The leaves of Meshashringi or “ram’s horn” when chewed destroys the sense of the tongue to appreciate the taste of sugar and all saccharine substances. Gymnema sylvestre is a woody climber. The leaf extracts contain gymnemic acid, which is known to inhibit hyperglycemia (increased sugar level in the blood).

• The principle constituent of Meshashringi is gymnemic acid, which has anti-diabetic properties. It diminishes excessive blood sugar.
• It has also been shown to have a regenerative effect on pancreatic beta cells and is insulinotropic (that which stimulates or affects the production and activity of insulin ).
• Meshashringi helps decrease the craving for sugar. It temporarily abolishes the taste of sugar and helps neutralize excessive sugar present in the body in diabetes mellitus.