The Hindi name, gurmar, means “destroyer of sugar.” Today, gymnema is used for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weight loss, and cough. It is also used for malaria and as a snake bite antidote, digestive stimulant, laxative, appetite suppressant, and diuretic.

Gudmar is a wood climbing shrub whose leaves are used for medicinal purposes. Gudmar or Gurmar is considered to be a magical remedy for diabetic patients as it is highly effective in both type I and type II diabetes mellitus. It reduces blood sugar levels by enhancing the level of insulin in the body.