Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Gymnemic acid
- Also Known As
- English: Gymnema
Sanskrit: मेषश्रृंगी
Hindi: मेषश्रृंगी
What is Meshashringi (Gudmar variety / मेषश्रृंगी)?
This is the detailed verse entry for Meshashringi describing its anti-diabetic properties. The text notes it destroys sweetness (Madhura-nashaka) and is especially indicated in Prameha (urinary disorders) and Madhumeha (diabetes). The leaves when eaten completely suppress sweet taste perception for some time, confirming identity. Verse refs: pages 443-444.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Madhumehaghna (anti-diabetic)
- Netrya (eye tonic)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
To remove the foul smell from milk, the paste of aja shringi, meshashringi, triphala, haridra and vacha should be taken with cold water.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Chakramarda leaves (Cassia tora), Meshashringi (Gymnema sylvestre), Hilamochika, Koshataki (Luffa acutangula), bamboo shoots, ripe palmyra fruit, and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) are recommended.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 57: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam)
Meshashringi (Gymnema) is noted for its blood-purifying and skin-healing properties.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 57: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam)
Chakramarda leaves (Cassia tora), Meshashringi (Gymnema sylvestre), Hilamochika, Koshataki (Luffa acutangula), bamboo shoots, ripe palmyra fruit, and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) are recommended.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 46: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam)
Meshashringi (Gymnema) is noted for its blood-purifying and skin-healing properties.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 46: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 57: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam); Parishishtam, Chapter 46: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam)
References in Sushruta Samhita
The physician may also use inguda (Balanites) bark or meshashringi (Gymnema).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 26: Chapter 26
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 26: Chapter 26
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.