Gymnema sylvestre R. Br., commonly known as Gurmar, is an important medicinal plant traditionally used in various systems of medicine, particularly for the management of diabetes. The plant is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and contains several biologically active constituents, including gymnemic acids, triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids and other phytochemicals. Among these, gymnemic acids are considered major contributors to its antidiabetic activity and have been investigated for their possible effects on glucose absorption, insulin secretion, pancreatic β-cell function and glucose utilisation. The plant has also attracted scientific interest because of its antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-obesity, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Experimental and clinical investigations have reported promising effects of G. sylvestre preparations on blood glucose and certain lipid parameters, although the findings may vary according to the plant material, extraction method and preparation used.