Jiaogulan extract 80% | Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Properties: Jiaogulan is an interesting plant that has origins in the traditional Chinese medicine where it is also known as the “southern ginseng”. Its beneficial effects have been described since the period of the Ming Dynasty. Jiaogulan includes many active substances which are responsible for its health-promoting properties. Interestingly, it’s one of the most thoroughly researched plants. Multiple studies have explained how Jiaogulan impacts the human body and why it is so effective.

It could be difficult to describe all the benefits that consumption of Jiaogulan could bring. However, it’s worth mentioning that this herb positively affects the general condition of the body. Active substances present in the leaves of this plant improve blood flow in veins. Because of that more oxygen is delivered to different tissues in the body. This, in turn, leads to better physical performance. Due to improvement in the circulatory system, heart rate is stabilized and blood pressure remains at the proper level. Jiaogulan also helps to reduce the amount of the “bad” cholesterol and improves the metabolism of fat. That is why the cardiovascular system efficiency is maintained for a longer time. What was also confirmed is that Jiaogulan improves endurance of muscles and thus is recommended for active people who move around a lot. It will also be useful for anyone who wants to lose some weight. Clinical trials have revealed that the process of fat burning is faster in people who take Jiaogulan regularly. The conclusion is simple – when we use the extract of this plant, we lose weight more quickly.

Jiaogulan effectively supports the immune system, just like ginseng. Jiaogulan’s beneficial impact is the result of its stimulatory effect on the immune system cells. It was proved that it inhibits proinflammatory cytokines. It is important because a surplus of cytokines can be extremely harmful for the organism. Jiaogulan also acts as an antihistamine agent as it can weaken the allergic reaction. Additionally, this compound supports the key organ in the human body which is the liver. Due to the active compounds present in this plant, there are less toxic compounds in the liver.

And those are not the only properties of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. We barely scratched the surface…

The fact that Jiaogulan is compared to Ginseng is not a coincidence. Both of those plants have a positive effect on the general well-being of the body. Additionally, they have an established position in traditional medicine which is indicative of their importance in the countries of the Far East. It is worth trying Jiaogulan supplementation just to convince yourself why it is so popular in Asian culture and why people say it works.

Occurrence: Species Gynostemma pentaphyllum, also known as Jiaogulan, is a climbing vine which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. This plant is related to pumpkin, cucumber and watermelon but it looks more like ivy. This climbing vine has leaflets made of 5 smaller leaves. What is more, it has little, light green flowers which then transform into berries. Those berries are inedible whereas leaves are the herbal raw material. This plant naturally occurs in a humid and warm climate, more specifically in South-East Asia, where it grows in thickets.

For the first time, Jiaogulan was described in 1406 in the book “Jiuhuang bencao” („Materia Medica for Famine”) written by prince Zhu Xiao who was the son of the Ming dynasty founder. In the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Gynostemma pentaphyllum is appreciated as a plant that supports the immune system and the whole body. The earliest record of Jiaogulan’s medical properties comes from Li Shizhen’s book “Bencao Gangmu” (“Compendium of Materia Medica”) written in 1578. In this book Jiaogulan is identified as a medicine for various ailments such as pharynx and neck edema, tumors or less severe injuries.

Biochemistry: Gynostemma pentaphyllum owes its properties mainly to gypenosides. Due to their chemical structure, they belong to triterpene saponins. There have been more than 100 isolated and described compounds belonging to this group. Polysaccharides are also an important ingredient found in Jiaogulan. Apart from that, this herb contains: plant sterols (including ergosterol and provitamin D2), flavonoids (like quercetin and rutin), carotenoids, amino acids, micro- and macroelements (calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, potassium and manganese).

Fun fact: Jiaogulan is also known as the “southern ginseng” because it grows in the southern regions of China and acts similarly to ginseng (Panax ginseng). What is more, it contains bioactive compounds comparable to those found in ginseng.