Plant Remedies  Ram's Horn

Ram's Horn
Latin name: Gymnema sylvestre Roxb
Sanskrit / Indian name: Gurmar, Meshashringi

The main constituent of this large, woody climber is gymnemic acid which has anti-diabetic properties.

The alcoholic extract of leaves and stems is hypoglycemic. The extract in vitro was effective against diabetes and insulinotropic action was seen in rabbits. The leaf extract is a cardiovascular stimulant and hypoglycemic. It is used in glycosuria and has purgative properties. The plant is laxative, diuretic and stomachic. 

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Gymnemic acid contained within the leaf extract is believed to inhibit hyperglycemia.It cancels the taste of sugar and is said to neutralize excessive sugar present in the body in diabetes mellitus. Its regenerative effect has been seen on pancreatic beta cells and it is insulinotropic.

References

• Gupta, S.S. and Variyar, M.C. Experimental studies on pitutary diabetes:IV. Effect of G.sylvestre and C. indica against the hyperglycemic response of somatotropin and corticotropin hormones. Indian J. Med. Res. 1964, 52, 200.
• Ralki, A.N., Viswanathan, A. and Shanmugasundaram, K.R. Studies on protein bound polysaccharide components and glycosaminglycons in experimental diabetes. Effect of G. sylvestre. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1981, 19,715