Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with persistent hyperglycemia and severe complications, including nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Although conventional antidiabetic drugs are effective, their long-term use is limited by adverse effects, high cost, and reduced efficacy over time. Gymnema sylvestre (Apocynaceae), commonly known as "Gurmar," has been traditionally employed in Ayurveda for managing diabetes. While the antidiabetic properties of its leaves are well documented, limited research exists on its root extract.
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic efficacy and safety profile of the methanolic root extract of Gymnema sylvestre in glucose-induced hyperglycemic mice.
Methods: Fresh roots of Gymnema sylvestre were collected, authenticated, dried, powdered, and extracted with methanol using Soxhlet apparatus. Acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD guideline 423. Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups: normal control, glucose control, standard drug (Glibenclamide 5 mg/kg), and three extract-treated groups (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.). Hyperglycemia was induced by oral glucose load (2 g/kg). Blood glucose levels were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h post-treatment. Serum insulin, lipid profile, liver and kidney function markers, and oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH) were evaluated. Histopathological analysis of pancreas, liver, and kidney was performed to assess tissue changes.
Results: The extract was safe up to 2000 mg/kg in acute toxicity studies. Treatment with the root extract significantly and dose-dependently reduced blood glucose levels, with the 400 mg/kg dose showing efficacy comparable to Glibenclamide. Extract-treated groups also demonstrated increased serum insulin, improved lipid profile, restored liver and kidney function markers, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathology confirmed pancreatic β-cell regeneration, hepatoprotection, and nephroprotection in treated groups.
Conclusion: The methanolic root extract of Gymnema sylvestre exhibits potent antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and antioxidant activities in hyperglycemic mice, with a wide margin of safety. These findings highlight the underexplored roots of Gymnema sylvestre as a promising source of plant-based antidiabetic therapy, warranting further long-term and clinical investigations.
Keywords: Gymnema sylvestre, diabetes mellitus, glucose-induced hyperglycemia, gymnemic acids, antioxidant, insulinotropic effect.
How to cite this article: Kumar S, Kumar M, Kumari D, Mallesh M, Sushma, Sudan P, Tripathi R, Kaur R, Evaluation of Antidiabetic Efficacy and Safety Profile of Methanolic Root Extract of Gymnema sylvestre in Glucose-Induced Hyperglycemic Mice. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4s): 848-860; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4s.98
Source of support: Nil
Conflict of interest: None