Gymnema sylvestre

 Scientists have developed a phytopharmaceutical derived from the medicinal plant Gymnema sylvestre for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

 The therapy also shows potential for managing other chronic wounds and inflammatory skin disorders.

Gymnemic acids have antidiabetic, antisweetener and anti-inflammatory activities. The antidiabetic array of molecules has been identified as a group of closely related gymnemic acids after it was successfully isolated and purified from the leaves of G. sylvestre

G. sylvestre leaves have been found to cause hypoglycemia in laboratory tests and have found a use in herbal medicine to help treat adult onset diabetes mellitus. When Gymnema leaf extract is administered to a diabetic patient, there is stimulation of the pancreas by virtue of which there is an increase in insulin release 

Gymnema leaf extract, notably the peptide ‘Gurmarin’, has been found to interfere with the ability of the taste buds on the tongue to taste sweet and bitter. Gymnemic acid has a similar effect. It is believed that by inhibiting the sweet taste sensation, people taking it will limit their intake of sweet foods, and this activity may be partially responsible for its hypoglycemic effec