Abstract
Gymnema sylvestre, also known as gurmar, is an evergreen climber originated in tropical Asia, Africa and Australia. It has been used for centuries in traditional ayurvedic medicine for treatment of many illnesses, such as diabetes, obesity, malaria, skin diseases, asthma, cough, inflammations, infections, and snakebite.
The research has identified the main active components as oleanan- and dammarane-type triterpenic saponins (gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, and gymnemosides). Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects were confirmed in animal studies and clinical trials, further research continues.