Gymnema sylvestre is popularly known as “gurmar” because of its excellent capacity to destroy blood sugar. It is a reputed anti-diabetic herb in Ayurvedic system of medicine. The phyto-constituents called gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, and gurmarin are responsible for the sweet suppression activity of this herb. Apart from diabetes, this large woody climbing plant, can also exhibit its therapeutic effects on a wide range of health problems. This herb is an ingredient of some of the famous Ayurvedic formulations such as Ayaskrti, Varunadi kasaya, Varunadighritam, Mahakalyanakaghrtam etc.
