AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Studies show that gymnemic acid molecules have a structure similar to that of glucose, making them just the right fit to occupy the sweet receptors on the tongue, blocking sugar from doing so, and therefore blunting sweet taste.

Detailed explanation-2: -Similar to lactisole, gymnemic acids also function as a competitive inhibitor of cyclamate and NHDC and as an allosteric inhibitor of other low molecular weight sweeteners.

Detailed explanation-3: -Gymnema has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in experimental models of diabetes, NIDDM, and hyperglycemia. Its mechanism of action includes the inhibition of glucose absorption in the intestine by the saponin fraction of the herb.

Detailed explanation-4: -Gymnema sylvestre is regarded as one of the plants with potent anti diabetic properties. This plant is also used for controlling obesity in the form of Gymnema tea. The active compound of the plant is a group of acids termed as gymnemic acids.