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Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm is a vital medicinal plant effective in treatment of Diabetes mellitus. The soft scale, Megapulvinaria maxima (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), has emerged as a significant pest infesting Gymnema sylvestre in the semi-arid region of India. A random survey revealed infestation on leaves, stems, and fruits, by both nymphs and adults extracting plant sap and secreting excess honeydew. This honeydew adversely impacts leaf quality which is essential for bio-molecule extraction. Early pest detection is crucial for effective management, but the precise morphological identification of scale insects poses challenges. Utilizing morphological keys and sequencing the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene (GenBank No. OR602704), we identified the scale insects as M. maxima. Evolutionary divergence studies and phylogenetic analysis indicated no divergence with the Republic of Korea isolate (MK543913), while with the isolate of the accession number, MW450949 highest evolutionary divergence was exhibited (0.72%). The isolates (KP189890) and (KP189893) from China showed less association with the study isolate compared to other populations. The severity of incidence peaked during the 48th and 45th standard meteorological weeks (SMW) in 2019–20 and 2020–21, reaching severity levels of 3.67 and 3.56, respectively. In both years, morning relative humidity showed a significantly positive correlation (r = 0.152 and 0.364*). These findings offer valuable insights for early pest detection and formulating effective management strategies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of M. maxima affecting the medicinal herb G. sylvestre in India and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing incidence of breast cancer and bacterial biofilm in medical devices significantly heightens global mortality and morbidity, challenging synthetic drugs. Consequently, greener-synthesized nanomaterials have emerged as a versatile alternative for various biomedical applications, offering new therapeutic avenues. This study explores the synthesis of biocompatible zinc oxide (ZnONPs) nanoparticles using Gymnema sylvestre and its antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic properties. Characterization of ZnONPs inferred that UV–Vis spectra exhibited a sharp peak at 370 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopical analysis revealed the presence of active functional groups such as aldehyde, alkyne, cyclic alkene, sulfate, alkyl aryl ether, and Zn–O bonds. X-ray diffraction analysis results confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticle. Scanning electron microscope analysis evidenced hexagonal morphology, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed zinc content. High-resolution transmission electron microscope analysis showed hexagonal and rod-shaped ZnONPs with a size of 5 nm. Zeta potential results affirmed the stability of nanoparticles. The ZnONPs effectively inhibited gram-positive (18–20 mm) than gram-negative (12–18 mm) bacterial pathogens with lower bacteriostatic and higher bactericidal values. Biofilm inhibitory property inferred ZnONPs were more effective against gram-positive (38–94%) than gram-negative bacteria (27–86%). The concentration of ZnONPs to exert 50% biofilm-inhibitory is lower against gram-positive bacteria (179.26–203.95 μg/mL) than gram-negative bacteria (201.46–236.19 μg/mL). Microscopic visualization inferred that at 250 μg/mL, ZnONPs strongly disrupted biofilm formation, as evidenced by decreased biofilm density and altered architecture. The cytotoxicity of ZnONPs against breast cancer cells showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability with an IC50 value of 19.4 µg/mL. AO/EB staining indicated early and late apoptotic cell death of breast cancer cells under fluorescence microscopy. The results of hemolytic activity validated the biocompatibility of the ZnONPs. Thus, the unique properties of the green-synthesized ZnONPs suggest their potential as effective drug carriers for targeted delivery in cancer therapy and the treatment of biofilm-related infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnema sylvestre (GS) and berberine (BBR) are natural products that have demonstrated therapeutic potential for the management of obesity and its comorbidities, as effective and safe alternatives to synthetic drugs. Although their anti-obesogenic and antidiabetic properties have been widely studied, comparative research on their impact on the gene expression of adipokines, such as resistin (Res), omentin (Ome), visfatin (Vis) and apelin (Ap), has not been reported. Methodology: We performed a comparative study in 50 adult Mexican patients with obesity treated with GS or BBR for 3 months. The baseline and final biochemical parameters, body composition, blood pressure, gene expression of Res, Ome, Vis, and Ap, and safety parameters were evaluated. Results: BBR significantly decreased (p < 0.05) body weight, blood pressure and Vis and Ap gene expression and increased Ome, while GS decreased fasting glucose and Res gene expression (p < 0.05). A comparative analysis of the final measurements revealed a lower gene expression of Ap and Vis (p < 0.05) in patients treated with BBR than in those treated with GS. The most frequent adverse effects in both groups were gastrointestinal symptoms, which attenuated during the first month of treatment. Conclusion: In patients with obesity, BBR has a better effect on body composition, blood pressure, and the gene expression of adipokines related to metabolic risk, while GS has a better effect on fasting glucose and adipokines related to insulin resistance, with minimal side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are rich in biologically active phytoconstituents and therapeutic compounds that have wide applications in pharmaceutical industry. The ameliorative actions of such phytochemicals could be attributed to the presence of dietary fibre, detoxifying mediators, neuropharmacological agents, antioxidants, anticancer mediators, etc. In the present study, we investigated the in vivo antivenom potential of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br leaf extract (GSE)in experimental animal model. The study also investigated the antioxidant potential (in vitro) of GSE (aqueous and methanolic) along with qualitative phytochemical constituent tests. Phytochemical tests were performed by qualitative method to detect the presence of different phytoconstituents within the leaf. Different quantitative tests (DPPH scavenging, H2O2 scavenging, Ferric reducing activity) were performed. The IC50 value was determined from the different concentration. To detect the venom neutralization effects, in vitro PLA2 and in vivo lethality, haemorrhage, edema neutralization studies were performed. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the leaf (400 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body wt.) provided protection against the lethal dose of venom and showed a successful anti-hemorrhagic and edema neutralization activity against Daboia russelli venom (DRV). In vitro PLA2 neutralization activity of the leaf showed up to 3-fold protection. Methanolic extract exhibited the significant results in both qualitative phytochemical analysis as well as in vitro antioxidant studies. The results specify that the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. possess antioxidant as well as antivenom potential and could act as a free radical inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is a serious metabolic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin action or insulin resistance. It can impair various metabolic pathways in cellular metabolism, leading to significant long term effects. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, leaves of Gymnema sylvestre (GS) have been traditionally utilized to manage diabetes. Aim of the study: This study aims is aimed to investigate the mechanism of action driven by the chemical constituents in potentially treating diabetes. Methods: Metabolite profiling of the methanolic extract from Gymnema sylvestre leaves (MLGS) was conducted using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and ultraperformance-liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UP-LCMS). Molecular Docking and MD simulations were carried out to investigate the interaction between selective phytoconstituents and the antidiabetic target, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ). Results: MLGS demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, estimated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and with an IC50 of 103.73 μg/mL. Aditionally, MLGS also exhibited substantial inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with an IC50 of 113.49 μg/mL and 127.40 μg/mL, respectively. Using TLC-MS-bioautography, two antioxidant metabolites and three α-amylase inhibitory metabolites were identified Quercetin was identified in both α-amylase and antioxidant prominent bands. Identified phytoconstituents, namely rutin and lupeol, exhibited favorable docking interactions with PPARγ. MD simulations results indicate that rutin creates a well-built protein-ligand complex, showed minor structural modifications, and could exhibit agonistic activity with PPARγ. This suggesting the potential of rutin as a druggable compound to treat diabetes. Conclusion: These findings suggest that MLGS is enriched with antidiabetic phytoconstituents, warranting further exploration through the isolation of antidiabetic metabolites and their testing in animal models.

This study investigated the chemical constituents, antioxidant potential, and in vitro and in silico antidiabetic activity of Gymnema sylvestre. Column chromatography and spectroscopic techniques identified twelve compounds from the methanol extract, including 4 sterols (1–4), 5 triterpenoids (5–9), and 3 flavonoids (10–12). The chemophenetic significance of all compounds was also investigated. The antioxidant capacity of the extract and compounds (1–4) was evaluated using FRAP and DPPH assays. The extract exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 48.34 µg/mL), while compounds (1–4) displayed varying degrees of efficacy (IC50 = 98.30–286.13 µg/mL). The FRAP assay indicated significant reducing power for both extract and compounds (58.54, 47.61, 56.61, and 49.11 mg Eq.VitC/g for extract and compounds 1 & 2, 3, and 4, respectively). The antidiabetic potential was assessed through α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assays. The crude extract demonstrated the most potent inhibition (IC50 = 218.46 and 57.42 µg/mL for α-glucosidase and α-amylase respectively) suggesting its potential for managing postprandial hyperglycaemia. In silico studies employed molecular docking and dynamics simulations to elucidate the interactions between identified compounds and α-amylase/α-glucosidase enzymes. The results revealed promising binding affinities between the compounds and target enzymes, with compound 6 demonstrating the highest predicted inhibitory activity with −10 kcal/mol and −9.1 kcal/mol for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. This study highlights the presence of diverse bioactive compounds in Gymnema sylvestre. The extract exhibits antioxidant properties and inhibits carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapeutic approach for managing hyperglycaemia associated with type 2 diabetes.

This article presents the findings of a study on the anti-hyperglycemic effects of three indigenous drugs: Momordica charantia, Gymnema sylvestre, and Piper betle. The study was conducted on rabbits and found that all three herbal extracts were effective in reducing fasting blood glucose levels. The results suggest that these indigenous drugs could be potential alternative treatments for hyperglycemia. The study also compared the effects of the herbal extracts to the commonly used drug glyburide and found them to be comparable. [Extracted from the article]

This study investigated the effect of methanol extract of Gymnema sylvestre (Gs) leaves on body/organ weight and selected biochemical parameters of serum, liver, and kidney of potassium bromate-treated rats. The animals were grouped into six groups with the control as group 1 while others were administered KBrO3 (20 mg/kg body weight (bwt)) only, Gs extract (200 mg/kg bwt) only, Gs extract (500 mg/kg bwt) only or with KBrO3 (20 mg/kg bwt) and Gs extract (200 or 500 mg/kg bwt). Liver and kidney function indices were determined by spectrophotometric assay of the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations respectively, while serum electrolyte: Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+ and HCO3- concentrations were determined using an automatic electrolyte analyzer. KBrO3 induced a significant increase (p=0.05) in the liver and kidney function indices when compared to the control after 10 and 15 days of administration. The increase in activity of the serum enzymes confirmed the property of KBrO3 as a membrane labilisers. The administration of methanol extract of Gs leaves to KBrO3-treated rats significantly reversed (p=0.05) the increase in activity of the liver enzymes as well as the electrolyte concentrations for both days. This is suggestive of the hepatoprotective potential and ability to protect the urinary tract by the plant extract. The results of this study suggest the possible application of the methanol extract of Gs leaves as a remedy for KBrO3 toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research was to perform Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae) extract's phytochemical screening and identify its therapeutic potential. Using a Soxhlet apparatus, the powdered plant material was extracted using ethyl acetate. The preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, and steroids. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy analysis of the extract was performed and confirmed the presence of 11 compounds. As per the quantitative analysis, the extract exhibited a phenolic content of 948 µg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, a total flavonoid content of 398 µg quercetin equivalent/g dry weight, and an alkaloid content of 487 µg atropine equivalent/g dry weight. As per the in vitro cytotoxicity test using A549 cells, the IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) value for the extract was found to be 76.06 ± 1.26 µg/mL, indicating its cytotoxic effect on the cells. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antibacterial efficacy, as evidenced by a zone of clearance measuring 3 mm against Escherichia coli and 6 mm against Bacillus subtilis. For anthelmintic activity, the earthworm paralysis time induced by G. sylvestre extract (10 mg/mL) was 28.13 ± 0.8 min, and the time of death was 68.21 ± 1.72 min. In comparison, the reference drug, piperazine citrate (10 mg/mL), caused paralysis in 22.18 ± 1.02 min and resulted in death at 66.22 ± 2.35 min. Similarly, the coagulation time was notably prolonged, with blood clot formation observed at 1 min and 40 s, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, which underscores the potential anticoagulant or hemostatic modulation properties of G. sylvestre extract. The test extract showed good inhibition of alpha-amylase activity and exhibited an IC50 value of 15.59 µg/mL. The IC50 value for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)-scavenging activity for the extract was 19.19 µg/mL. Based on the GCMS results, the compound 2,7-dimethyl-undecane was selected for its anticancer potential. Docking studies were conducted with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein, specifically the 5WB7 variant associated with lung cancer. The docking score was −4.5, indicating a potential interaction. Key interaction residues such as ASN328, VAL350, and THR358 were identified. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the phytochemical composition and diverse biological activities of G. sylvestre extract, offering a foundation for further exploration of its medicinal and pharmacological potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by high blood glucose levels and lipid alterations. Besides pharmacological treatment, lifestyle modifications and nutraceuticals can be used to manage glucose and lipid profiles, which is crucial for preventing, or avoiding, serious consequences associated with the condition. This randomized controlled clinical trial on 75 patients with T2DM evaluated the effects of a combination of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol (40:1), α-lactalbumin, Gymnema sylvestre, and zinc on glucose and lipid profile. The intention-to-treat analysis displayed no significant differences in glucose parameters between the groups; however, the study group displayed reduced levels of total cholesterol (p = 0.01) and LDL (p = 0.03) after 3 months of supplementation. A subgroup analysis involving patients who did not modify their antidiabetic therapy, after 6 months displayed improved levels of total cholesterol (p = 0.03) and LDL (p = 0.04) in the study group versus placebo, along with a greater body weight reduction (p = 0.03) after 3 months. Furthermore, within the study group, levels of HDL (p = 0.03) and triglycerides (p = 0.04) improved after 3 months. These findings support supplementation with myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol (40:1), α-lactalbumin, Gymnema sylvestre, and zinc as an adjuvant and safe strategy to manage the lipid profiles of patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), has been a global health concern. Mtb affects over a third of the world’s population, causing two million deaths annually due to its dormancy and propensity to spread infection during this period. Resuscitation-promoting factor B (RpfB) plays a pivotal role in the growth of Mtb during dormant periods, making it a critical target for eliminating Mtb and curing TB. Gymnema sylvestre is a famous medicinal plant with several medicinal properties, including antimicrobial activity; however, the therapeutic potential of the various reported metabolites of this plant against Mtb has not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to explore the reported natural products of G. sylvestre against the RpfB of the Mtb. A total of 131 reported secondary metabolites of this plant were collected and virtually screened against the RpfB. We particularly targeted the Glu292 residue of RpfB as it is crucial for the catalysis of this protein. From our in-house library, 114 compounds showed a binding affinity higher than the standard drug. The binding stability of the top three lead compounds was further confirmed through MD simulation analysis. Drug likeness analyses indicated that the ten hits had zero violations of the Lipinski rule of five. In addition, analyses of pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and target prediction revealed that the top compounds are devoid of toxicity and do not affect human proteins. Additionally, they reflect multifaceted approach as anti-TB agents. Our selected hits not only exhibit molecular properties favoring physiological compatibility but also exhibit properties enhancing their potential efficacy as therapeutic candidates. The compounds investigated here are worthy of experimental validation for the discovery of novel treatments against TB. Further, this study also provides a promising avenue for research on the pharmacological potential of G. sylvestre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to explore the anti‐diabetic effect of aqueous extracts of Gymnema sylvestre, Trigonella foenum‐graecum and mixture of both the plants in alloxan‐induced diabetic rabbits. A total of 30 rabbits were grouped into six equal groups as: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg body weight (bw) G. sylvestre, diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg bw T. foenum‐graecum, diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg bw mixture of both the plants and diabetic treated with 500 mg/kg bw metformin for 4 weeks. Diabetes was induced to all the study group animals except normal control by intravenous administration of alloxan monohydrate (80 mg/kg bw). Blood glucose was measured by glucometer and other biochemical parameters were determined through various kit methods. Serum insulin was measured through ELISA kit method. Results showed that both the plants and metformin significantly (p <.05) decreased the fasting blood glucose. Hypoglycemic activity of aqueous extract of G. sylvestre and metformin was found slightly higher than aqueous extract of T. foenum‐graecum and the mixture of both the plants. However, a significant (p <.05) rise in insulin secretion was observed in studied plants extract treated rabbits. Serum urea, creatinine, and liver enzymes were found reduced significantly (p <.05) in treated rabbits whereas packed cell volume was also returned to normal in treated animals as compared to control group. The study concluded that G. sylvestre and T. foenum‐graecum extracts have comparable effects with metformin in normalizing the blood glucose level and have more pronounced effect than metformin in restoring the serum biochemical parameters to normal levels. Hence, these plants may be the good alternative medicine in managing the diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is described as a metabolic disorder, which was characterised by high blood glucose levels, which were resulted due to insufficient insulin secretion. There were major complications related to diabetes mellitus. To evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Gymnema sylvestre Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles. Streptozotocin (STZ) of 50mg/kg is used for the induction of diabetes into Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 6 groups. Group-I represented as Control; Group-II represented as diabetic control (STZ); Group-III represented as 5 mg/kg body weight of glibenclamide + diabetes; Group-IV represented as Gymnema sylvestre extract + diabetes; Group-V represented as 100 µg Gymnema sylvestre Zinc Oxide nanoparticles + diabetes; group-6-Gymnema sylvestre Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles 200 µg + diabetes. The GsZnONPs were inspected to morphological properties using UV spectrophotometer and FTIR. The GsZnONPs shown characterization peak at 300nm. The study has shown that GsZnONPs treated group has shown reduced glucose concentration. The histopathological alterations were also studied in all experimental groups. The pathology results of GsZnONPs (200 µg) group has shown the regeneration of islets cells of pancreas. The research study has proved that Gymnema sylvestre ZnO NPs exerts antidiabetic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnema sylvestre, commonly known as Gurmar and belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae, is widely distributed in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, tropical Africa, and the southwestern region of the Republic of China. The plant G. sylvestre is traditionally used as a sugar destroyer in glycosuria and other urinary diseases. The drug is also used in the composition of Ayurvedic preparations such as Ayaskri, Varunadi kasaya, Varunadighrtam, and Mahakalyanakaghrtam. The present review focuses on the reports available in various literatures. The various chemical constituents isolated include saponins, carbohydrates, anthraquinone derivatives, flavones, flavonoids, formic acid, resins, phytin, etc. The chief constituents are saponins like gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, gymnemasides, and gymnemagenin. Gymnema sylvestre is found in capsule, tablet, powder, and tea powder forms. A tablet containing 200-400mg of gymnemic acid is used as a supplement for diabetes and to promote healthy pancreatic function. A 100mg capsule helps maintain blood sugar levels in the normal range and reduce inflammation. Gymnema sylvestre helps to fight sugar cravings and neutralize cravings for sweets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. is famous medicinal plant among diabetics for its gymnemic acid content. It also contains flavonoids, which are an essential component in various other products. Though some molecular information on the biosynthesis of gymnemic acid, polyoxypregnane, micro RNAs and photosynthetic efficiency is available, there is no gene level information available on the biosynthesis of flavonoids in this plant. RNA was extracted from winter-collected Gymnema sylvestre leaves and cDNA libraries were prepared and used for next generation sequencing. De novo transcriptome assembly were prepared and Coding DNA Sequences (CDS) of 13 major genes involved in flavonoids biosynthesis were identified from transcriptome data. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase gene containing full-length CDS was employed for in silico protein modelling and subsequent quality assessment. These models were then compared against publicly available databases. To confirm the identification of these genes, a similarity search was conducted using the NCBI BLAST tool. Results: Therefore, in the present study, an effort has been made to provide molecular insights into flavonoid biosynthesis pathway by examining the expressed transcripts in G.sylvestre. Gene sequences of total thirteen major genes viz., phenylalanine ammonia lyase, 4-coumarate CoA ligase, cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase, shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase, coumaroyl quinate (coumaroyl shikimate) 3′-monooxygenase, caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase, chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, naringenin 3-dioxygenase, flavanol synthase, flavonoid 3′-monooxygenase, Flavanone 7-O-glucoside 2″-O-beta-L-rhyamnosyltransferase and leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase were identified and a putative pathway of flavonoids biosynthesis has been illustrated based on transcriptome data. Conclusions: This transcriptome study has contributed gene-level insights into the biosynthesis of flavonoids in plants as a whole and represents the first report within a non-model plant, Gymnema sylvestre perticullarly.

Background: Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm. is a medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes. Through promoting obesity and lowering insulin resistance, anti-diabetic herbs may be more effective in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Recently, YES‐associated protein-1 gene (YAP1) has been reported to be a new susceptibility gene for PCOS in clinical studies. Hence, we evaluated the effects of hydroalcoholic G. sylvestre extract on regulating the YAP1 protein in PCOS mice injected with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by examining mitochondrial alterations in the ovary. Materials and methods: The DHEA-induced PCOS female C57BL6/J mice were treated with three doses of G. sylvestre and standard drug metformin. Study parameters include body weight gain, estrus cyclicity, glucose tolerance testing, serum hormone levels, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines. Electron microscopy, histological, and immuno-histochemical (IHC) analyses were used to determine the morphological changes of the ovary. IHC analysis was used to assess the expression of the YAP1 protein. Results: As compared with the control group, the G. sylvestre-treated groups showed decreased obesity, estrus irregularity, improved glucose metabolism, reduced AST and ALT values, hormonal abnormalities, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α). Interestingly, metformin and G. sylvestre therapy reduced YAP1-positive cells in the ovary of DHEA-induced PCOS mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a higher concentration of G. sylvestre extract at 500 mg/kg improved mitochondrial architecture in the PCOS ovary via modulating the key pathogenic protein of PCOS, YAP1.

Abstract Gymnema sylvestre (GS) has been traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM) and consumed as both food and medicine. The present work aimed to reveal the arresting hypoglycemic properties of GS leaves on type 2 DM (T2DM) rats meditated by gut microbiota pathway. After administration for 30 days, GS treatment observably improved the abnormal fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, lipid profiles, and the glucose tolerance of the T2DM rats in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, GS treatment reversibly restored the gut microbiota diversities in the T2DM rats based on the decreased Firmicute abundance and boosted Bacteroidetes abundance and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Particularly, the KEGG pathway suggested that GS treatment strongly interfered with the glucose metabolism processes, such as the glycolysis from glucose 6‐phosphate and glucose, along with the changes in the relative abundances of the beneficial bacteria of Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides. In addition, the GS treatment dramatically promoted the contents of the acetic acid, the total short‐chain fatty acids in the T2DM rat feces. This study showcased the remarkable amelioration of GS on the metabolic disorders of blood glucose and lipids via the regulation of gut microbiota in T2DM rats, which could offer a new mechanism of GS as a potential natural antidiabetic food supplement for T2DM.

Abstract Background In spite of the increased prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in bilateral ovaries (PCOS) in females globally (~ 20%), the rate of decisive treatment is limited due to late and invasive diagnostics and the unavailability of stand-alone drugs against phenotypic symptoms associated with PCOS. This study aims at unravelling molecular mechanisms allied with this disorder and identifying genes and pathways that are altered causing PCOS as a pre-requisite need. Furthermore, this study intends at assessing the therapeutic potentials of Gymnema sylvestre phytocompounds mainly triterpene saponins against targeted proteins and helps in seeking exemplar drug candidates. The study is designed in 2 major parts—firstly identifying key proteins involved in pathophysiology by tracing back the deregulated genes in mRNA expression profiles of PCOS Patients obtained from GEO datasets database further compared and analysed by GEO2R Analyzer and significantly deregulated genes were subjected to PPI network, KEGG and GO analysis using STRING and ShinyGO tools. The second half of the study involved molecular docking its visualisation and in silico pharmacological analysis of imminent phytocompounds revealing plausible drug candidates. Results In the study, most implied deregulated genes were MRP gene family, ICT1, NDUFA12, VDAC3, APOO, TOMM5, COX6C, COX7B, EDN1 and EDN3 genes whose functional enrichment suggests flawed metabolism of proteins and damaged mitochondrial translation. With high binding affinity, less toxicity at higher dose level Lupeol, Beta-Amyrin, Beta-Elemene, Stigmasterol, Gymnestrogenin and Dammarane proves to be efficient drug candidates. Conclusion The findings of this study imply better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the disorder and encourage further clinical studies pertaining to medicinal natural phytocompounds of Gymnema sylvestre.

Gymnema sylvestre (GS) and berberine (BBR) are natural products that have demonstrated therapeutic potential for the management of obesity and its comorbidities, as effective and safe alternatives to synthetic drugs. Although their anti-obesogenic and antidiabetic properties have been widely studied, comparative research on their impact on the gene expression of adipokines, such as resistin (Res), omentin (Ome), visfatin (Vis) and apelin (Ap), has not been reported. Methodology: We performed a comparative study in 50 adult Mexican patients with obesity treated with GS or BBR for 3 months. The baseline and final biochemical parameters, body composition, blood pressure, gene expression of Res, Ome, Vis, and Ap, and safety parameters were evaluated. Results: BBR significantly decreased (p < 0.05) body weight, blood pressure and Vis and Ap gene expression and increased Ome, while GS decreased fasting glucose and Res gene expression (p < 0.05). A comparative analysis of the final measurements revealed a lower gene expression of Ap and Vis (p < 0.05) in patients treated with BBR than in those treated with GS. The most frequent adverse effects in both groups were gastrointestinal symptoms, which attenuated during the first month of treatment. Conclusion: In patients with obesity, BBR has a better effect on body composition, blood pressure, and the gene expression of adipokines related to metabolic risk, while GS has a better effect on fasting glucose and adipokines related to insulin resistance, with minimal side effects.

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are becoming major threats to the production of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) in India. Management mainly depends on chemical insecticides which cause a serious problem of pesticide residue and insecticide resistance. The use of biorational insecticides such as biopesticides, botanicals, insect growth regulators, and microbial insecticides is important components of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for successful management. We evaluated the bio-efficacy of twelve biorational insecticides, including entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), using the leaf spray method in laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1 °C, 70 % ± 5 % RH. The results revealed that the highest percent mortality was recorded by acetamiprid 20 % SP (100.00 %), followed by azadirachtin (98.27 %), Lecanicillium muscarium (2 × 109 spores/mL) (85.70 %) and Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (76.87 %) at 120 h after treatment (HAT) in P. solenopsis. In P. marginatus, 100.00 %, 96.39 % and 85.67 % and 74.90 % mortalities were achieved by acetamiprid 20 % SP, azadirachtin, L. muscarium (2 × 109 spores/mL) and O. sanctum leaf extract, respectively, at 120 HAT during the first spray. Various biorational insecticides showed a more or less similar trend of percent mortality in both species during the second spray. In both species, the lowest percent mortality was recorded by Andrographis paniculata leaf extract (46.29, 44.54) and (41.03, 46.39) at 120 Hours after treatment in the first and second spray, respectively. It was concluded that all the prescribed treatments are more effective than the control. Overall, azadirachtin recorded the highest percent mortality after acetamiprid and had the shortest LT50 (12.52 h) and (13.87 h) values in P. solenopsis and P. marginatus, respectively. Our study emphasizes that biopesticides like Azadirachtin 1 % EC (10000 ppm), L. muscarium (2 × 109 spores/mL) (5 mL/L) and O. sanctum leaf extract (5 %) may be recommended as alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Botanicals and EPF would be the most effective approach for sustainable integrated management of P. solenopsis and P. marginatus in the G. sylvestre ecosystem.

Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), has been a global health concern. Mtb affects over a third of the world’s population, causing two million deaths annually due to its dormancy and propensity to spread infection during this period. Resuscitation-promoting factor B (RpfB) plays a pivotal role in the growth of Mtb during dormant periods, making it a critical target for eliminating Mtb and curing TB. Gymnema sylvestre is a famous medicinal plant with several medicinal properties, including antimicrobial activity; however, the therapeutic potential of the various reported metabolites of this plant against Mtb has not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to explore the reported natural products of G. sylvestre against the RpfB of the Mtb. A total of 131 reported secondary metabolites of this plant were collected and virtually screened against the RpfB. We particularly targeted the Glu292 residue of RpfB as it is crucial for the catalysis of this protein. From our in-house library, 114 compounds showed a binding affinity higher than the standard drug. The binding stability of the top three lead compounds was further confirmed through MD simulation analysis. Drug likeness analyses indicated that the ten hits had zero violations of the Lipinski rule of five. In addition, analyses of pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and target prediction revealed that the top compounds are devoid of toxicity and do not affect human proteins. Additionally, they reflect multifaceted approach as anti-TB agents. Our selected hits not only exhibit molecular properties favoring physiological compatibility but also exhibit properties enhancing their potential efficacy as therapeutic candidates. The compounds investigated here are worthy of experimental validation for the discovery of novel treatments against TB. Further, this study also provides a promising avenue for research on the pharmacological potential of G. sylvestre.

As is well known, today's population in both developed and developing nations participates in fewer physical activities. The problem of obesity is growing as a result of these unhealthy routines or a lack of physical activity, which further contributes to numerous chronic diseases including diabetes and heart disease. The positive modifications in physical activity and nutrition, such as consuming foods with a low glycemic index and high fiber content, aid in the reduction of certain chronic illnesses. In addition, incorporating functional foods into your diet is essential for achieving certain health objectives. Gymnema sylvestre is said to as a mystical plant. Gymnema is a special plant that has some fantastic benefits for treating diabetes mellitus. With their remarkable antihyperglycemic capabilities, the leaves stems, flowers, and fine powder of this plant have a powerful effect on elevated blood glycemic load by bringing it down to a normal range. Along with its antihyperglycemic properties, this medicinal plant was crucial in maintaining a person's excess weight and high lipid levels. Gymnema sylvestre leaves were used in this study to explore the herb's potential for treating hyperglycemia, and an ethanolic extract of the leaves was created specifically for this purpose. The therapeutic impact of Gymnema sylvestre leaves against hyperglycemia was examined in this study using both the powder and extract forms of the plant's leaves. In this study, several blood parameters were examined to see how different Gymnema sylvestre dosages affected the hyperglycemia-fighting ability of the herb. Selected data were subjected to various statistical analyses to determine the degree of significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability in chemical composition of Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. (Apocynaceae) sampled from different biogeographical regions of India was investigated. The impact of geographic conditions on gymnemagenin, deacylgymnemic acid, lupeol and stigmasterol content variability was studied by using chromatographic analysis. HPLC analyses showed gymnemagenin and deacylgymnemic acid content to vary between 10.19-23.38 µg/mg and 4.70-35.42 µg/mg (w/w dry weight plant material) respectively, while lupeol and stigmasterol were found to range from 0.57 to 10.8 µg/mg and 0.25 to 15.6 µg/mg (w/w in methanolic extract) respectively, by HPTLC. Taking into account the importance of geographical origin and climatic conditions that significantly affect the production and accumulation of secondary metabolites, the selected accessions/germplasms of G. sylvestre with high concentration of biologically potential phytoconstituents could be useful to industries for harvesting optimum levels of bioactive antidiabetic agent gymnemic acids and other sterols. These elite accessions/germplasms could be promoted and used for mass propagation and cultivation to ensure sustained supply of quality raw material for herbal drug industries, companies and entrepreneurs involved in the profession of medicinal plants and as secondary source of income generation to farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Gymnemic acids are the group of phytocompounds from Gymnema sylvestre known to possess hypoglycemic activity. Quantitative estimation of Gymnemic acid in terms of Gymnemagenin is essential for the standardization of G. sylvestre. In the present work, methodology combining reversed-phase HPLC with an Analytical Quality by-design approach was utilized for quantitative analysis of Gymnemagenin in G. sylvestre leaves. The quality assessment was performed by evaluating various pharmacognostic parameters as per WHO guidelines. Initially, the Analytical Target Profile and Critical Quality Attributes were identified. The method was optimized using 2² full factorial designs with a concentration of orthophosphoric acid in the aqueous phase (X1) and mobile phase ratio (X2) selected as an independent variable and, tailing factor (R1) and theoretical plates (R2) chosen as dependent variables. The optimized chromatographic conditions were identified with mobile phase, Methanol and Water (0.1% OPA) in the ratio of 85:15 v/v with flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and detection wavelength of 210 nm. Further, the amount of Gymnemagenin in crude G. sylvestre leaves and its extract was found to be 5.108% and 6.23% w/w respectively. The quality evaluation parameters were found to be within the given standard limit. Finally, it can be concluded that the combination of the HPLC method with the AQbD approach resulted in a more precise and accurate method for quantification of total Gymnemic acids in terms of Gymnemagenin. The developed method involves advantages such as efficient separation, well-defined peaks, and reduced analytical time and can be successfully applied for the analysis of Gymnemagenin in different Gymnema species and their herbal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Schult. is a well-known medicinal plant against diabetes in India. There is as such no organized cultivation in India, and the plant is still being collected from the wild for their therapeutic uses. It is, therefore, important to estimate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of G. sylvestre to ascertain the genetically diverse germplasm. The present study, therefore, was undertaken to analyze the genetic variability in 118 accessions belonging to 11 wild populations of G. sylvestre using directed amplification of minisatellite-region DNA (DAMD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR). Results The present genetic analyses of 11 populations with 25 markers (8 DAMD and 17 ISSR) revealed significant genetic diversity (H = 0.26, I = 0.40, PPL = 80.89%) at a species level, while the average genetic diversity at the population level was low. Among the 11 populations studied, PCH and UTK populations showed maximum genetic diversity, followed by KNR and AMB, while TEL population revealed the lowest genetic diversity. AMOVA and G st values (0.18) revealed that most of the genetic variations are found within populations and very less among populations, and higher gene flow (N m = 2.29) was found to be responsible for the genetic homogenization of the populations. The clustering pattern resulting from the UPGMA dendrogram was in congruence with STRUCTURE and PCoA, segregating all the 11 populations into two main genetic clusters: cluster I (populations of North and Central India) and cluster II (populations of South India). The clustering patterns obtained from all three statistical methods indicate that the genetic structure in G. sylvestre populations corresponds to the geographical diversity of the populations and represents a strong genetic structure. Conclusion The genetically diverse populations identified during the present study could be a potential genetic resource for further prospecting and conserving this important plant resource.

The main objective of this research was to perform Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae) extract’s phytochemical screening and identify its therapeutic potential. Using a Soxhlet apparatus, the powdered plant material was extracted using ethyl acetate. The preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, and steroids. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy analysis of the extract was performed and confirmed the presence of 11 compounds. As per the quantitative analysis, the extract exhibited a phenolic content of 948 µg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, a total flavonoid content of 398 µg quercetin equivalent/g dry weight, and an alkaloid content of 487 µg atropine equivalent/g dry weight. As per the in vitro cytotoxicity test using A549 cells, the IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) value for the extract was found to be 76.06 ± 1.26 µg/mL, indicating its cytotoxic effect on the cells. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antibacterial efficacy, as evidenced by a zone of clearance measuring 3 mm against Escherichia coli and 6 mm against Bacillus subtilis. For anthelmintic activity, the earthworm paralysis time induced by G. sylvestre extract (10 mg/mL) was 28.13 ± 0.8 min, and the time of death was 68.21 ± 1.72 min. In comparison, the reference drug, piperazine citrate (10 mg/mL), caused paralysis in 22.18 ± 1.02 min and resulted in death at 66.22 ± 2.35 min. Similarly, the coagulation time was notably prolonged, with blood clot formation observed at 1 min and 40 s, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, which underscores the potential anticoagulant or hemostatic modulation properties of G. sylvestre extract. The test extract showed good inhibition of alpha-amylase activity and exhibited an IC50 value of 15.59 µg/mL. The IC50 value for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)-scavenging activity for the extract was 19.19 µg/mL. Based on the GCMS results, the compound 2,7-dimethyl-undecane was selected for its anticancer potential. Docking studies were conducted with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein, specifically the 5WB7 variant associated with lung cancer. The docking score was −4.5, indicating a potential interaction. Key interaction residues such as ASN328, VAL350, and THR358 were identified. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the phytochemical composition and diverse biological activities of G. sylvestre extract, offering a foundation for further exploration of its medicinal and pharmacological potential.

A new triterpenoid (1) and four known compounds (2–5) were isolated from Gymnema sylvestre. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated as (3β,16β,22α)-22-benzoyloxy-16,23,28,29-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-3-yl-O-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid by spectroscopic data (1H, 13C NMR, HMBC, HSQC, COSY, and NOESY). Additionally, compound 1 presented allelopathic activity on the growth of lettuce at 100 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taste of food plays a crucial role in determining what and how much we eat. Thus, interventions that temporarily block sweet taste receptors offer a promising approach to addressing unhealthy behaviours associated with sugary foods. However, the relationship between reduced sweet taste response and food consumption remains unclear, with contradictory findings. Certain studies suggest that a diminished perception of sweetness leads to a sense of fullness and results in reduced food intake, while others suggest the opposite effect. To shed some light, our systematic review looked into the relationship between diminished sweet taste response and food consumption by examining the effects of bioactive compounds that experimentally inhibit sweetness in healthy individuals. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, and covered original papers included in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Food Science Source and Food Science and technology abstracts. We identified 33 peer-reviewed English-language studies that fit the topic and met the inclusion criteria. The current literature predominantly focuses on the immediate impact of oral gymnemic acids, failing to provide preliminary evidence in support of the specific threshold hypothesis, above which food consumption decreases and below which the opposite effect occurs. Additionally, there was inconsistency in the findings regarding the short-term desire to eat following sweetness inhibition. Considering the downstream effects on energy intake and their clinical applications, further research is needed to clarify both the acute within-session effects (i.e., not wanting any more now) and the longer-term effects (i.e., deciding not to start eating) linked to oral sweet-taste-suppressing compounds.

This article, the second in a two-part series, continues the discussion on the nature of the relationship between the level of sweet taste suppression and eating behaviour, but in animal rather human subjects. In particular, the aim was to review the scientific literature on the impact that bioactive compounds that decrease oral sweet sensations have on intake, preference and physiological status in preclinical studies. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and covered original papers included in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Food Science Source and Food Science and technology abstracts. We identified 28 peer-reviewed English-language studies that fit the topic and met the inclusion criteria. We identified three plant species, Gymnema sylvestre, Hovenia dulcis, and Ziziphus jujuba, that possess acute sweetness-inhibitory properties. When administered orally, these plants reduced neural responses to sweet stimuli and decreased consumption. However, studies on the longer-term effects of antisweet activity remain to be conducted. Translating the valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between sweet taste impairment and eating behaviour into practical clinical applications are discussed.

Excessive consumption of added sugars is linked to chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia or cardiovascular disease; and public health is searching for new strategies to reduce it. Although plant-derived bioactive compounds with inhibitory properties of sweet taste like Gymnema sylvestre show the potential to reduce sugar intake acutely, their impact after repeated administration is unknown. Therefore, we examined the changes of single and repeated exposures of a Gymnema sylvestre constituent, gurmarin, in sweet beverage consumption and preference in a preclinical model. 24 Wistar rats (50 % females) were divided into experimental (gurmarin) and two control groups (gymnemic acids or phosphate buffer solutions) according to the substances orally applied. Then acceptance and preference tests with sugar were performed within (Experiment 1) and between sessions (Experiment 2). We found that administering gurmarin decreased sucrose intake significantly, even after multiple treatments, without rebound effects. These findings suggest that sweet taste suppressors could be an effective tool for reducing long-term sugar consumption when repeatedly administrated.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects several organs and can be treated using phytochemicals found in medicinal plants. Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae) is one such medicinal plant rich in anti-diabetic properties. The plant is commonly known as madhunashini in Sanskrit because of its ability to cure diabetes (sugar). Gymnemic acid (GA) is a phytochemical (a triterpenoid saponin) responsible for the herb's main pharmacological activity. This secondary metabolite has a lot of potential as a phytochemical with pharmacological properties including nephroprotection, hypoglycemia, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Gymnema has acquired a lot of popularity in recent years due to its low side effects and high efficacy in healing diabetes, which has led to overexploitation by pharmaceutical enterprises for its biomass in the wild for the purification of gymnemic acid. Modern biotechnological techniques involving the establishment of cell and organ cultures from G. sylvestre will assist us in fulfilling the need for gymnemic acid production. The present review provides insights on the establishment of cell and organ cultures for the production of a potent antidiabetic molecule gymnemic acid. Further, the review also delves into the intricacies of the different strategies for improved production of gymnemic acid using various elicitors. There is huge potential for sustainable production of gymnemic acid which could be met by establishment of bioreactor scale production. Understanding and engineering the biosynthetic pathway could also lead to improved GA production. Key points: • Gymnemic acid is one of the potential anti-diabetic molecules from madhunashini • Cell and organ culture offers potential approach for gymnemic acid production • Elicitation strategies have improved the gymnemic acid production [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary control of dysmetabolic patients is extremely challenging worldwide, with inadequate dietary habits and sporadic physical activity among the key risk factors for metabolic syndrome onset. Nowadays, there is no exclusive treatment for this condition, and considering that preventive measures usually fail, new therapeutic approaches need to be proposed and investigated. This present pilot study compared the effects of diet alone and in association with a combination of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in their 40:1 ratio, α-lactalbumin, and Gymnema sylvestre on different metabolic parameters in obese dysmetabolic patients. To this purpose, 37 patients with BMI between 30 and 40 and fasting blood glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dL were divided into two groups: (i) the control group followed a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet, (ii) while the study group was also supplemented with a daily dosage of two sachets, each one containing 1950 mg myo-inositol, 50 mg d-chiro-inositol, 50 mg α-lactalbumin, and 250 mg Gymnema Sylvestre. After a 6-month treatment, all parameters improved in both groups. Nevertheless, the treated group experienced a greater improvement, especially concerning the variation from the baseline of HOMA index, triglycerides, BMI, body weight, and waist circumference. These findings support the supplementation with myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol in the 40:1 ratio, α-lactalbumin, and Gymnema sylvestre as a therapeutical strategy to potentiate the beneficial effects induced via dietary programs in dysmetabolic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gymnema sylvestre is traditionally used to treat diabetes in Asia. The triterpenoid glycosides Gymnemic acid-I (GA-I) and Gymnemic acid-II are the main biologically active components (GA-II). Glide has yet to be used to define the mechanisms of action of drugs, nevertheless. Materials and methods: To dock to the active site of protein tyrosine phosphate 1B, the GA-I and GA-II compounds were used. The identical nanoparticles were produced using the straightforward centrifugation green synthesis technique using silver nitrate at a predetermined temperature. The created nanoparticles have undergone XRD, UV, FESEM, TEM, DLS, and Zeta potential characterization. Using the PTP 1B assay and a diabetic animal model induced by streptozotocin, the anti-hyperglycemic activity of green-produced nanoparticles was determined in vitro and in vivo. The GA-I-induced AgNPs showed exceptional PTP 1B enzyme inhibitory effectiveness among other medicines. Rats with diabetes are administered 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of GA-I mediated AgNPs, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of GA-II mediated AgNPs and 50 mg/kg of metformin. Results: Blood glucose levels were significantly decreased (p 0.001) at a dose of 200 mg/kg (b.wt. p.o.) of GA-I mediated AgNPs compared to the GA-II mediated AgNP treated group. Conclusion: Hence, it may indicate that GA-I mediated AgNPs be exploited as prospective nanomedicine for treating type-2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study showed that bio-functional silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized in aqueous extracts of Gymnema sylvestre leaves and tested for toxicity assessment against triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC). Biofunctional nanoparticle (NPs) samples were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The results showed that the phytofabrication of AgNPs resulted in a dark brown, UV–vis maximum absorbance peak at 413 nm. The AgNPs were crystalline and spherical, with sizes ranging from 20 to 60 nm, as confirmed by the XRD pattern and TEM images. Another phytofabrication of ZnONPs exhibited a white precipitate corresponding to a UV–Vis maximum absorption peak at 377 nm and a fine micro flower morphology with a particle-sized tribution between 100 and 200 nm. In addition, FT-IR spectra showed that bioorganic compounds are associated with NPs that respond to reduced Ag+ ions and AgNPs tabilizers. Invitro cytotoxicity studies revealed the potent anti-cancer effects of phytofabricated AgNPs and ZnONPs on TNBC cells. Furthermore, the AO/EB double staining assay results proved that apoptotic cells are distinguished by greenish-yellow fluorescence of the cell nuclei with IC50 concentrations of 44 ± 0.8 µg/mL for AgNPs and 26.2 ± 0.5 µg/mL for ZnONPs, respectively. Based on our results, we expect that the anticancer function of the biofunctional NPs is due to the apoptotic activation of TNBC cells by increased ROS. Therefore, the presented study demonstrated that biofunctional AgNPs and ZnONPs have excellent prospects for the anti-cancer activity that can be used in pharmaceutical and medical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm. is a perennial climbing shrub found over the tops of woody trees in tropical forest of India. It is a miracle plant having great anti-diabetic potential. The phytoconstituents of Gymnema sylvestre were isolated and their chemistry and structures were studied and elucidated. An inspection of literature revealed some extraordinary pharmacological activities of this plant. The present review is an effort to emphasize the various traditional use as well as, phytochemistry, pharmacological uses therapeutic properties on G. sylvestre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the major causes of mortality in COVID-19 patients, due to limited therapeutic options. This prompted us to explore natural sources to mitigate this condition. Gymnema Sylvestre (GS) is an ancient medicinal plant known to have various therapeutic effects. This investigation examined the therapeutic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Gymnema Sylvestre (HAEGS) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury and ARDS in in vitro and in vivo models. UHPLC–HRMS/GC–MS was employed for characterizing the HAEGS and identified several active derivatives including gymnemic acid, gymnemasaponins, gymnemoside, gymnemasin, quercetin, and long fatty acids. Gene expression by RT-qPCR and DCFDA analysis by flow cytometry revealed that several inflammatory cytokine/chemokine, cell injury markers, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were highly upregulated in LPS control and were significantly reduced upon HAEGS treatment. Consistent with the in vitro studies, we found that in LPS-induced ARDS model, pre-treatment with HAEGS significantly suppressed the LPS-induced elevation of inflammatory cell infiltrations, cytokine/chemokine marker expression, ROS levels, and lung injury in a dose-dependent manner. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that HAEGS suppressed oxidative stress by modulating the NRF2 pathway and ameliorated the ARDS through the NF-κB/MAPK signalling pathway. Additional fractionation results revealed that fraction 6 which has the exclusive composition of gymnemic acid derivatives showed better anti-inflammatory effects (inhibition of IL-6 and IL-1β) at lower concentrations compared to HAEGS. Overall, HAEGS significantly mitigated LPS-induced lung injury and ARDS by targeting the NF-κB/MAPK signalling pathway. Thus, our work unravels the protective role of HAEGS for the first time in managing ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnema sylvestre is traditionally used as an herbal remedy for diabetes. The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on beta cell and hepatic activity was explored in an alloxan-induced hyperglycemic adult rat. Animals were made hyperglycemic via a single inj. (i.p) of Alloxan. Gymnema sylvestre was supplemented in diet @250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg b.w. Animals were sacrificed, and blood and tissues (pancreas and liver) were collected for biochemical, expression, and histological analysis. Gymnema sylvestre significantly reduced blood glucose levels with a subsequent increase in plasma insulin levels in a dosage-dependent manner. Total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde, LDL, VLDL, ALT, AST, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and total protein levels were reduced significantly. Significantly raised paraoxonase, arylesterase, albumin, and HDL levels were also observed in Gymnema sylvestre treated hyperglycemic rats. Increased mRNA expression of Ins-1, Ins-2, Gck, Pdx1, Mafa, and Pax6 was observed, while decreased expression of Cat, Sod1, Nrf2, and NF-kB was observed in the pancreas. However, increased mRNA expression of Gck, Irs1, SREBP1c, and Foxk1 and decreased expression of Irs2, ChREBP, Foxo1, and FoxA2 were observed in the liver. The current study indicates the potent effect of Gymnema sylvestre on the transcription modulation of the insulin gene in the alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rat model. Enhanced plasma insulin levels further help to improve hyperglycemia-induced dyslipidemia through transcriptional modulation of hepatocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invention of an easy synthetic approach for extremely impactful nanomaterials (NMs) is one of the crucial research areas in modern science and engineering. In the present work, we describe a cost-effective, simple, rapid and environmentally gracious biogenic fabrication of nickel/nickel oxide nanoparticles (Ni/NiO NPs) using Gymnema sylvestre as a natural fuel. The textural characteristics of as-prepared Ni/NiO NPs were explored using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), fieldemission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and highresolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). XRD affirmed the crystalline nature and phase formation of Ni/NiO NPs. The FTIR spectrum ascertains the formation of Ni/NiO NPs, and the band gap of 4.29 eV is revealed from DRS studies. Ni/NiO NPs display an intense emission peak at 576.2 nm in their PL spectrum. The fabrication of pseudo-spherical Ni/NiO NPs was displayed by FESEM and HRTEM images. The particle size obtained from HRTEM was 21 nm, which resembles the median crystallite size ascertained from the XRD data. Additionally, the plausible mechanism for Ni/NiO NPs formation is illustrated. Moreover, as-synthesized Ni/NiO NPs displayed considerable antifungal potential against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Results revealed that the Gymnema sylvestre leaves extract can synthesize Ni/NiO NPs with appealing biological effectiveness for application in the nanomedicine sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in the considerable health benefits of Gymnema Sylvestre (GS) supplementation, as some studies have reported that it may improve cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the widespread impact of GS supplementation on the parameters mentioned above is not fully resolved. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the effects of GS supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT), published up to November 2021, were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases. Six studies were included and analyzed using a random‐effects model to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). All studies were conducted in adults that used a GC supplement (>1 week) and assessed our selected cardiovascular risk factors. Outcomes revealed that GS supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride (p <.001), total cholesterol (p <.001), low‐density lipoprotein (p <.001), fasting blood sugar (p <.001), and diastolic blood pressure (p =.003). Some limitations, including notable heterogeneity, low quality of studies, and lack of diversity among research participants, should be considered when interpreting our results. Our outcomes suggest that GS supplementation may improve cardiovascular risk factors. Future large‐high‐quality RCTs with longer duration and various populations are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gymnema sylvestre (GS) is a perennial woody vine native to tropical Asia, China, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and Australia. GS has been used as a medicinal plant with potential anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This study was conceptualized to evaluate the cytotoxicity potential of Gymnema sylvestre saponin rich fraction (GSSRF) on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468) by SRB assay. The anti-tumor activity of GSSRF was assessed in tumor-bearing Elrich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) mouse models. The anti-oxidant potential of GSSRF was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The acute toxicity of GSSRF was carried out according to OECD guideline 425. The yield of GSSRF was around 1.4% and the presence of saponin content in GSSRF was confirmed by qualitative and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of GSSRF on breast cancer cell lines were promising and found to be dose-dependent. An acute toxicity study of GSSRF was found to be safe at 2000 mg/kg body weight. GSSRF treatment has shown a significant increase in the body weight and the life span of EAC-bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the control group. In the solid tumor model, the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight per day have shown about 46.70% and 60.80% reduction in tumor weight and controlled the tumor weight until the 30th day when compared with the control group. The activity of GSSRF in both models was similar to the cisplatin, a standard anticancer agent used in the study. Together, these results open the door for detailed investigations of anti-tumor potentials of GSSRF in specific tumor models, mechanistic studies and clinical trials leading to promising novel therapeutics for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]