An systemic overview of pharmacognostical and therapeutical herbal application of gymnema sylvestre

Gymnema sylvestre, commonly known as Gurmar and belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae, is widely distributed in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, tropical Africa, and the southwestern region of the Republic of China. The plant G. sylvestre is traditionally used as a sugar destroyer in glycosuria and other urinary diseases. The drug is also used in the composition of Ayurvedic preparations such as Ayaskri, Varunadi kasaya, Varunadighrtam, and Mahakalyanakaghrtam. The present review focuses on the reports available in various literatures. The various chemical constituents isolated include saponins, carbohydrates, anthraquinone derivatives, flavones, flavonoids, formic acid, resins, phytin, etc. The chief constituents are saponins like gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, gymnemasides, and gymnemagenin. Gymnema sylvestre is found in capsule, tablet, powder, and tea powder forms. A tablet containing 200-400mg of gymnemic acid is used as a supplement for diabetes and to promote healthy pancreatic function. A 100mg capsule helps maintain blood sugar levels in the normal range and reduce inflammation. Gymnema sylvestre helps to fight sugar cravings and neutralize cravings for sweets.