Variation in gymnemic acid content and non-destructive harvesting of Gymnema sylvestre (Gudmar)

Abstract

Background:Madhunashini (Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.) commonly known as ‘Gudmar’ in Hindi is an important medicinal climber and extensively used in almost all Indian System of Medicine as a remedy for diabetes, rheumatism, cough, ulcer, jaundice, dyspepsia, constipation, eyes pain and also in snakebite. In India, it is found growing in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The major phytoconstituents are gymnemic acids, gudmarin and saponins.Methods:In the present study, Gymnema germplasm collected from various regions of Madhya Pradesh was evaluated on the basis of their morphological characteristics and gymnemic acid content. Gymnemic acid content in the leaves was estimated by HPLC. We have also standardized the non-destructive harvesting practices of Gudmar. Selective harvesting was done without harming the main plant. Only mature leaves (60%) were hand plucked in the month of October. Second harvest was done in the month of June.Results:Data revealed that gymnemic acid content varied between 0.96% ± 0.03 (Seoni) to 1.58% ±0.03 (Amarkantak). It was also observed that the leaves left at the time of 1st harvest during October matured in June at the time of 2nd harvest.Conclusion:Non destructive harvesting practice did not have any negative impact on overall development of the plant. It is evident that there is wide variation in the morphological characteristics and gymnemic acid content in G. sylvestre collected from various locations, which can be exploited for further crop improvement programmes.

In vivo anti-ulcer, anti-stress, anti-allergic, and functional properties of Gymnemic Acid Isolated from Gymnema sylvestre R Br

“…Even though many commercial drugs are available till date no reports are available on the anti-stress, anti-allergic, and antiulcer activity of the plants extracts so the present study was performed using various in vivo systems to explore the underlying mechanisms and mode of action. Since some researchers reported the seasonal variation of bioactive ‘gymnemagenin’ in Gymnema sylvestre [ 13 , 15 ] , so it is indispensable to characterize the phytochemical constituents of the collected plant for our study. So initially we have characterized the phytochemical constituents of the leaf extract and characterized for the pharmacological properties.…”

Risk assessment of substances used in food supplements: the example of the botanical Gymnema sylvestre

“…In particular, the lack of standardisation in and comparability of G. sylvestre preparations posed a problem. The plant G. sylvestre may have different chemical composition, depending on geographical area (Pandey and Yadav, ) and growing conditions. For Gymnema preparations, different parts of the plant (leaves, stem and flowers) may be used which have different concentrations of active constituents.…”

Reno-Protective Effects of Egyptian Herbal Formula during Experimental Diabetes

“…The gymnemic acid components are believed to block the absorption of glucose in the small intestine. Both gurmarin (another constituent of the leaves) and gymnemic acid have been shown to block sweet taste in humans [21].…”

“…Gymnemic acid, the major constintuent of GSE resemble glucose molecules, thus these acids fill the receptor locations on the taste buds thereby preventing its activation by sugar molecules present in the food, thereby curbing the sugar craving. Similarly, gymnemic acid molecules fill the receptor location in the absorptive external layers of the intestine thereby preventing the absorption of sugar molecules by the intestine, which results in a reduction in blood sugar levels [21]. Also, GSE appears to have the benefits on supporting blood glucose homeostasis of diabetic rats through increased serum insulin levels via repair or regeneration of the endocrine pancrease.…”