U.S. Patent # 5,900,240 entitled "Herbal Compositions and their use as Hypoglycemic Agents" describes an edible composition comprised of a mixture of herbs selected from Syzygium cumini (Jamun), Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar), Momordica charantia (bitter melon) and Solanum melongena (eggplant),as useful in lowering blood glucose levels in diabetics. The controversy arises because these herbs are traditionally used in the management of diabetes.
A Recent Biopiracy Controversy: Indian American Scientists Patent Traditionally Used Herbs
