mixture of triterpene saponins. These have been designated as gymnemic acids A,B,C and D
which have the gymnemagenin and gymnestrogenins as the aglycones of gymnemic acid A
and B and gymnemic acid C and D respectively. These are hexahydroxy triterpenes the latter
being partially acylated. The sugar residues are glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid while
ferulic and angelic acids have been attached as the carboxylic acid.
Chewing of leaves reduces sensitivity to sweet substances. Effects of gymnema
extracts had been variable. While verifying the effect of G. sylvestre leaves on detoxification
of snake venom, it has been reported that a toxic component of venom ATP and gymnemate
bind at the same site inhibiting venom ATP-ase. The active principles which have been
identified as glycosides (7 gymnemic acids) suggest that the topical and selective anaesthetic
effect of the plant might result from the competition of the receptor sites between glycosides
and the sweet substances (Warren et al, 1969). The leaves are antidiabetic and
insulinotropic. Gymnemic acid is antiviral. The plant is bitter, astringent, acrid, thermogenic,
antiinflammatory, anodyne, digestive, liver tonic, emetic, diuretic, stomachic, stimulant,
anthelmintic, alexipharmic, laxative, cardiotonic, expectorant, antipyretic and uterine tonic.
ron
(Ron)
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