Bihar

• 17 Aug 2024

Gurmar Found on Gaya’s Brahmayoni Hill

Why in News?

Recently, A team of researchers has uncovered an array of medicinal plants at Brahmayoni Hill in Gaya, Bihar, with Gymnema sylvestre (commonly known as Gurmar) being one of the notable findings that is known as anti-diabetic herb.

Key Points

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has already utilized this medicinal herb in developing the anti-diabetic drug BGR-34.
• Gurmar is known for its unique ability to reduce blood sugar levels due to the presence of gymnemic acid which works by occupying receptor sites in the outer lining of the intestine, thereby curbing cravings for sweetness. 
  • As a result, the intestine absorbs fewer sugar molecules, which results in low blood sugar levels. 
  • In addition, the plant contains flavonoids and saponins, which help regulate lipid metabolism.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

• CSIR is the largest research and development (R&D) organisation in India. CSIR has a pan-India presence and has a dynamic network of 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 3 Innovation Complexes and 5 units.
• Established: September 1942
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• CSIR is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and it operates as an autonomous body through the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• CSIR covers a wide spectrum of streams – from radio and space physics, oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology.
  • It provides significant technological intervention in many areas with regard to societal efforts which include the environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, and farm and non-farm sectors.