Comprehensive Review on Origin, Distribution, Micropropagation and Agronomical Practices of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br

Abstract

Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm.  is a medicinal crop that belongs to the Apocynaceae family and occurs throughout Asia, Africa, and Australia. This herb is used in several traditional medicine practices for a wide range of ailments, including in Ayurevda, for its potential to reduce blood glucose levels. It is used as a pharmacological ingredient, mainly for the presence of bioactive phytochemicals such as gurmarin, gymnemic acid, and gymnemasaponins, which have been shown to lower glucose levels. Gymnema sylvestre is also recognized as an important nutritional supplement for its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, gastro- and hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, and lipid-lowering properties. The main objective of this study is to have a comprehensive review of Gymnema sylvestre on origin and distribution, germplasm availability, a package of practices and post-harvest practices to increase the area under cultivation of this herb. Despite having a well-developed package of practices, this herb is rarely cultivated and nearly 80% of the required quantities are being collected from wild sources, which will lead to extinction. This study will provide an unabridged repository of references regarding the species for its effective and safe utilization as a "potential medicinal herb" for creating awareness on the use of plant-based medicine.