A herb which helps decrease the craving for sugar and is beneficial in diabetes mellitus.     Gymnema sylvestre is a large, woody climber. Its principle constituent is gymnemic acid which has anti-diabetic properties
It abolishes the taste of sugar and is believed to neutralize excessive sugar present in the body in diabetes mellitus. The leaf extracts contain gymnemic acid which is said to inhibit hyperglycemia. It has also been shown to have a regenerative effect on pancreatic beta cells and is insulinotropic.

   The leaf extract is a cardiovascular stimulant and hypoglycemic. It is useful in glycosuria and has purgative properties. The alcoholic extract of leaves and stems is hypoglycemic. The extract in vitro was effective against diabetes and insulinotropic action was observed in rabbits. The plant is stomachic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic.