A CRITICAL REVIEW ON POTENTIAL PHARMACOLOGICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE R. Br.

Ahamad, Javed and Sh. Mohammed Ameen, Muath and T. Anwer, Esra (2018) A CRITICAL REVIEW ON POTENTIAL PHARMACOLOGICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE R. Br. Journal of Global Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9 (3). pp. 5869-5886.

Text (Research Article) bWkqLm.pdf - Published Version Download (847kB)

Abstract

This review aims to present the potential information related to pharmacological actions and chemical composition of Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae), which is used in many Asian countries as a traditional medicine especially for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Our main objective was to collect information about pharmacological actions and active constituents of this plant. Review of literature included PubMed, Science Direct searches with ‘Gymnema sylvestre’ and ‘gurmar’ as initial key words. The search was further refined by looking for terms such as ‘Constituents’ (or composition) and ‘Activity’ (or effect) within the results. The major bioactive constituents of G. sylvestre are a group of triterpenoid glycosides known as gymnemic acids with gymnemagenin as common aglycone. 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 because it reduces body weight, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The G. sylvestre is a rich source of chemically novel compounds and needs elaborate screening strategies to dwell into the pharmacological effects of its phyto-constituents at the molecular level.

Actions (login required)

View Item