Evaluation of antimicrobial and anticancer properties of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) extracts

Gymnema sylvestre has been used medicinally throughout history by many different cultures. Many compounds have been found in the exudates of the Gymnema sylvestre plant that have been used medically by humans. We have examined the pharmacological hypoglycemic action of gymnemic acidin diabetic rats and influence of gymnemic acid in streptozotocininduced diabetic rats. In single dose study 100 mg and 500 mg/kg of Gymnemic acid reduced glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, and lipids after treatment for 24 hrs. In chronic study (multiple dose study) also, Gymnemic acid reduced creatinine, urea, lipids, triglycerides and glucose after 15 days and significantly reduced glucose levels at 15th day in diabetic rats. In glucose tolerance test in diabetic rats with Gymnemic acid 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, demonstrated glucose levels were found significantly less compared to the control group. Gymnemic acid has influence on the regenerative influence on pancreatic tissue in histological studies. Gymnemic acid serves as an important alternative source in the management of diabetes mellitus involved in reducing increased blood glucose during diabetes which should be examined further by oral hypoglycemic therapy.