A MIRACULOUS ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT OF CHHATTISGARH – GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE

Abstract

Gymnema sylvestre (R.Br.), (Medhasirghi) family: Ascleiadaceae is deciduous seed plant. It is an important medicinal plant which grows wild in the tropical forests of central, western and southern India and in the tropical areas of Africa, Australia and China. It is popularly known as Gurmar. Gymnema sylvestre is a vine-like plant and is considered as herbal remedy for high blood sugar. The important active ingredient of Gymnema sylvestre is an organic acid called “Gymnemic acid”. The recent studies have shown that the extract of Gymnema sylvestre is useful in controlling blood sugar to treat type-II diabetes. Chewing the leaves destroys the ability to discriminate the “sweet” taste,. This plant is commonly known as gurmar, medhasirghi or “sugar destroyer.”. Floristic study of the erstwhile seven district of chhattisgarh was made by nation botanical research institute, lacknow and identified as Gymnema sylvestre  is endangered plant in Chattisgarh