Herb of the Month ( September 2012 )
Gynostemma Pentaphyllum ( Jiaogulan )
Miracle Longevity Herb
Scientific Name(s) : Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino.
Family : Cucurbitaceae (Squashes)
Common Name(s) : Five leaf plant (Jiaogulan) , Penta tea , Amachazuru (Japan) , Southern ginseng.
Uses of Gynostemma
Studies on Gynostemma have found that the plant is effective in regulating blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, lowering cholesterol, and in increasing stamina and endurance properties.
Primary Functions
Adaptogenic, antioxidant, immune modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, respiratory tonic, platelet regulator, anti-hyperlipidemic, cholesterol regulator, anti-obesity, liver protecting, triglyceride lowering, cardiovascular protectant, anti-thrombic, anti-aging agent
Botany
Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a climbing, perennial vine native to China, Japan, and parts of southeast Asia. The plant is dioecious, that is, it carries male and female flowers on separate plants. While the plant grows abundantly and is harvested from the wild, it has been brought under cultivation and tissue culture has been achieved.
History
Better known as Jiaogulan, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum is a member of the gourd family that grows in southern China and some neighboring countries. 16 species and 3 variations of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum have been discovered and documented so far. Gynostemma Pentaphyllum has been used in China for over a thousand years in traditional Chinese medicine. It generally reinforces overall health and is viewed as a virtual "cure-all" in Asia. Ongoing use of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum has a protective quality strengthening the adaptive capacity of the person at every stage of their life.
In the southern Chinese mountains where the herb grows it is preferred to Ginseng. Chinese scientists surveyed demographics all over China to determine longevity and cancer rates. Those areas with unusual longevity (many people over 100) and low cancer rates all had only one thing in common. They all drank Jiaogulan tea on a regular basis.
Many older individuals in Asia claim that after consuming Gynostemma for several months, their gray hair becomes black. Gynostemma pentaphyllum may resist and alleviate the side effects induced by glucocorticoids and similar steroid drugs.
Investigation as a potential sweetening agent stimulated chemical investigations in Japan. Commercialization and scientific study of the leaves have been promoted by provincial Chinese authorities, and the discovery that several ginseng saponins occur in the leaves has prompted aggressive promotion of the product as a substitute for ginseng.
Uses and Pharmacology
Though the plant contains ginseng and ginseng-like saponins, it has not been reported to contain the other types of biologically active compounds, acetylenes, and polysaccharides found in ginseng.
Gynostemma contains more than eighty different gypenosides. This is the broadest range of saponins in one plant in nature. These gypenosides are very similar to the ginsenosides of Panax Ginseng and to the eleutherosides of Radix Acanthopanax (Siberian Ginseng). In fact, four of Gynostemma’s saponins are precisely the same chemical structure as the saponins found in Ginseng and eleven more are almost identical. The similarities are so close and so extensive that Gynostemma is now called “Southern Ginseng.” To the local people who grow it and consume it, it is simply called “Magical Grass.”
Gynostemma contains many amino acids, vitamins and minerals that are healthful to the human body, including selenium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and more.
Though Gynostemma is regarded as a tonic herb, it is also perceived by many Asian people to be a "cure all." In China, Gynostemma is being used to treat inflammation, stop cough, as an expectorant remove sputum, to treat chronic bronchitis, and much more in actual clinical practice.
Content Determination of Amino Acid
Amino Acid Content (mg/g)
leucine, Leu 0.0549
histidine 0.0473
lysine, Lys 1.5563
glutamic acid, glutaminic acid 0.6872
glycine, glycocoll 0.8600
methionine, Met 0.3289
aspartic acid, ASP 0.0929
threonine 0.1425
serine 0.1629
cystine 1.1325
isoleucine 0.2127
arginine 0.0559
phenylalanine 0.9758
Parts Used
The roots and the leaves of the plant. Typical Preparations Traditionally taken as a tea, but can also be taken in capsule form. Tinctures seem to be less commonly found.
Taste
Sweet and Slightly Bitter. Note: Pure Gynostemma tea has a pure sweet scent and tastes a little bitter at first, but turns to sweet as the aftertaste
Organ Meridian Systems
Spleen, Lung, Kidney, Liver, Heart
Antioxidant
Gynostemma boosts the immune system by increasing the number and activity level of white blood cells. It strengthens the digestive system by assisting in liver function. It helps relieve stress by soothing and relaxing the central nervous system. It is calming when one is overexcited and stimulating when one is depressed. Clinical Lab studies have shown that Gynostemma is useful in a number of neurological conditions, including depression, anxiety and stress.
Anti diabetic
Studies using Gynostemma to treat diabetic patients (type II) showed a prompt improvement of glycemia and insulin sensitivity thereby providing a basis for an effective and safe approach to treat this illness.
Anti cancer
Studies into the anti cancer activity of Gynostemma have shown a significant inhibition rate on a broad cross section of cancer cells. Intensive studies are being conducted into both its anti cancer activity and its potential as an immune protection / prophylactic agent for HIV infected patients. There is research indicating that Gynostemma may prevent cells from becoming cancerous in the first place and may disrupt cell division in existing cancer cells.
Adaptogen
Jiaogulan is known as an adaptogen, which is a herb reputed to help the body to maintain optimal homeostasis by balancing endocrine hormones, the immune system, the nervous system, and other biological functions. Adaptogenic effects include regulating blood pressure and the immune system, improving stamina and endurance.
Side effects and Safety
It can cause some side effects such as severe nausea and increased bowel movements.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Gynostemma should not be taken with any medicine or herbs that affect blood clotting or immune system suppression. Do not take when pregnant or nursing without first talking to your doctor.
Gynostemma Uses in Summary
Increase strength and endurance
- Build lean muscle
- Reduce fatigue
- Powerful adaptogen
- Treat bronchitis and breathing problems
- Powerful antioxidant
- Reduce stress
- Treat depression and anxiety
- Maintain optimal weight
- Maintain normal blood sugar levels
- Remove toxins from the body
- Assist liver functioning
- Anti-cancer
- Improve sexual function
- General tonic for overall health and wellbeing
- Decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides
- Increase good cholesterol (HDL)
- Lower high blood pressure
- Increase coronary blood flow
- Decrease vascular resistance
- As a nitric oxide releaser
- Healthy source of natural vitamins and minerals
- Prevent senility
- Anti-aging benefits
- Maintain healthy brain function
- Enhance immune system
- Treat Diabetes
Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information on the above herb is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects.
The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. These supplements mentioned are not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent disease. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only.
Kelab Rakan-Rakan Herba KK Sabah does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Information from this source is for educational purpose, is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence.
Site design and webmaster : Ganesan. T Questions or concerns can be directed to the webmaster at [email protected]
The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. These supplements mentioned are not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent disease. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only.
Kelab Rakan-Rakan Herba KK Sabah does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Information from this source is for educational purpose, is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence.
Site design and webmaster : Ganesan. T Questions or concerns can be directed to the webmaster at [email protected]