Gudmur (Gymnema sylvestre)

Gymnema sylvestre
Family: Asclepiadaceae

Gymnema is a gregarious woody climber, much branched, running over the tops of tall trees. Young stems and branches are covered with hairs. Leaves are ovate, 3–5 cm long and up to 3 cm broad, hairy on both sides; base rounded or heart-shaped with 6–13 mm long petiole.

Common Names:
Sanskrit: Meshasringi, Sarpadarushtrika
English: Periploca of the Woods
Hindi: Gudmar, Mera-singi
Kannada: Madhunashini
Tamil: Boda-patra
Telugu: Shiru-kurunja

Distribution:
Occurs in all tropical zones of India and is common in central and southern India, Western Ghats and Goa region.

Agro-Climatic Requirements:
Requires partial shade for good growth. Thrives well in humus-rich loamy soils with good drainage.

Propagation:
Can be propagated by seeds as well as vegetative methods.

1. Seed Propagation:
Flowering and fruiting occur during September–December. Seeds are collected during February–April. In June, seeds mixed with fine sand are sown in polybags containing soil mixture of two parts FYM/compost, one part sand and one part clay. About 40% germination occurs within 7–10 days.

2. Vegetative Propagation:
a) Through Cuttings: Semi-hardwood terminal shoot cuttings of 15–20 cm length are planted near support trees or in polybags. About 60% sprouting occurs within 6 days. Planting during onset of rains is ideal, avoiding waterlogging.

b) Through Apical Shoots: Apical shoots are propagated in mist chamber. Shoots are covered with soil and weighted lightly. Rooting occurs in 30–40 days.

Transplanting and Aftercare:
Seedlings of 10–15 cm height are transplanted at 2 × 2 m spacing in 45 cm³ pits near large trees for support. Planting is best done during rainy season, ensuring proper drainage.

Plant Protection:
Aphids may attack tender apical parts during rainy season.

Inputs:

Harvesting and Yield:
Leaves 30–40 days old can be harvested. Harvesting can be done every three months, though better yield is obtained after one year of growth.

Yield: About 1250 kg of dry leaves per hectare every three months.

Storage:
Leaves are shade dried and packed in polythene bags. Moisture content should be below 8% to prevent deterioration.

Cost of Cultivation:
Approximate cost of cultivation is Rs. 25,000/- per hectare.

Parts Used:
Leaves and roots.

Medicinal Uses:
Leaves and roots are used in powder, paste and decoction form to treat glandular inflammation, spleen enlargement, indigestion, constipation, jaundice, piles, sinusitis, cough, respiratory diseases, urinary stones and malarial fevers. Root powder is traditionally used in snakebite. Leaves when chewed suppress sweet taste sensation. Leaf paste mixed with castor oil is applied to swollen glands and enlarged liver and spleen. Leaf powder (10–15 g) is widely used in management of diabetes.