GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE R.Br.

ORIGIN AND BOTANICAL TRAITS Family Asclepiadaceae Botanical name Gymnema sylvastre r.br. Ex schult Common Name - Gurmar Tamil name: Sirukurinjan Other Indian names Medhashingi Kaawallee Godmari Gurmar. Mesasringi Sringi Ajasringi Madhynasini Srivriksa Ghanasringi Caksuhya Bahylangaka Botanical trait A woody, climbing shrub A perennial climber found in Western Ghats, Konkan, Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Chemical Constituent The major phytoconstituents are Gymenic acids, Gurmarin, a polypetide of 35 amino acids and Saponins Plant bases Leaves Choline, Betaine etc Contains several O-iso-propylidene derivatives of gymnemagenin, a hexahydro-terpene, crystalline gymnemagenin, gymnestrogenin1,2 and gymnemic acid (the antisweet principle), which is a complex mixture of atleast nine closely related acidic glycosides. Sarpadamstha Daksinavarta Medravalli Cakranemi Varatikta Mahakali Tiktadugdha Dvitya Supucchika Padavriksa Mesavisanika.

APPLICATION

Gymnema or Gymnema Sylvestre is often referred to as sugar destroyer and has been used in Ayurveda since the 6th century B. C. It has been shown to have a regenerative effect on pancreatic beta cells while curbing a persons craving for sweets. Leaves have a peculiar property of neutralising temporarily the taste sensation for sugar and traditionally used to suppress the sensation of sweetness. Gurmarin, a constituent of the leaves and gymnemic acid have been shown to block sweet taste in humans. Some researchers have suggested gymnemic acid as one possible candidate responsible for antidiabetic activity. Parts Root Application Expectorant and emetic. Used in stomach pain. Reputed as a remedy for snake bite. Extract of leaves is stimulant, diuretic, cardiovascular and hypoglycemic and has purgative action. Used in diabetes, chewed to reduce glycosuria. Used as an antidiabetic. Gymnemic acids are useful for prevention of the formation of dental plaque and caries. Stimulates heart and the circulatory system, increases secretion of urine and activates uterus Used in the medicines which cures cough, dyspepsia ulcers, jaundice etc.

Leaves

Leaf powder Plant as a whole CULTIVATION PRACTICES Regions cultivated in India

Grown in Western Ghats, Konkan, Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Soil conditions and climate Propagation The plant is ideal for planting under dry land Done by rooted cuttings

Planting Spacing Support Harvesting Harvesting period Seed Season: Yield per hectare

Rooted cuttings are planted during the month of June to July. The cuttings can be planted at 7 feet spacing and a total of 750 plants per acre. The plants should be supported by trellies for high yield. About six harvest can be made in a year September to February 3 to 4 months seedlings Any Season The average yield in one harvest could be 2000 kg of fresh herb per acre and a total of 12000 kg leaves can be obtained in one year Upon drying, the total yield could be around 2000 kg per hectare Perennial crop, one year

Type and Duration of crop:

EXTRACTION PROCESS Plant part used: Leaves and roots

The process involves shade drying of the creeper Gymnema sylvestre extract is also available with 50% w/w and 75% w/w Gymnemic acids The product is formulated and sold as powder or capsules Available in a pack of 60 capsules (250 mg). The capsules do not contain added sugar, salt, artificial colours, flavors or preservatives.

DRIVING FACTORS FOR DEMAND As early as 1930, researchers were reporting this botanicals blood glucose-lowering actions. In modern India, this plant is used either singly or in combination with other Ayurvedic compounds as a successful remedy against diabetes mellitus. Demand assessment

Gymnema has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes and to regulate sugar metabolism for over 2,000 years. It has a molecular structure similar to that of sugar that can block absorption of up to 50% of dietary sugar calories. Gymnema can be taken for:- Diabetes,- Hypoglycemia,- Weight Management,- Cholesterol,- Anemia,- Digestion Gymnema provides a simple and effective method to help maintain healthy glucose levels. Gymnema contains Gymnemic acid (GA), quercitol, lupeol, -amyrin and stigmasterol, which have glucose lowering properties. It works safely within current regimen to promote proper pancreatic function. This may be why the industry is currently seeing an increase in demand for Gymnema extracts. FACTORS INFLUENCING THE POSITION FOR A NEW INDUSTRY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Gymnema has been successful in controlling the blood sugar level without reducing it to below the normal blood sugar level, an effect seen with the use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic sulphonylurea compounds. The demand for the product can be substantially stepped up by initiating Research and Development and Marketing efforts.