Gymnema Silvestre P.E.

Gymnema is also known by the names Gymnema Silvestre, Gurmar, Gurmabooti, Rams Horn, Periploca of the Woods, and Meshasringi. Gymnema is a climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. The woody Gymnema plant also grows in parts of Africa. Leaves of this long, slender plant have been used for more than 2,000 years. The leaves, when chewed, interfere with the ability to taste sweetness, which explains the Hindu name "gurmar". In the past, powdered Gymnema root was used to treat snake bites, constipation, stomach complaints, water retention, and liver disease. The molecules of gymnemic acid fill the receptor sites for one to two hours, thus preventing the taste buds from being activated by the sugar molecules in food.
Gymnema Silvestre P.E.