Traditions in Practice

Gymnema sylvestre: Boosts your insulinChhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh comprises mostly dense forests. The tribal region of Patalkot is located at a depth of 1200-1500 feet in a valley near Tamia in the north of the district. Because of the great depth at which it is located, this place is christened as 'Patalkot' (Patal means very deep, in Sanskrit). Patalkot is spread over an area of 79 sq.km. at an average height of 2750-3250 feet above mean sea level.
There are 12 villages and 13 hamlets in this valley, with a total population of nearly 2000. Because of the inaccessibility of this area, the tribals of this region were totally cut off from the civilized world. Most of the people in Patalkot belong to 'Bharia' and 'Gond' tribes. This valley is situated on the Satpura plateau in the southern central part of the Madhya Pradesh. During a survey which carried out from 1997 to 2004, the lead author (Dr Acharya) explored the area of Patalkot valley and collected information on the herbs available.
The Secret of HerbsPlants have been source of medicine since ancient time. Thousands of books and articles have been written so far. Several thousands medicinal plants are discussed and used to cure various health disorders in India and abroad also. In India, almost 45,000 plant species grow naturally or are being cultivated. There are many popular Indian herbs used in traditional practices to cure diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre has having an important place in such antidiabetic medicinal herbs.
During the early 1990's, this herb was found in abundance in Patalkot valley. It's a climber but it could not survive well after the deforestation and cutting down of the larger trees. Now-a-days, this herb has becoming rare in this valley.
Plant Profile
Synonyms:Periploca sylvestris Willd., Gymnema melicida Edgew.
Family:Asclepiadaceae
English Name:Suger destroyer, Periploca of the woods.
Sanskrit Names:Ajaballi, Ajagandini, Ajashringi, Bahalchakshu, Chakshurabahala, Grihadruma, Karnika, Kshinavartta, Madhunasini, Medhasingi, Meshashringi, Meshavishanika, Netaushadhi, Putrashringi, Sarpadanshtrika, Tiktadughdha, Vishani.
Local Names in India
Hindi - Gur-mar, merasingi;
Bengali - Mera-singi;
Marathi - Kavali, kalikardori, vakundi;
Gujarati - Dhuleti, mardashingi;
Telugu - Podapatri;
Tamil - Adigam, cherukurinja;
Kannada - Sannager-asehambu;
Malyalam - Cakkarakkolli, Madhunashini.
HabitatGrows wild in forest as a climber, also found in the plains around the coast, in scrub jungles and in thickets.
Medicinal PropertyThe plant is stomachic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic. It is good for cough, biliousness and sore eyes. If the leaves of the plant are chewed, the sense of taste for sweet and bitter substances is suppressed. The leaves are said to be used as a remedy for diabetes. It has been included among the most important herbs for all doshas (Mhasker & Caius, 1930; Holistic, 2004). It has shown effective activity against Bacillus pumilis, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (Satdive et al., 2003). Tribals in Chhindi rub the leaves on infected body parts to cure infections.
The leaf powder is tasteless with a faint pleasant aromatic odour. It stimulates the heart and the circulatory system, increases the secretion of urine, and activates the uterus. Tribals of Central India prepare decoctions of Methi (fenugreek - Trigonella foenum-graecum), Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Ajwan (Trachyspermum ammi), gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), vayu-vidanga (Embelia ribes), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Harra (Terminalia chebula), and chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) to cure diabetes and stress related disorders.
Traditional healers from various states of India use this plant in various ailments. Leaf is given in gastric troubles in Rajasthan. Traditional healers of Maharastra prescribe it for urinary problems and stomachache whereas in Madhya Pradesh, tribals and local healers apply the leaf extract for cornea opacity and other eye diseases. In Andhra Pradesh it is used in glycosuria.
Gymnema in tkeVedasAccording to Charak Samhita, it removes bad odour from breast milk. This plant is useful as purgative, in eye trouble. Leaf extract and flower is beneficial for the eyes. The bark is administered in diseases caused by vitiated kapha (phlegm). According the Bagbhat, rootbark is useful in piles.
In Ayurveda it is reported to be acrid, alexipharmic, anodyne, anthelmintic, antipyretic, astringent, bitter, cardiotonic, digestive, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, laxative, stimulant, stomachic, uterine tonic; useful in amennorrhoea, asthma, bronchitis, cardiopathy, conjunctivitis, constipation, cough, dyspepsia, haemorroids, hepatosplenomegaly, inflammations, intermittant fever, jaundice and leucoderma. The root is said to have emetic properties and removes phlegm; external applications are useful in insect bites.
Acharya D, Shrivastava A and Pawar S: Gymnema sylvestre: Boosts your insulin - Traditional medicines of Gonds and Bharias http://www.disabled-world.com/ 26 Jun 2005, 18:24
This article is for information only and readers are advised not to self medicate without first consulting their physician.
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