Gymnema sylvestre - Feed Ingredient

Gymnema sylvestre, also known by common names such as “gurmar,” “sugar destroyer,” and “Australian cowplant,” is a woody climbing plant native to India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, the plant’s leaves are the primary source of bioactive compounds, particularly gymnemic acids, which are known for their potential to modulate sugar absorption. Additional constituents include saponins, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to its overall functional properties.

In equine nutrition, Gymnema sylvestre is included as a functional herbal ingredient aimed at supporting glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, especially in horses with metabolic issues such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or insulin dysregulation.