A study published in Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants says that gurmar, which translates to ‘destroyer of sugar’, is rich in several active compounds like gymnemic acid, gymnemasides, anthraquinones, flavones, hentriacontane, pentatriacontane, phytin, resins, tartaric acid, formic acid, butyric acid, lupeol and alkaloid like gymnamine, which make it rich in antidiabetic properties.
According to WebMD, “Gymnema contains substances that decrease the absorption of sugar from the intestine. Gymnema may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is the place in the body where insulin is made.”
It is said that having one teaspoon of powdered gurmar leaves with water half an hour after lunch and dinner may help regulate the absorption of carbohydrates in the body. Also, the gymnemic acids in the herb blocks the sugar receptors on your tongue, decreasing your ability to taste sweetness. This can lead to reduced sugar cravings.
The wonder herb is also known to aid weight loss with research indicating that consuming the leaves for 12 weeks can help reduce the body weight and body mass index in overweight people.