GYMNEMA.
Gymnema sylvestre.
Authority.
Dr. Falconer read to the
Linnæan Society a communication which he had received from Capt.
Edgeworth, Pharm. Journ., vol. vii, 1847-8, p. 351.Captain Edgeworth chewed some of the leaves, and was
surprised at not perceiving the acrid taste of the plants of this order;
but about two hours afterwards, when taking some tea, he was greatly
surprised to find that, although he could fully appreciate the aroma of
the tea, he was perfectly unable to appreciate the taste of the sugar.
He obtained some preserves and other substances containing sugar, and
upon putting them upon the tongue, he found he was still quite unable to
appreciate the saccharine quality; he then obtained some powdered sugar,
and it appeared only like so much sand in his mouth. This effect lasted
altogether nearly twenty-four hours, when he recovered the power of
tasting sugar. Mrs. Edgeworth afterwards tried the effect of the plant,
and with precisely the same result.® 2000
Article