Gymnema sylvestre R Br. (Gurmar) is a tropical vine whose leaves are considered antidiabetic in Ayurvedic medicine. It has beencommonly used for the diabetes and as a diuretic in Indian proprietary medicines. This review attempts to encompass theavailable literature on Gymnema sylvestre with respect to its pharmacognostic characters, traditional uses, chemicalconstituents and summary of its various pharmacological activities and clinical effects. Other aspects such as toxicology andprecautions are also discussed.