Gymnema or Gurmar is a perennial woody vine native to tropical Asia, China, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and Australia. The plant is a climber with leaves having soft hairs on the upper surface. The leaves are elongated-oval in shape. It has a small, yellow, umbelliferous inflorescence.
Gymnema is commonly known as Gurmar for its distinct property of destroying sugar. The active phytoconstituents responsible for sweet suppression activity includes triterpene saponins known as gymnemic acids, gymnemasaponins, and a polypeptide, gurmarin. Gymnemic acid has the ability to delay the glucose absorption in the blood. Leaves of Gymnema are known to cause hypoglycemia, control sugar cravings, and promote regeneration of pancreas.Therefore, this herb exhibits excellent therapeutic effects as an effective natural remedy for diabetes. Gymnema also controls obesity, lowers cholesterol level, stimulates heart & circulatory system.
 
Ayurvedic significance:
	
Rasa (taste): Kashay & Tikta (Astringent,Bitter)
	
Veerya (nature): Ushna (Hot)
	
Vipaka (taste developed through digestion): Katu (pungent)
	
Guna (qualities): Laghu, Rooksha (Light, Dry) 
	
Doshas (effect on humors): Helps to subside kapha & pitta