Apocynaceae
Dogbane family
2 medicinal plants in this family
Plants
Gymnema
Gymnema sylvestre
Apocynaceae
Ayurvedic medicine: 'Gurmar' (sugar destroyer) used for over 2,000 years for madhumeha (diabetes); Charaka Samhita references it for urinary disorders and sweet cravingsTraditional Indian folk medicine: leaves chewed to suppress sugar cravings and appetite for sweets; used for weight managementSouthern Indian tribal medicine: used for snake and scorpion bites as an antidote
Hoodia
Hoodia gordonii
Apocynaceae
San Bushmen (primary traditional users): stems chewed during long hunts and migrations to suppress hunger and thirst; one of the most well-documented food-use ethnobotanical recordsSan practice: travelers and hunters on extended journeys through the Kalahari carried dried Hoodia stemsKhoikhoi pastoral use: eating stems to endure long drives with livestock across arid regions
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.