Gymnema lactiferum

Gymnema lactiferum, commonly known as a medicinal herb from the Fabaceae family, is highly valued in traditional healing. Renowned for its potential anti-diabetic properties, this plant contains bioactive compounds that may help regulate blood sugar levels. It serves as a significant subject in ethnobotanical research and natural pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Gymnema lactiferum
  • Family: Apocynaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Gymnema.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Apocynaceae WCVP
Genus Gymnema WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Gymnema lactiferum, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as Gymnema lactiferum, while in Spanish, it is commonly called Gymnema lactiferum. In Portuguese, the plant is known as Gymnema lactiferum, and in French, it is identified as Gymnema lactiferum.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical range across several key regions in Asia. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it is found in India, Assam, and Sri Lanka. Its distribution extends into the Indo-China region, specifically within Myanmar. Additionally, the species can be located in Malesia, particularly on the island of Borneo. These diverse locations highlight the plant's presence across both mainland and island ecosystems.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP
Malesia Malaya WCVP
Malesia Sumatera WCVP

Activities

Gymnema lactiferum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anabolic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anabolic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Gymnema lactiferum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anorexia, cancers, hemorrhoids.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
anorexia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hemorrhoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆