An oral composition, suitable as a hypoglycemic agent, includes an isolate from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, having a specified molecular weight. The isolate has a molecular weight at least about 3000 Daltons as determined by molecular weight cut-off filtration. Glucose metabolism in a human patient can be regulated by dosage forms that contain the aforesaid isolate from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, in combination with a non-metabolizable, water-swellable polysaccharide such as the exudate of Sterculia urens, and a water-soluble polysaccharide such as guar gum. Optionally, the present oral compositions can include a physiologically acceptable calcium source, a physiologically acceptable metal carbonate salt, a physiologically acceptable chromium salt, and/or a physiologically acceptable vanadium compound. In addition, antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol, d--tocopherol, the carotenoids, lycopene, lutein, and the like, can be included as well. The present compositions are useful for amelioration of cholesterolemia, obesity, chronic complications of diabetes and prophylaxis for patients predisposed to the foregoing.