Gurmar booti (Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. Ex sm.): A Comprehensive Review of Its Therapeutic Benefits and Pharmacological Insights

Abstract Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm.( Gurmar booti ) is a well-known medicinal plant with belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae , grown worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. In the Unani literature, Gurmar booti is described as a shrubby climbing plant with dense branches and has been recommended for managing various disorders like urinary disorders, chronic liver diseases, ulcers, indigestion, burning sensation, and stomach pain. The drug possesses nāfi‘ dhayābī ṭ us (antidiabetic), tiryāq (antidote), mulayyin (demulcent), mu ḥ arrik-i-qalb wa dawrān-i-khūn (stimulant to heart and blood circulation), mu ḥ arrik (stimulant), and mudirr-i-bawl (diuretic) properties among others. Numerous studies have documented its hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have also reported the hypoglycemic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Gurmar booti in Diabetes mellitus. This paper aims to review the effect of Gurmar booti in reference to Unani literature and modern pharmacological research.