Discovery of Medicinal Plants at Brahmayoni Hill

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Context

• Researchers have recently discovered a variety of medicinal plants on Brahmayoni Hill in Gaya, Bihar.
• Among these, Gymnema sylvestre (known as Gurmar) stands out for its significant anti-diabetic properties.

Gymnema sylvestre

• Gymnema sylvestre is a perennial woody vine native to Asia, including the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and Australia.
• This plant has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine and is commonly known by names such as gymnema, Australian cowplant, and Periploca of the woods. In Hindi, it is referred to as gurmar, meaning "sugar destroyer."
• This herb is a key component in the anti-diabetic drug BGR-34, developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Description

• The plant is a climber with leaves that have soft hairs on the upper surface.
• The leaves are elongated-oval in shape, and it produces a small, yellow, umbelliferous inflorescence throughout the year.

Properties

• Gymnema sylvestre has a wide range of therapeutic properties and is particularly known for its ability to block sweet taste sensations and affect sugar absorption.

Blocking Sweet Taste Sensations

• The leaves of Gymnema sylvestre contain triterpenoid saponins, flavonols, and gurmarin.
• The primary active compounds, gymnemic acids, can temporarily suppress the taste of sweetness by interacting with taste receptors on the tongue.
• This effect lasts between 15 to 50 minutes and does not influence bitter, salty, or sour taste perception.

Effects on Sugar Absorption and Insulin Secretion

• Gymnemic acid compounds in Gymnema sylvestre can attach to receptors on the intestinal walls, reducing the absorption of sugar molecules in the gut.
• This process helps to lower blood sugar and promote insulin secretion and release.

Benefits of Gurmar

• Gurmar is notable for its ability to lower blood sugar levels. This effect is due to gymnemic acid, which blocks sugar receptors in the intestine, reducing the absorption of sugar and curbing sweet cravings.
• Additionally, Gurmar contains flavonoids and saponins. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties, while saponins help lower cholesterol levels, thereby supporting overall lipid metabolism.

Gurmar in Modern Medicine

• Gurmar is one of three significant medicinal plants found on Brahmayoni Hill, a region with a long history of traditional healing.
• It is a crucial ingredient in BGR-34, an Ayurvedic formulation developed by CSIR and marketed by Aimil Pharma.
• BGR-34 has been validated by studies, including one from AIIMS Delhi, for its effectiveness in managing both blood sugar levels and obesity, and improving metabolic functions.

Uses in various places

Gymnema sylvestre is used in various forms and for different purposes:

• Reduction of Sugar Intake: Extracts of Gymnema sylvestre in the form of lozenges, mouthwash, or tea reduce the consumption of sweet foods and overall caloric intake. Research suggests that these extracts also diminish sugar cravings.
• Weight Loss: In Japan, 50 tons of Gymnema sylvestre leaves are consumed annually for weight loss. Early research indicates that a specific combination of Gymnema sylvestre extract, hydroxycitric acid, and niacin-bound chromium might reduce body weight in overweight or obese individuals.
• Traditional Uses: In Eastern and Ayurvedic medicine, Gymnema sylvestre has been used to treat various ailments, including eye diseases, allergies, constipation, cough, obesity, stomach ailments, and viral infections. It has also been used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and aphrodisiac.

Recent Research

• BGR-34 also includes other beneficial ingredients like Daruharidra and Giloy.
• Researchers have identified several medicinal plants on Brahmayoni Hill in Gaya, Bihar, with Gymnema sylvestre, commonly known as Gurmar, being one of the most significant findings.
• Renowned for its anti-diabetic properties, Gurmar has already been utilized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in developing the anti-diabetic drug BGR-34.

SOURCE: LIVEMINT