Gymnema Sylvestre, Bedki Cha Pala – Plant

Madhunashini is a climbing plant, producing stems up to 3 meters long. The leaves are green; the stems are hairy and light brown. The leaves are 2- 6 cm in length and 1 – 4 cm in width and are simple, petiolate, and opposite, with an acute apex and reticulate venation. They are pubescent on both surfaces. They have a characteristic odor; the taste is slightly bitter and astringent. The leaves also possess the remarkable ability to inhibit the perception of sweet tastes for a few hours. Flowers are pale yellow, bell-shaped. Corona is single, with 5 fleshy scales. The stems scramble over the ground, climbing into the surrounding vegetation. Gudmar is a well-known Ayurvedic herb with a very good reputation in the treatment of diabetes. It is used particularly to reduce sugar levels in the blood and urine and is also used as a green vegetable.