Gymnema sylvestre

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Blood sugar · Sugar cravings

Known as the "sugar destroyer" — chewing the leaf temporarily blocks sweet taste on the tongue. Several trials show it lowers fasting blood sugar and HbA1c in type 2 diabetics alongside standard treatment. May also reduce sugar cravings. Enhances the effect of diabetes medications — monitor blood sugar closely to avoid hypoglycaemia.

Dose: 400–600 mg/day gymnemic acid extract; monitor blood sugar if taking diabetes medications