Gymnema

Synonym:

Gudmar, Madhunashini.

Biological Source:

Consists of the leaves of a perennial woody climber plant known as Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. Family Ascelpiadaceae.

Chemical Constituents:

The leaves contain pentriacontane, hentnacontane, phytin, a and p chlorophylls, resin, tartaric acid, formic acid, butyric acid, mucilage inositol, d-quercitol, gymnemic acids (anti-sweet compounds), the mixture of triterpene saponines and anthraquinone derivatives.

The plant is reported to contain alkaloids, betain, choline and trimethylamine in the leaves. Lupeol, p-amyrin, stigmesterol are also present in the leaves.

Uses:

It is used as antidiabetic, stomachic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic. The antidiabetic formulations of this drug are commercially available. Hypoglycemic effect is due to indirect stimulation of insulin secretion by pancreas. Dental plaque and caries are prevented by gymnemic acids. Recently the drug has received world attention due to its weight-lowering properties.