Gymnema sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is native to India, and its leaves are a traditional folk medicine for diabetes. Several studies in humans and animals have confirmed it can improve glucose control, possibly by inhibiting glucose uptake in the small intestine and enhancing insulin release. It may even have positive effects on lipid metabolism and has potential for use in treating diabetes and obesity.
Gymnema also seems to inhibit the ability to taste sweet or bitter (studies proving this have been performed in large part on mice and rats, however).
