Gynostemma / Jiaogulan is commonly referred to in Western languages as jiaogulan, five-leaf ginseng, poor man’s ginseng, miracle grass, fairy herb, sweet tea vine and gospel herb. In Chinese as jiaogulan (twisting-vine-orchid) or Xiancao, (immortal grass or herb of immortality). In Japanese as amachazuru (sweet, tasty tea, vine, creeping plant). In Korean as dungkulcha or dolwe. In Taiwanese as sencauw. In Thai as jiaogulan and in Vietnamese as giao co lam.
It became particularly famous as an “immortality tea” regularly consumed among inhabitants located near the Fanjing Mountain region of the Guizhou province who were alleged to have a longer lifespan.
Gynostemma is a powerful adaptogenic herb used by the Chinese for centuries as a “cure-all” herb. Belonging to the cucumber family, this anti aging herb and more is also referred to as “southern ginseng” where it is grown traditionally in the mountainous region of South Central China. Gynostemma is widely used in China as an anti aging herb, or a tonic to treat bronchitis, strengthen the body, reduce fatigue, improve sexual vigor, and reinforce overall health.
Anti-aging: Gynostemma provide antioxidant protection for cells and membranes, and may help slow the aging process. Gynostemma has been shown in several studies to increase the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or glutathione peroxidase, lowering levels of oxidized lipids, decreasing free radical damage and proliferation, and inhibits the effects of UV radiation damage. A 1993 study from Loma Linda University found that Saponins from Jiaogulan decreased the production of free radicals in immune cells, protected biomembranes from oxidative injury, and improved the functioning of vascular cells.
Potent Immunomodulator: Research has shown Gypenosides isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum as a potent immunomodulator and may help maintaining healthy immune and system and other stress-related symptoms. In a research conducted by University of Sydney, Gypenosides derived from Gynostemma pentaphyllum suppress Nitric Oxide synthesis by inhibiting iNOS enzymatic activity. Inhibition of iNOS protein expression appears to be at the transcriptional level, since gypenosides decreased the NF-kappaB activity in a dose-dependent manner.
Maintain normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels: Scientific studies have show jiaogulan’s ability to lower serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (bad cholesterol), while increasing HDL (good cholesterol). Crude Gypenosides were tested for their effect on lipid metabolism in rats fed with high-sugar, high-fat diets. It was found that Gypenosides reduced levels of serum triglycerides (as important a marker as cholesterol), total cholesterol, phospholipids and lipid peroxidation.
Maintain healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health: Gynostemma has been widely reported to be effective in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Research has indicated that the Gypenosides-treated animals had significantly lowered blood pressure; markedly decreased vascular resistance; and increased coronary blood flow throughout the body. Studies have shown that Gynostemma improves cardiovascular health by releasing nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax the coronary blood vessels. Gynostemma also improve HDL level which may metabolized cholesterol more effectively, thereby maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Adaptogen: Gynostemma is a powerful adaptogen. This regulatory effect on bodily functions can help bring balance to the body under a wide range of stressful circumstances. enhance physiological functions, aiding the body to recover from illness, stress and fatigue, restore homeostasis to the body’s various systems, which includes the cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, immune and reproductive systems.
Mainatain healthy digestion and regulate weight: By improving and strengthening digestion, Gynostemma may regulate weight by effectively metabolize the food into energy and block the conversion of sugar into stored fat. Gynostemma may also help reduce weight in overweight people by accelerating the body’s metabolism, allows an underweight person to increase absorption of nutrients and gain weight in the form of lean muscle mass.
Improve Energy and Sports Performance: The saponins in Gymostemma increase strength, endurance, and may help gain lean muscle mass.
Radioactive protectant: An research published in American Journal of Chinese Medicine has found that Gynostemma pentaphyllum helped preserve immune function in rats receiving gamma-ray bombardment, suggesting that the herb may help cancer patients who are undergoing radiation therapy.
Sexual Enhancement: Gynostemma’s ability to stimulate nitric oxide release, which elicits vasodilation maybe useful in sexual enhancement.
Maintain healthy brain function: Studies have indicated that Gynostemma has a double-direction, regulating, adaptogenic influence on the central nervous system. It is calming when one is overexcited and stimulating when one is depressed. Gynostemma maybe useful in simple depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.
ALWAYS consult a qualified medical opinion BEFORE ingesting natural herbs or plants.
1 level TEAspoon per cup required- many people just add a large pinch until they find the correct strength for themselves. Less is better than more.
Can be taken up to 3 times per day.
Best taken without milk or Sugar.
If a sweetener is required, we recommend The Spiceworks own Natural Palm Sugar or Stevia leaf powder.