ABSTRACT
Gymnema sylvestre is an important herb that flourishes in different geographical regions of the world. The leaves of the herb have hypoglycemic properties and is given to the diabetic patient in Indian traditional systems of medicine. The plant has several uses in Ayurveda and Unani systems, including digestive, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, antimicrobial and hypolipidemic, and it is also given to treat dyspepsia, constipation, jaundice, hemorrhoids, leucoderma, bronchitis, asthma and heart diseases. Gymnemic acid is the key phytochemical constituent of the herb. Its extracts are important dietary supplements as they trim down body weight, triglyceride levels and blood cholesterol. The present review of G. sylvestre investigates its antidiabetic efficacy as well as traditional and modern pharmacological properties of the plant. The botanical description, phytochemical constituents, cultivation practices and safety issues of the plant have also been described in the chapter.
