The New International Encyclopædia/Gymnema

GYMNEMA, (Neo-Lat., from Gk., gymnos, naked + , nēma, thread), or, Gymnema lactiferum. A climbing perennial shrub of the order Asclepiadaceæ, native of the East Indian Archipelago, the milky juice of which has been said to be used by the natives as a substitute for milk and cream, but which is believed to contain enough of the poisonous principle peculiar to the order to cast a doubt upon its reputed use.