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Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. is a perennial shrub found over the tops of woody trees in tropical forest of
India. It is a miracle plant having great anti-diabetic potential. Apart from this it has various traditional
uses like in the treatment of urinary complaints, stomach problems, piles, chronic cough, breathing
troubles, asthma, eye complaints, cardiopathy, constipation, jaundice, and bronchitis. An inspection of
literature revealed some extraordinary pharmacological activities of this plant such as anti-obesity, antiinflammatory,
anti-microbial, hypolipidemic and anti-arthritic activity. Gymnema leaves have many
bioactive compounds like Gymnemic acid which is responsible for its tremandous activity specialy its
blood glucose lowering capacity. The present review is an effort to emphasize the various traditional use
as well as pharmacological uses on G. sylvestre.
Keywords: Gymnema sylvestre, Gymnemic acid, Hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic potential.