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Inhibition of the Sweet Taste by Gymnema sylvestre

Nature volume 223, pages 94–95 (1969)Cite this article

Abstract

Gymnema sylvestre (GS), a plant used in the Ayurevedic medicine of India for the treatment of diabetes mellitus1,2, has been known from antiquity also to have an antisaccharin taste effect3–5. Chewing the leaves, rinsing the mouth with aqueous extracts, or topical application to the tongue, selectively and temporarily reduces sensitivity to sweet substances. The mechanism of this selective ageusia or hypoageusia which follows treatment with GS is unknown.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology,

    ROSLYN P. WARREN

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53201

    RICHARD M. WARREN & MARVIN G. WENINGER

Authors
  1. ROSLYN P. WARREN
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  2. RICHARD M. WARREN
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  3. MARVIN G. WENINGER
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WARREN, R., WARREN, R. & WENINGER, M. Inhibition of the Sweet Taste by Gymnema sylvestre. Nature 223, 94–95 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/223094a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/223094a0

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