A Review of Anti-diabetic Activity of Gymnema sylvestre and Pterocarpus marsupium: Special Emphasis on its Combination in 4DM

Abstract

Gymnema sylvestre is a significant herb in traditional system of medicine and as well as in Ayurveda. The triterpene saponins which includes gymnemic acids, gymnosaponins and a polypeptide gurmarin are the main bioactive principle of Gymnema sylvestre and these phytoconstituents are mainly responsible for its antidiabetic property; Gymnema sylvestre also exhibits a wide range of therapeutic actions like anti-inflammatory, anti-hypercholesteromia, cardioprotective activity etc. It also is used in arthritis, diuretic, anemia, osteoporosis, asthma, indigestion etc. Pterocarpus marsupium is also a medicinal plant which is well known for its anti-diabetic property and other various therapeutic usages. This is a woody tree, mainly the heart wood contains the bioactive principle pterostilbene, (-) epicatechin, pterosupin, marsupin, tannins etc. which are responsible for its anti-diabetic activity. 4DM is a combination of Gymnema sylvestre and Pterocarpus marsupium - a product of Biotex Life Solutions (India). The preparation is equally proportionate, i.e. in a 1:1 ratio. Gymnema sylvestre and Pterocarpus marsupium extraction has been done in a specific standardized condition to obtain 25% Gymnemic acid and 5% Pterostilbene respectively.