Gymnema sylvestre B. Br.
Family : Asclepiadaceae.
Habitat _ Central and Peninsular
India.
English _ Australian Cow Plant,
Ipecacuanha (Indian).
Ayurvedic _ Meshashringi, Meshavishaanikaa,
Meshavalli, Chhaagalshrngi.
Ajashringi (also equated
with Dolichandrone falcata and
Pergularia extensa).
Unani _ Gurmaar Buuti.
Siddha/Tamil _ Kannu Minnayamkodi,
Passaam, Shirukurinja.
Action _ Leaf—antidiabetic. Stimulates
the heart and circulatory
system, activates the uterus. Used
in parageusia and furunculosis.
Plant—diuretic, antibilious. Root—
emetic, expectorant, astringent,
stomachic.
Gymnemagenin, the main sapogenin
in the leaves, yielded 12% of
total gymnemic acids.
Gymnemic acids are antisweet principles
and exhibit inhibitory effect on
levels of plasma glucose.
The extract of dried leaves, given to
diabetic rats at a dose of 100 mg/day
per rat for weeks, was found to bring
about blood glucose homoeostasis by
increasing serum insulin levels. Increased
glycoprotein level and the resultant
nephropathy, retinopathy and
micro-and macro-angiopathy were also
controlled.
. The efficacy
and antiatherosclerotic potential of
the extract were comparable
to that of a lipid lowering agent,
clofibrate.
In homoeopathy, a drug obtained
from the leaves and roots is prescribed
for both diabetesmellitus and insipidus
Gymnemic acid is reported to inhibit
melanin formation in vitro. It also
inhibits dental plaque formation.
Dosage _ Root, leaf—2-3 g powder;
10-20 ml decoction.
