Gymnema sylvestre, commonly known as gurmar or sugar destroyer, is a perennial woody vine native to the tropical forests of India, Africa, and Australia. It is particularly found in the forested areas of the Western Ghats in India, which provide a humid and warm climate. This climber can grow to a length of 3 meters or more, with leaves that are opposite and elliptic, typically soft-haired. The small yellow flowers bloom in the summer and are not particularly showy, but they are followed by elongated, follicle-like fruits.

Gurmar is valued for its medicinal properties, especially in Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been used for centuries to manage blood sugar levels. The leaves contain gymnemic acids, which are thought to suppress the perception of sweet taste and reduce sugar absorption in the intestine. In cultivation, it requires a warm and humid environment, mimicking its native tropical habitat. It thrives in well-drained soil with moderate watering and can tolerate partial shade to full sun. While it is not commonly used for ornamental purposes, its therapeutic potential makes it a plant of interest for those interested in herbal medicine. Care should be taken as it can become invasive outside its native range, and its antidiabetic effects, while promising, are not yet conclusively proven in scientific studies.CC BY-SA 4.0