Authors : Sakshi Kotwal; K. G. Bhutkar; Dr. S. R. Chaudhari

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 2 - February

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10663804

Abstract : Gymnema ‘gurmar’ is a widely used herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. G. sylvestre R. Br (Asclepiadaceae) is large woody climber that is distributed in dry forests of India extending southern and northern regions. The herb is associated with many pharmacological activities due to the presence of bioactive constituents ‘triterpene saponins’. Gymnemic acid is the principle phyto constituent mainly associated with anti-diabetic and anti-sweet activity. Researchers found several other bioactiveconstituentswhich gives pharmacological activitiesbased on their phytochemical nature.The present review provides an overview of phyto chemicals that are responsible for a broad range of therapeutic effects including anti-diabetic, anti-hyper lipidaemic, anti-obesity, anti-sweet, anti-oxidant, anti- microbial, anti-inflammatory, immune modulatory and cytotoxic activity. The herbal extracts of gymnema are used in various dietary supplements to support blood sugar levels, body weight, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as to reduce sugar cravings. The anti-sweet activity of herb is due to its triterpene saponins gymnemic acids, gymnemasponins and a polypeptide known as ‘gurmarin’. This review explores traditional application of ‘gudmar’ in the modern medication considering its pharmacognostic, phytochemical, pharmacological and pharmaceutical aspects.

Keywords : Ayurvedic, Anti-Diabetic, Gymnemic Acid, Triglyceride, Saponins.