In this study we investigated the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of dried powdered leaves of Gymnema sylvestre (GS). The acute effect of GS administered by oral gavage on glucose blood level of and lipids in non-diabetic and alloxan-diabetic rats were investigated in the following conditions: a) after a balanced meal; b) after the ingestion of 1000 mg/kg amylose or 1000 mg/kg glucose; c) after the ingestion of a mixture of 12 mL/kg soybean oil + 1% cholesterol (SOC). In addition, the effect of the treatment with GS during two (sub-acute) or four weeks (chronic) on body weight, food and water ingestion, glucose blood level and lipids in non-diabetic and alloxan-diabetic rats were measured. The dose of GS utilized in the majority of the experiments, i.e., 30 mg/kg, corresponds to that given to treat diabetes in Brazil. GS acutely did not influence the elevation of glycemia promoted by a balanced meal or by the administration of amylose or glucose; but promoted more intense (P<0.05) elevation of serum lipids after the administration of SOC. Moreover, the sub-acute and chronic treatment with GS in non-diabetic and alloxan-diabetic rats did not change: a) the body weight gain; b) food and water ingestion; c) the blood level of glucose and lipids. Thus we concluded that GS, at least in the form commercialized in the Brazil, i.e., dried powdered leaves, require further experimental and clinical trials before being recommended to treat diabetes and hyperlipidemia.
Gymnema sylvestre; herbal therapies; diabetes; asclepideceae
