title: Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Gymnema sylvestre: an important medicinal plant.
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.
authors: Metabolic and Structural Biology Department, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India.
authors: Pragya
authors: P
authors: Tiwari
authors: Department of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddh Technical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226021, India.
authors: B N
authors: BN
authors: Mishra
authors: Metabolic and Structural Biology Department, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow 226015, India.
authors: Neelam S
authors: NS
authors: Sangwan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D031104:Gymnema sylvestre; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D020011:Protective Agents; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D020011:Protective Agents