcentrationof50g/mLshowed
good cytotoxic activity on 73% on HeLa cells. The isolated bioactive constituent,
gymnemagenol,wasfoundtoshowahighdegreeofinhibitiontotheproliferationof
HeLa cancercellline.Further,thesesaponinswerenottoxictothegrowthofnormal
cellsunderin vitroconditions[79].Withtherisingpercentageofcancerinpeople,the
herbalformulationisaprospectivemedicationincancertherapy.
7.7. Antihyperlipidemic Activity
Theprevalenceofcoronaryarterydiseaseisthecauseofhigherincidenceofmortality
thanothercausescombined[80].Themajorfactorcontributingtoatherosclerosisand
relateddisorderslikecoronaryarterydiseasesishyperlipidemia[81].Reductioninserum
cholesterollevelsmaysignificantlyreducethechancesofcoronaryheartdisease[80].
Due to the limitations of synthetic drugs in having adverse effects, plantbased
formulationsofferagoodprospectforthetreatmentofheartdisease.Gymnemicacids
preparationshavebeenfoundtobeeffectiveagainstobesity[42].Thetriterpenesaponins
constituteseveralacylated(tigloyl,methylbutyryl,etc.)derivativesofdeacylgymnemic
acid. Gymnemic acids consist of gymnemic acids IVII, gymnemosides AF,
gymnemasaponins, and so forth [17]. In the study, high cholesterol diet, standard
atorvastatin,andhighcholesteroldietwithhydroalcoholicextractofgymnemicacidwere
fedtofemaleratsforsevendays.Itwasobservedthattheratsfedwithhighcholesterol

dietshowedincreaseinserumcholesterol,serumtriglycerides,lowdensitylipoprotein
cholesterol, and very lowdensity lipoprotein and significant decrease in highdensity
lipoproteincholesterolincomparisontonormalanimals.Thegroupadministeredwith
hydroalcoholicextractofGymnemaleavesatadoseof200mg/kgshowedsignificant
reduction in the levels of all lipids with increase in HDLC as compared to high
cholesteroldietcontrol[60].Astudydemonstratedthatthehexaneextractoftheleaves
of G. sylvestre possesses antiobesity activity. It was found that, after 45 days of
administrationofhexaneextractof G. sylvestre,asignificantreductioninincreased
bodyweightandhightemperatureduetoobesitywasobserved.Also,thehexaneextract
improvedthecholesterol,triglyceride,LDL,andHDLlevels.Thehexaneextractofthe
leaves of G. sylvestre have the potential to treat obesity comparable with that of
standard drug, atorvastatin [82]. The studies showed that the leaf extract has good
prospectsinthereductionofcholesterollevelsandasaherbalmedicationforobesity.
7.8. Immunostimulatory Activity
Immunomodulationisreferredtoastheregulationorcontroloftheimmunitywhich
involvestheenhancementorreductionintheimmuneresponses.Thebodyresponsetoa
particularconditionmightberegulatedbyagentthatenhancesorsuppressesitsaction
[83].G. sylvestreisreportedtobeanimmunostimulatoryplantandtheleavespossess
immunostimulatory effect [84]. The aqueous leaf extract was tested for
immunostimulatory activities by detecting the movement of neutrophils, chemotaxis
tests,phagocytosisofkilled C. albicans,andnitrobluetetrazoliumassays.Aqueous
leafextractofG. sylvestreshowedremarkableimmunostimulatoryactivityat10,25,
50,100,and1000g/mLonhumanneutrophilsunder in vitroconditions[85].
7.9. Hepatoprotective Activity
Thehepatoprotectiveeffectofhydroalcoholicextractof G. sylvestre wasevaluated
bySrividyaetal.[86].Therathepatocytes(freshlyprepared)weresubjecttotreatment
withdifferentconcentrationofhydroalcoholicextractpreparedbythehotmaceration
process.Theextractataconcentrationsof200,400,and600g/mLshowedsignificant
antihepatotoxicity against the Dgalactosamineinduced hepatotoxicity, and the
concentrationof800g/mLwasfoundtobecytotoxic.Thecellsexhibitedasignificant
restorationofthealteredbiochemicalparameterstowardsthenormal()whencompared
toDgalactosaminetreatedgroupsinadosedependentmanner,whentreatedwiththe
hydroalcoholicextractdifferentextractsofG. sylvestre.
7.10. Wound Healing Activity
ThealcoholicextractofleavesofG. sylvestrewasfoundtoexhibitsignificantwound
healingactivityinrats[85].AccordingtoKiranmaietal.[87],hydroalcoholicextractof
G. sylvestre hasgoodwoundhealingpropertyascomparedwithcontrolgroup.TLC

analysis, wound contraction, and qualitative tests supported the synergistic wound
healing effect of the plant. The increased wound healing activity of hydroalcoholic
extracts may be attributed to the free radical scavenging action and the presence of
phytoconstituents(flavonoids)whichmayactindividuallyorhaveadditiveeffect.The
flavonoidsinalcoholicextractweredetectedbyTLCandphytochemicalanalysis[88].
7.11. EthnobotanicalUses
Traditionally,theleavesof G. sylvestre wereusedforthetreatmentofdiabetesand
otherdisorders,whiletheflowersandbarkaregivenindiseasesrelatedtophlegm[89].
TheancientliteratureonIndianmedicine,Sushruta,describesgurmarasadestroyerof
madhumeha(glycosuria)andotherurinarydisorders.Theextractof G. sylvestre is
reportedtobeabitteracrid,antiinflammatory,anodyne,digestive,livertonic,emetic,
diuretic, thermogenic, stomachic, stimulant, anthelmintics, laxative, cardiotonic,
expectorant,antipyretic,anduterinetonic.Theplantalsoexhibitsmedicinalimportance
inthetreatmentofjaundice,constipation,cardiopathy,asthma,bronchitis,amenorrhoea,
conjunctivitis,renalandvesicalcalculi,dyspepsia,leucoderma,andParkinsonism[90].
Reports in the ancient literature suggested that the plant has multiple medicinal
applications,namely,antihelminthic,antipyretic,astringent,analexipharmic,anodyne,
cardiotonic, digestive, diuretic, cough dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, hepatosplenomegaly,
laxative,stimulant,stomachic,uterinetonic,intermittentfever,jaundice,andleucoderma.
Therootbarkisusefulasanemetic,expectorant,andanalgesicforbodyacheandroot
juiceinthetreatmentofsnakebite[91].Theplantextractisalsousefulinthetreatmentof
piles,colicpain,dropsy,phlegm,eyetroubles,cardiac,andrespiratorydiseases.

8. Bioavailability and Toxicity

Bioavailabilityisakeyissueintermsofeffectivenessofanyherbalmedicineasadrug
and will determine its effective delivery into the circulatory system in the body.
Bioavailability of gymnemic acid is an important parameter for its in vivo
pharmacological applications. Gymnemic acid has poor lipid solubility and complex
structureanddifficulttopassthroughthebiomembranesforitsabsorptionincirculatory
system. Pathan and coworkers have developeda herbal formulation (gymnemic acid:
phospholipidcomplex)withanaimtoimproveitsbioabsorptionandpharmacokinetics.
A phytosome exhibits better absorption and utilization in body due to its increased
capacitytocrosslipidbiomembranesandreachthesystemiccirculation.Thecomplex
exhibitsantiapoptoticpotentialindoxorubicininducedcardiotoxicityinratsandshows
cardioprotectiveeffect[92].Toxicitystudiesof Gymnema sylvestre extracthave
shownitssafetywhentakeninrecommendeddoses.Highdosesmayleadtosideeffects
including hypoglycemia, weakness, shakiness, excessive sweating, and muscular
dystropy.Administrationof1.00%basalpowder(GSE)inthedietinWistarratsfor52
weeks has shown no toxic effects and no animal died during the experiment [93].

Treatmentofdiabeticpatientswith Gymnema sylvestre hasbeenshowntocause

toxichepatitisordruginducedliverinjury(DILI)[94].

9. In Vitro Cultivation of Gymnema sylvestre

Culturedplantcellsandtissuesarewidelyrecognizedaspromisingalternativesforthe
productionofvaluablesecondarymetabolites[95, 96].Planttissueculturetechniques
havebeenemployedonanindustrialscalefortheproductionofbioactivecompounds
[97]. Various techniques were employed for propagation of the herb in plant tissue
culture through in vitro multiplication for shoot regeneration from mature nodal
explantsof G. sylvestre [98]andlargescaleproductionofgymnemicacidsinplant
cellsuspensioncultures[99].Somaticembryogenesiswasoptimizedandwholeplant
regenerationwasachievedincallusculturesderivedfromhypocotyl,cotyledon,andleaf
explants excised from seedlings of G. sylvestre. Globular/heart shaped embryos
developed and produced torpedo and cotyledon stage embryos upon subculturing on
embryomaturationmediumEM8(mediumcontainingMSsalts,B5vitamins,0.5M
BA,and2%sucrose).ThematureembryosweresubculturedonfreshEM8mediumfor
embryogerminationandplantletformation.Theseplantletsweregrowninglasshouse,
respectively[100].
For in vitro regenerationofmaturenodalexplantsof G. sylvestre,Murashigeand
Skoog(MS)mediawereusedfortheinoculationofsinglenodeexplantshavingdifferent
combinations of 6benzylaminopurine (BAP) or kinetin with naphthaleneacetic acid
(NAA) and auxins like indoleacetic acid (IAA) alone or in combinations. The MS
mediumcontainingBAP(5mg/L)andNAA(0.2mg/L)exhibitedmaximumnumberof
shoot(7perexplants).Further,theregeneratedshootsweresubjectedtorootingonMS
half strength medium in absence of any growth regulator (IAA, IBA, and NAA). In
cultureswheretheshootexplantswereinoculatedonauxinfreehalfstrengthMSbasal
medium,rootprimordiaemergedfromtheshootbase1520daysafterimplantationand
subsequently developed into roots without basal callus as compared to MS media
supplemented with different concentrations of auxins, which did not lead to root
formation[15].
Plantcellsuspensionculturesweregeneratedforlargescaleproductionofgymnemic
acids, the antisweet phytoconstituents. The methodology employed led to the
developmentofanovelcellculturesystemfor in vitro growthandcultivationofthis
species.TheconditionsfortheproductionandHPLCquantificationofgymnemicacids
wereoptimized.Thegymnemicacidswerenotaccumulatedincallusbutwerereleased
intothemedium.Fortheproductionofgymnemicacidcommercially,thisneedstobe
further optimized. In another study, the extraction of gymnemic acid through
gymnemagenin from callus culture of G. sylvestre was reported. The aglycon
component,knownasgymnemagenin,wasextracted,detected,andquantifiedindifferent

callusculturesof G. sylvestre.HPTLCmethodwasstandardizedfortherapidand
accuratequantitativeestimationofgymnemageninincallusculturesof G. sylvestre
[101].
Recently,DeviandSrinivasan[102]attemptedthelargescaleproductionofgymnemic
acidsunder in vitro conditions,throughthemediationoffungalelicitors.Theuseof
bioelicitors, such as Aspergillus niger cell extract, enhanced the production of
secondarymetabolite,namely,gymnemicacidsfromG. sylvestre suspensionculture.
It is interesting to note that the elicitation of Gymnema suspension culture by A.
nigersignificantlyenhancedtheproductiongymnemicacidascomparedtononelicited
cultures. The technique is a potential means for the establishment of largescale
productionofgymnemicacidsthroughtheemploymentofshakingflaskandbioreactors.
DuetothelimitedavailabilityofG. sylvestreformulation,thistechniqueholdsgood
prospectsforlargescalecommercialproductionofbioactivephytoconstituents[102].
Gymnemicacidbeinganimportantbioactivecompound,cellsuspensionculturesofG.
sylvestre weregeneratedandoptimizedfortheproductionofgymnemicacids[103,
104].

10. Summary and Future Prospects

MedicinalplantsservedasaplatformforancientAyurvedicsystemofmedicine.Inthe
present scenario, herbal therapeutics are gaining momentum in pharmacological
applicationsandasmoleculartargetsinthedrugdevelopment.Theemergingtrendin
risingincidenceofdiseasesandassociatedcomplicationswithcommercialmedications
posesaseriousthreattomankind.Naturopathictreatmentsofferrespitefromthehigh
costofexpensivedrugsaswellasinbeingcomparativelysafewithlesssideeffects.Itis
estimatedthatnearly80%ofpopulationdependsonthenaturalremediesforhealthcare.
Plantsareavaluablesourceofanumberofbioactivecompoundslikealkaloids,quinine,
paclitaxel,opiumalkaloids,quinine,atropine,andcardiacglycosides(digitalis,ouabain)
to name a few. The first antidiabetic drug, metformin, isolated from Galega
officinalis,wasaherbalformulation.Thus,itbecomesveryimportanttoscreenplants
withpharmacologicalsignificanceasabasisforthedevelopmentofnewerandmore
effectivetherapeutics.Inspiteofthegoodprospectsofherbalmedicines,thesehave
gainedlittleimportanceduetoabsenceofscientificvalidation.Thelackofavailabilityof
standardsforherbalformulationsisamajorlimitation.Although,avastrepertoireof
plantresourcesisavailablebutveryfewhaveexperimentallyvalidatedandscientifically
approvedasmedicationsforthetreatmentofdiseases.
One major factor that comes into play is that many medicinal plants of commercial
importancefacethreatofextinctionduetoincreaseindemandanddestructionoftheir
habitatsduetourbanizationandindustrialization.Theprimeinitiativeshouldfocuson

thecultivationandconservationofmedicinalplantswithpharmacologicalimportance.
Although,theherbhasimmenseprospectsindrugdevelopment,butitfacesthreatof
extinctionduetocontinuousdeforestationandabsenceofestablishedlinesorvarieties.
Thein vitropropagationofplants,inplanttissuecultureoffersapromisingalternative
fortheproductionofvaluablesecondarymetabolite. G. sylvestre, beingavaluable
medicinal plant and source of bioactive substances, needs to be propagated and
conserved. In vitro propagationofplantswithhighbioactivecontentandcellculture
technologies for largescale production ofsuchsecondary metabolites with medicinal
significancewillbehighlyprospectiveandwillprovidenewdimensionstothisareaof
research.Studieshavebeenmadeinthepastfewyearstounderstandthecomplexand
incompletelyunderstoodnatureofplantcellsin vitrocultures[105].Bioelicitorsbased
strategies (from Xanthomonas spp. and A. niger cell extract) for enhanced
productionofgymnemicacidshavebeenemployed[102,106],andthetechniquefinds
relevanceforlargescaleproductionofthesebioactivecompoundsinbioreactorsbased
industrial applications. These new technologies will be new beginning for further
production and utilization of these sweet suppressing compounds invaluable as an
antidiabeticherbalcure.
G. sylvestre holds a unique position among the sweetness modifying materials of
natural origin. The herb accounts for multiple pharmacological significance as a
naturopathic medication since ancient times and gaining popularity in the present
scenario as well. Various polyherbal formulations like Dihar [53] and D400 [105]
containingG. sylvestreextracthavebeenusedforthetreatmentofdiabetesmellitus.
Severalclinicaltrialsandexperimentalstudiesindicatedthattheplantisaninvaluable
sourceofbioactivecompoundsandphytoconstituentslikegymnemicacidshavebeen
used as molecular targets in drug development. Besides having pharmacological
importance, the herbal extract exhibits good prospects in dietary applications. G.
sylvestredriedleafpowderisorallyconsumedbyPaliyantribesofSirumalaihillsfor
treatment of diabetes. Several products such as GNC Herbal Plus Standardized G.
sylvestre (herbal supplement), Vitamin Shoppe G. Sylvestre (sugar destroyer),
Gymnemagold(Nutrigold)abolishethetasteofsugarandhelpsupporthealthyglucose;
Gurmarcapsules(stimulatestheheartandcirculatorysystemandactivateuterus)are
someoftheproductscomposedof Gymnema extractandaremarketedandsoldas
herbalpreparations.Amongthemedicinalplants,G. sylvestreisaherblessexploited
foritsinnumerableadvantages.Theaimofthisreviewistohighlighttheprospectsofthis
rareherbasapotentialmedicationfortreatmentofdiseasesfromdiabetes,obesityto
cardiovasculardisordersaswellasaverygooddietaryandhealthsupplementsinfood
industryasanhealthtablets,beverages,teabags,energysupplements,andinfooditems
which regulates body weight. Gymnema sylvestre 75 is a herbal preparation which
contains 75% Gymnemic acid from leaf extract and provides nutritional support to
pancreasandmaintainhealthybloodsugarbalancewhenusedaspartofdiet.

Thewholegenomesequencingprojectsandfunctionalelucidationofpathwaygeneshave
made significant contributions in deciphering the biological role and properties of
biomolecules.Withthefunctionalcharacterizationofgenes,theirrelevanceintheplant
and functional role in the bioactivity of phytomolecules are being established.
Information about such genes which code for economically viable traits or
pharmacologically important bioactive molecules holds great prospects in crop
engineering.Thedevelopmentofgenetictransformationsystemswillprovideanedgein
the propagation and maintenance of such pharmacologically important plant having
applicationsindrugdiscoveryanddevelopment.

Conflict of Interests
Theauthorsdeclarethatthereisnoconflictofinterestsregardingthepublicationofthis
paper.

Acknowledgments
TheauthorsarethankfultoCSIRNetworkProjectNWP09forthefinancialgrant.Pragya
TiwarithanksCSIR,NewDelhi,fortheawardofSeniorResearchFellowship.

References
1. J.K.Grover,S.Yadav,andV.Vats,MedicinalplantsofIndiawithantidiabetic
potential,Journal of Ethnopharmacology,vol.81,no.1,pp.81100,2002.
ViewatPublisher ViewatGoogleScholar ViewatScopus

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Gymnema sylvestre: An Important Medicinal

Plant.

Pragya Tiwari

B N Mishra

Neelam S Sangwan

BioMed research international 01/2014; 2014:830285. DOI: 10.1155/2014/830285

Source: PubMed
ABSTRACT Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae), popularly known as "gurmar" for its distinct property as sugar
destroyer, is a reputed herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. The phytoconstituents responsible for sweet
suppression activity includes triterpene saponins known as gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, and a polypeptide,
gurmarin. The herb exhibits a broad range of therapeutic effects as an effective natural remedy for diabetes, besides
being used for arthritis, diuretic, anemia, osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia, cardiopathy, asthma, constipation,
microbial infections, indigestion, and anti-inflammatory. G. sylvestre has good prospects in the treatment of diabetes
as it shows positive effects on blood sugar homeostasis, controls sugar cravings, and promotes regeneration of

pancreas. The herbal extract is used in dietary supplements since it reduces body weight, blood cholesterol, and
triglyceride levels and holds great prospects in dietary as well as pharmacological applications. This review explores
the transition of a traditional therapeutic to a modern contemporary medication with an overview of phytochemistry
and pharmacological activities of the herb and its phytoconstituents.

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Gymnema Sylvestre Herb and Extract has health benefit for weight loss and blood sugar control,
dosage and side effects, safety, toxicity and blood sugar control.
Leaves of the Gymnema Sylvester plant have been used to treat diabetes mellitus and obesity for a
long time. Gymnema leaf has been used traditionally in India for centuries and has been shown in
research to support healthy glucose metabolism and healthy pancreatic function.

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Gymnema Sylvestre

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Gymnema Sylvestre has been used in traditional medicine, most notably to control blood glucose.
Use as a lipid-lowering agent, for weight loss, and for the inhibition of caries have also been
investigated, primarily in rodent studies. However, little to no clinical information is available to
support the use of gymnema for any indication.

Scientific Name(s): Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) Schult.

Family: Asclepiadaceae (milkweed)

Common Name(s): Meshashringi, gurmar, merasingi, periploca of the woods

What is Gymnema?
Friday, 10 August 2012 10:41
USA 10 August 2012. People are you concerned about becoming a Diabetic?

If you are, you need to know about this miracle herb called Gymnema. Believe it or not it is also known as
Australian cowplant. In this article I am going to discuss as to what is Gymnema and some of the
benefits provided by this useful herb.

Gymnema sylvestre is a perennial woody climber found commonly in peninsular India. It is a native herb
of central and western India, tropical Africa and Australia. A Gymnema fruit resembles horns of a goat. It
has both classical as well as modern references to its many health properties. Since centuries Gymnema
has been in use for various conditions. Basically Gymnema itself denotes and labeled as sugar destroyer
by many, however in addition, it possess many properties to help with respiratory disorders, anthelmentic,
antipyretic, expectorant, laxative, stimulant, stomachic, useful in asthma, bronchitis, cardiopathy,
constipation, cough, dyspepsia etc., as per ancient science.

What is Gymnema? What is its chemical composition and properties?

Gymnema has Triterpene saponins belonging to oleanane and dammarene classes. Oleanane saponins
are Gymnemic acids and gymnemasaponins, while dammarene saponins are gymnemasides. Among
these Gymnemic acids found to have properties to help with Diabetes and this offers a huge hope from
modern scientific world. Ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka described Gymnema is useful in breast milk
disorders and also that it removes bad odor from breast milk. Another ancient surgeon Susrutha
mentioned that it is useful in eye disorders, Constipation and Piles. Later on, many ancient scholars
evolved and looked at different properties of Gymnema such as it being anti-pyretic, stomachic, and
useful in asthma, respiratory disorders and for its hypoglycemic activity etc; Traditionally in India various
methods are practiced based on the need and prevalence of health conditions. Folk healers and tribal
people have evaluated many successful results with their faith and practice in northern India, for stomach
problems such as acid peptic disorders, for urinary disorders, for eye disorders etc.

Modern science says that Gymnema possesses anti-microbial, Lipid lowering, hepato-protective, Anti
inflammatory and sweet tooth suppressing activities. The main focus of modern science is on the Antidiabetic properties of Gymnema. The leaf powder is tasteless and has little aromatic odor and found to
stimulate circulatory system and help heart. The first known research on Gymnema effect on blood sugar
was conducted in 1969 by Kuriharha.Y, who proved Anti-sweet tooth activity of Gymnemic acid and its
derivatives (In Life Sci. 8: 537543). Kurihara developed an innovative method to extract Gymnemic acids
from dried leaves of Gymnema sylvestre which is still a gold standard today.

Persaud SJ etal of Physiology Division, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College, London, UK,
postulated that Gymnema sylvestre stimulates insulin release in vitro by increasing membrane
permeability. Baskaran K etal of Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical
Sciences Madras, and India studied on anti diabetic property of Gymnema extensively and proved the
same. Miyoshi, M etal, in 1987 proved that Gymnema has tendency to prevent dental decay caused by
caries formation. In 1993 Yoshikawa etal (ref: Br. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1993; 41:17301732) studied about
Diabetic activity of Gymnemic acids and postulated that Gymnemic acid has the ability to delay the
absorption of glucose from the blood. This mechanism is due to the similarity of molecular structures of
Gymnemic acids and glucose molecules. Because of this similarity, Gymnemic acid molecules fill the
glucose receptors locations of the absorptive external layers of the intestine resulting in low glucose
levels. In this way Gymnema helps with Diabetes, by reducing either the onset or delaying it and indirectly
helps to fight obesity.

Here are some traditional remedies of Gymnema that can be followed

In chronic unhealed ulcers, Gymnema powder with Neem oil helps, which I experienced in my personal
practice.

For any chronic cough Gymnema leaf juice will provide wonderful relief. (Observers opinion is that it is
most effective in Oesinophilic bronchitis induced cough).

Gum resin of Gymnema or stem bark is helpful in dental decay.

Gymnema leaf paste can be applied to external piles or hemorrhoids.

Cumin seeds, Asparagus, Licorice powders fortified with Gymnema leaf juice help to heal stomach ulcers,
and acts as a stomachic.

Daily consumption of Pure Gymnema leaf powder mixed with Amla (Indian Gooseberry) juice up to 2-3
divided doses will enhance insulin secretion and prevents accumulation of adipose tissue fat in the body.

In conclusion let me say confidentially that Gymnema is natures boon to fight diabetes provided if we
utilize its help properly and methodically.

Dr. Satya Narayana B.A.M.S.

Dr. Satya Narayana is a Clinical research investigator, Naturopathic / Ayurveda Doctor and also a new
product developer like antioxidants and a consultant of Herbal Destination, USA. All information provided
above is for educational purposes only. For questions or to consult Dr. Satya, please send an email to
satyanarayanahd@gmail.com
Note: This article can be re-published by other sites and publications as long as the original content, links,
author information and original publication sources are retained.

By Dr Deepak Acharya, Garima Sancheti, Dr Anshu Shrivastava, Dr Sanjay Pawar - 2006-10-21

Chhindwara district lies between latitude 21 Deg 23' and 22 Deg 49' north and longitude 78
Deg 10' and 79 Deg 24' east. Mostly, the dense forest covers most of the area of the district.
Patalkot is a lovely landscape located at a depth of 1200-1500 feet in a valley near Tamia in
the north of the district.

Introduction:
Chhindwara district lies between latitude 21 Deg 23' and 22 Deg 49' north and longitude 78 Deg 10'
and 79 Deg 24' east. Mostly, the dense forest covers most of the area of the district.
Patalkot is a lovely landscape located at a depth of 1200-1500 feet in a valley near Tamia in the
north of the district. Because of the great depth at which it is located, this place is christened as
'Patalkot' (Patal means very deep, in Sanskrit). Patalkot is spread over an area of 79 Sq.Km. at an
average height of 2750-3250 feet above Mean Sea Level. It is a treasure of forest and herbal wealth.
There are 12 villages and 13 hamlets in this valley, with a total population of nearly 2000. Because of
the inaccessibility of this area, the tribals of this region were totally cut off from the civilized world.
Most of the people in Patalkot belong to 'Bharia' and 'Gond' tribes. This valley is situated on the
Satpura plateau in the southern central part of the Madhya Pradesh.
During the survey which carried out from 1997 to 2004, Dr Acharya explored the area of Patalkot
valley that included- Gaildubbha, Karayam Rathed, Ghatlinga, Gudichhathri, Karrapani, Tamia
Bharia Dhana, Bijauri, Pandu Piparia, Sajkui, Lahgadua, karrapani, Sidhouli.
All the co-authors of this article were involved in gathering information from various resources like,
Internet, University libraries and oral information by traditional healers of their respective regions.
Why we select this plant?
Plants have been source of medicine for the ancient time. Thousands of books and articles have
been written so far. Several thousands medicinal plants are discussed and used to cure various
health disorders in India and abroad also. In India, almost 45000 plant species are growing naturally
or being cultivated. There are so many popular Indian herbs used in traditional practices to cure
diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre is having an important place in such antidiabetic medicinal herbs. It
has shown experimental or clinical anti-diabetic activity (ENVISBSI, 2004) and it boosts your insulin
level (Gent et al., 1999).
During the early 1990's, this marvelous herb was found in abundance in Patalkot valley. It's a climber
and it could not survive well after the deforestation and cutting down of the big trees.
Nowadays, this herb is becoming rare in this valley. It evokes us to write an article and make it an
issue so that, conservationist, botanist and NGO's come forward to rescue and save this plant in the
valley.
Plant Profile:

Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) Schultes in Roem. & Schult. Syst. Veg. 6: 57. 1820; Wight, Ic. 2 (1): 3. t.
349. 1840; Hook. f. Fl. Brit. India 4: 29. 1883; Duthie, Fl. Upper Gang. Pl. 2: 53. 1911; Jagtap &
Singh in Fl. India Fasc. 24: 89. 1999. Periploca sylvestris Retz. Obs. Bot. 2: 15. 1781.
Synonyms: Periploca sylvestris Willd., Gymnema melicida Edgew.
Family: Asclepiadaceae
English Name: Suger destroyer, Periploca of the the woods.
Sanskrit names: Ajaballi, Ajagandini, Ajashringi, Bahalchakshu, Chakshurabahala, Grihadruma,
Karnika, Kshinavartta, Madhunasini, Medhasingi, Meshashringi, Meshavishanika, Netaushadhi,
Putrashringi, Sarpadanshtrika, Tiktadughdha, Vishani.
Local Names in India:
Hindi- Gur-mar, merasingi; Bengali- Mera-singi; Marathi- Kavali, kalikardori, vakundi; GujaratiDhuleti, mardashingi; Telugu- Podapatri; Tamil- Adigam, cherukurinja; Kannada- Sannagerasehambu; Malyalam- Cakkarakkolli, Madhunashini.
Taxonomic Description:
Extensive, much-branched, twining shrubs. Leaves 3-6 x 2-3 cm, ovate or elliptic-oblong, apiculate,
rounded at base, sub-coriaceous. Flowers minute, greenish-yellow, spirally arranged in lateral
pedunculate or nearly sessile cymes. Corolla lobes imbricate. Follicles solitary, upto 8 x 0.7 cm,
terete, lanceolate, straight or slightly curved, glabrous. Seeds ovate-oblong, glabrous, winged,
brown. Flowering: August-March; Fruiting: Winter.
Habitat:
Grows wild in forest as a climber also found in the plains from the coast, in scrub jungles and in
thickets; wild.
Distribution in India:
It is occurring in Bihar, Central India, Western Ghats, and Konkan.
Distribution in Patalkot:
Gaildubba, Harra-ka-Char, Kareyam, Raja khoh, Sajkui etc.
Medicinal Property:

The plant is stomachic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic. It is good in cough, biliousness and sore
eyes. If the leaves of the plant are chewed, the sense of taste for sweet and bitter substances is
suppressed (Gent, 1999, Persaud et al., 1999, Intelegen, 2004). The leaves are said to be used as a
remedy for diabetes (Prakash et al., 1986; Shanmugasundaram et al., 1990; Grover et al., 2002;
Gholap & Kar, 2003}. It has been included among the most important herbs for all doshas (Mhasker
& Caius, 1930; Holistic, 2004). It has shown effective activity against Bacillus pumilis, B. subtilis,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (Satdive et al., 2003). Tribals in Chhindi rub
the leaves on infected body parts to cure infections.
The leaf powder is tasteless with a faint pleasant aromatic odour. It stimulates the heart and the
circulatory system, increases the secretion of urine, and activates the uterus. Tribals of Central India
prepare decoctions of Methi/ fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Gudmar (Gymnema
sylvestre), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Ajwan (Trachyspermum ammi), gokshura (Tribulus terrestris),
vayu-vidanga (Embelia ribes), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Harra (Terminalia chebula), and
chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) to cure diabetes and stress related disorders.
Traditional healers from various states of India use this plant in various ailments. Leaf is given in
gastric troubles in Rajasthan. Traditional healers of Maharastra prescribe it in urinary problems and
stomachache whereas in Madhya Pradesh, tribals and local healers apply the leaf extract in cornea
opacity and other eye diseases. In Andhra Pradesh it is used in glycosuria.
Gymnema in Vedas:
According to Charak Samhita, it removes bad odour from breast milk. It is aperitive. This plant is
useful as purgative, in eye troubles. Leaf extract and flower is beneficial for eyes. Bark is given in the
diseases caused by vitiated kapha (phlegm). According the Bagbhat, rootbark useful in piles.
Ayurveda tells that it is acrid, alexipharmic, anodyne, anthelmintic, antipyretic, astringent, bitter,
cardiotonic, digestive, diuretic, emetic,expectorant, laxative, stimulant, stomachic, uterine tonic;
useful in amennorrhoea, asthma, bronchitis, cardiopathy, conjunctivitis, constipation, cough,
dyspepsia, haemorroids, hepatosplenomegaly, inflammations, intermittant fever, jaundice and
leucoderma. Root emetic and removes phlegm; external application is useful in insect bite
(ENVISBSI, 2004).
Chemical Composition:
The leaves contain hentriacontane, pentatriacontane, a-and -chlorophylls, phytin, resins, tartaric
acid, formic acid, butyric acid, anthraqui-none derivatives, inositol, d -quercitol and "gymnemic acid".
The leaves give positive tests for alkaloids. Flavonol glycosides, kaempferol and quercetin have
been isolated from the aerial parts of the plant (Liu et al., 2004). Three new oleanane-type triterpene
glycosides were isolated from the leaves of the plant. Six oleanane-type saponins (Ye et al., 2000,
2001). Few new tritepenoid saponins, gymnemasins A, B, C and D were also isolated from the
leaves of Gymnema sylvestre (Suttisri et al., 1995, Sahu et al., 1996).

Few important companies in Product Manufacturing:

Active Ingredients Group., Inc., China
Amitco International Botanical & Nutritional Division, USA
Camden-Grey Essential Oils, Miami, USA.
Christina's Body & Fitness, USA
Dabur, India
Himalaya Herbals, India
Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd. India
Philly Pharmacy, USA
S&D Chemicals (Canada) Ltd. Canada
(*Names arranged alphabetically)
Concluding Remarks:
It is the need of the hour to save this highly important medicinal plant of Patalkot valley. If proper
initiatives would not be taken in time, there would not be single Gymnema plant in the valley. It is
urged to the scientists, conservationists, researchers, NGO's and other bodies to come forward and
take moves to protect this important herb. Local farmers should be encouraged to cultivate this herb.
Government and policy makers are having lots of plans/ ideas but they find problems in proper
implementations. It is the youth and people from literate world who should come forward to take this
task in their hands.
Acknowledgement:
Author (DA) is grateful to Dr S A Brown, Principal, Danielson College, Chhinwara for kind counsel
time to time. Thanks are due to Dr MK Rai, Head, Department of Biotechnology, Amaravati
University, Amaravati for supporting and encouraging me all the way. Thanks are due to all the tribals
of Patalkot valley for sharing their indigenous knowledge with us.
References:
ENVISBSI, 2004.

Gent JF, Hettinger TP, Frank ME, Marks LE. 1999. Taste confusions following gymnemic acid rinse.
Chem Senses;24:393-403.
Gholap S, Kar A. Effects of Inula racemosa root and Gymnema sylvestre leaf extracts in the
regulation of corticosteroid induced diabetes mellitus: involvement of thyroid hormones. Pharmazie
2003;58:413-5.
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